UUrban Hazardrban Hazard - disasterforum.org · City Life and Junk Food 54 ... population of Dhaka...

Bangladesh

Disaster Report

2012

Urban HazardUrban Hazard

Bangladesh: Disaster Report 2012


Chief EditorGawher Nayeem Wahra

Co-EditorBilu Kabir

ReviewMaliha Ferdous – Manager, Community Resilience, IFRCMd. Kamrul Hasan – Senior PMER officer, DRM Department, BDRCS

CoordinatorSumaya Noor

ReportsKoushtav Kanti BiswasNur Nabi BiplopMeherun NesaRahat Ara Sirajum MonirSumaya Noor

Translation Md. Ehsanul Kabir Lutfullah

Cover DesignGawher Nayeem Wahra

ComposeKartic Chandra Sutradhar

PrintARKA

ContactDisaster Forum10/15, Flat B1, Iqbal RoadMohammadpur, Dhaka – 1207Email: [email protected]

Price : 300.00 Taka


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International Federationof Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Sources

Bangladesh Meteorological DepartmentA. R. I, Bangladesh Engineering UniversityBangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS)CDMPCEGISSociety for Environment and Human Development (SEHD)Daily IttefaqDaily Prothom AloDaily SamakalThe Daily StarNew Age

CopyrightTo re-print of this book the copyright will be Foundation for Disaster Forum, but can be used for study, research work with the permission of Disaster Forum.



Note from the Editor

Until now, in Disaster Year Reports, we have tried to portray the several types of disaster

which hit Bangladesh in a particular year, the efforts of our people to survive the aftermath

and to discuss the role of different organizations to mitigate the sufferings of the people. This

year we are trying to bring a different outlook. This year, we have given emphasis on the

disasters that hit the lives and living conditions of the people living in the urban areas.

Since the beginning of the civilization, men have invented new things. No body seem to care

about the fact that through mere lack of awareness, their living condition, civic amenities are

gradually turning the cities into a place unfit for human habitation. Every day the cities are

turning into gas chambers. By living in these gas chambers, knowingly or unknowingly, we

are pushing ourselves towards our death. Our only motive now is to earn profit.

Our main theme this year is not to discuss about the disasters that has taken place, but the

disasters which are on-going and are likely to hit us as “urban hazards” in the future. Our

effort this year is to create a sense of awareness among the general public about the various

types of urban hazards.

In this Year’s report, we have discussed about different types of urban hazards, namely, air

pollution, sound pollution, waste management, industrialization versus river pollution,

amount of junk food, harmful effects of radiation from mobile phones. Beside the usual

topics, we have tried to discuss elaborately the people’s efforts to stay alive within these

limitations and their struggle for survival. Also, we have appended the “Disaster

Management Act 2012” which has been passed by the Jatiyo Sangsad (National Parliament)

in 2012, at the end of the Report.

We are extremely grateful to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and International

Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and WaterAid for assisting by

funding the publication of the Disaster Report.

We always accept comments from the readers with open mind. We wish to get your feedback

and valuable comments this year also.

With deep regards,

Gawher Nayeem Wahra

Chief Editor

Bangladesh Disaster Year Report - 2012

Urban Hazard 9

Climate Change : Doha Conference & Bangladesh 14

Air Pollution 17

Sound Pollution 24

Radiation from Mobile Phones 31

Industrialization vs. Death of Rivers 36

Waste Disposal : Unhygienic Future 44

Sufferings from Tannery 49

City Life and Junk Food 54

Road Accident 56

Fire Accident 62

Insecurity at Workplace 79

Flood in City 85

Water logging : The Greatest Disaster for Cities 92

Nor’wester 101

Thunder/Lightning 108

River Erosion 110

Landslides 114

Earthquake and Collapse of Walls and Buildings 118

Heat Wave : A New Face of Nature 125

Cold Wave 130

Food Safety 133

Brickfield : Aiding Modernization or Threat to Environment? 138

Death by Drowning 142

New Technology : A New Way to Reduce Misfortune 145

Bangladesh Disaster Management Act 2012 (Full text) 151


Contents


Disaster Forum


Urban Hazard

The present world is a world of urbanization. Extensive growth of industries, globalization

are forcing the pace of development. Annual Report of Financial and Social Relations

Department of United Nations states that while at the beginning of twentieth century,

population in urban all over the world was 10% of the total population, but it has now

increased to 50 % of the total world population. The population in cities is 3.5 billion while in

the villages it is 3.4 million. According to forecast by researchers, in 2050, the population will

be 6.3 billion in the cities and 2.8 billion in the villages.

Bangladesh has also joined this trend of urbanization. World Bank sources say that in Bangladesh

28 % live in cities (43 million), of which one thirds reside in Dhaka alone. Population of Dhaka is th

1.5 crore and it ranks 20 out of 27 most populated megacities in the world. Environment disaster

has be fallen on the major cities of Bangladesh including Dhaka because of population

expansion, urbanization and financial growth. Dhaka has been identified as the most polluted city

in the world on the basis of water pollution, air pollution, sound pollution, dust pollution and a

city having 30 types of pollution. It also ranks at the top of the table out of 50 cities (when a city is

measured on the basis of climate change and environment hazards). This has been done based on

droughts, flood, earthquake, fire incidents, crop damage etc.

On the basis of a survey conducted on 140 countries of the world by the Economist, the most

liveable city in the world is Melbourne (score-97.5) in Australia and worst place to live in

Dhaka (score-38.7) where Dhaka was awarded 29.2 points in health services, 47.7 points in

the education services and for infrastructure facilities it was given 26.8 points. According to

experts, on the basis of its geographic location and area, Dhaka’s ideal population should be

30 lac. But, in reality, thousands of people come to Dhaka city for the sake of employment,

financial support, marriage, natural disaster almost every day and start living here. So, the

population of Dhaka city is five times more than its capacity. Also, many types of

irregularities have made this city unfit for human living.

Everyday urban disaster and environment pollution is increasing and resulting in destruction

of crores of taka worth of resources and people are dying. Even after taking various steps,

Bangladesh can not avoid urban disaster. 2012 was a year of disaster for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is beset with several vexing problems- road accidents, fire accidents, accidents at

work, adulteration in food, mismanagement in waste management, pollution from tannery,

water problem, water-logging, sound and air pollution, traffic jam, industrial pollution,

mobile tower, fast food consumption. These problems are seriously questioning Dhaka’s

normal life and living conditions.

1. Water Problem

Through a declaration in 2010, United Nations has declared right to safe drinking water as one

of the fundamental human rights. Likewise pollution, accident, disaster has become an

everyday affair, lack of safe drinking water and water pollution has been a perennial problem

and challenge throughout the world. Bangladesh is also facing acute water problem. The

9

Disaster Forum

10 Bangladesh: Disaster Report 2012

water related problems in Bangladesh include inadequate supply of safe drinking water,

water-borne diseases and water logging.

A. Scantiness of Water

Through its four treatment plants and 538 deep tubewells, Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage

Authority (WASA) supplies water to Dhaka city and its inhabitants. 85% of demand for water

is met from underground water. The balance 15 % water is supplied from surrounding rivers

after treatment. But due to excessive pollution, the treatment plants cannot treat the water

fully. People residing in Central Road and adjacent areas, North Badda, Agargaon, Shyamoli,

Bashabo, Rajarbagh, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Gabtoli, Mohammadpur, Moghbazar,

Jatrabari, Wari, Monipuripara, Pisciculture housing, Mohammadia housing and old Dhaka

have been suffering from water crisis for a long time. Irregular water supply coupled with

muddy water and water with terrible smell is creating health hazards for the city dwellers, as

water problem becomes acute.

The result of a survey conducted by Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation in

2011 ‘Food Production in Bangladesh and its effect on environment’ revealed that the water

level in Dhaka has gone 170 ft below the sea level while in Rajshahi it was gone 18-20 ft

below sea level. So, the saline water from the sea is flowing gradually through southern parts

towards middle and northern areas of Bangladesh. Already 6 crore people residing in the

southern areas are passing days amidst hardship because of the rise of saline level in water.

Besides this, extraction of underground water in the agricultural areas has increased. At

present for irrigation purpose, 80% of the water is pumped out from the underground and

supplied to the people in Dhaka. Apart from Dhaka and Rajshahi, water crisis is becoming

acute in other large cities. Following is a summary finding of the water crisis all over

Bangladesh at present.

Chittagong University Area

Acute water crisis is prevailing in 1,700 acre area covering Chittagong University. Experts

say that in the last 5 years, the water level in the area has gone down by 15-20 ft. Due to death

of adequate water, 5 pumps supplying water in the area have been partially damaged. Even at

times water supplied is filled with sand, muddy and not fit for human consumption. As a

result, suffering of students, teachers and officials of the University is quite high.

Khulna

According to Public Health Engineering Department, there has been acute shortage of safe

drinking water following the ravaging done by cyclone Aila in Dakop and eight other

upazillas. In Khulna city approx. 1,500 shallow and 300 deep tubewells are lying

unserviceable. Water is not rising in the high rise buildings. Experts opine that this situation

has been the result of indiscriminate use of underground water and improper utilization of the

available surface water.

Bara Pukuria, Dinajpur

Residents of six villages adjacent to Power Plant situated in Parbatipur Upazilla of Dinajpur

district has been suffering from acute water crisis. In order to supply water to the Power Plant,

15 deep tubewells have been pumping out water and so the villages are facing crisis of water.

The hand tubewells are also unusable. So, water has to be carried from far flung areas for

household use.

Noagaon

Since water level cannot be located even at 900 meter underground, so in many areas of

Naogaon neither deep nor shallow tubewells cannot be installed. Even if a tubewell can be

sunk, the cost associated with the sinking is beyond the capability of general people and so

water crisis in Barind area is not being solved easily.

B. Possession & Filling up

From the beginning of human civilization, different nations have been fighting amongst each

other to expand possession of land, domination, possession of wealth and fascination for

power. In the twenty first century too, world has seen the tendency of powerful nations to grab

the lands of less powerful nations to control water and land areas, oil, gas, etc. Several battles

raged for control of Suez Canal, Jordan River, Saat-el-Arab, the Nile river- and these are now

part of history. According to research, the main cause of fighting and war among the next

generation will be the control of water. Because in many countries and regions, acute crisis of

safe drinking water can be seen. Although Bangladesh is supposed to be a riverine country but

many rivers and water bodies are becoming extinct due to filling up, construction of

unplanned dams, dredging, pollution, etc.

Due to illegal possession by unscrupulous persons, many water bodies have died or at the

verge of dying and many in serious state of being dead. Even in capital Dhaka this is being felt

very strongly. According to a Report of Dhaka WASA, there were 65 canals in pre-liberation

Dhaka and now the number of canals is 26.

A group of staff belonging to Dhaka WASA has taken chance of this water crisis. The

suffering people say that even after giving ‘serial’ thrice they cannot get water. But if

additional money is paid, water is available quickly. Each car full load of water costs Tk. 400

but if you want to expedite it, it will cost between Tk. 800 and Tk. 1,000 per car. Similar

complaints have been received from Lalmatia, Mohammadpur, Adabor, Pisciculture

Housing, etc. Another major complaint is that while purchasing fuel for 493 generators of

Dhaka WASA every month, crores of taka is misappropriated.

C. Water Borne Disease

Survey conducted by Directorate General of Health Services of Government of Bangladesh

has found that the number of patients receiving treatment at ICDDR’B at Mohakhali has risen

by 30%, most of them suffering from dysentery, diarrhoea and other water borne diseases.

The main reason is absence of safe drinking water which forces people to drink unsafe and

unhygienic water. According to experts, regular drinking and use of contaminated water leads

to typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, jaundice, worms and skin disease and even may lead to cancer.

So, people are always advised to boil the water before drinking. Usually water contamination

happens from leakage in pipeline, unclean container, contaminated underground water,

mismanagement and lack of awareness among the general public.

Disaster Forum

11Bangladesh: Disaster Report 2012

Recommendations/Some Possible Measure

• In the cities, drink underground water and for household cleanliness, use surface water. So, water should be supplied through the different pipe lines.

• Mass scale plans and programmes has to be undertaken to preserve and use rain water. In many European countries, for example, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, there is provision for the rain water to flow through the pipes laid down under the footpaths. In many developed countries there is provision of storing rain water on the roof top. Measures should be taken to introduce such successful and appropriate technology in Bangladesh.

• The everyday requirement of Dhaka City is 225 crore liter water. WASA is able to supply 210 crore liter water. There is a plan to use water from Jamuna River to supply the balance 15 crore liter water. Water Management is a worldwide recognized measure. For example, 95% water supply to Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina is from the adjacent La Posnata River. Bangladesh government has undertaken a Master Plan whereby Dhaka residents will be supplied water from the Padma River after being treated. So, a Project named ‘Dhaka Water Treatment Project’ will be implemented. The plant will be established at Jaldia under Maowa Upazilla under the joint funding of Bangladesh Government and Government of the People’s Republic of China. Dhaka WASA will be the implementing agency.

• The rivers and canals surrounding Dhaka must be saved. So, they must be freed from the grabbers and must be made contamination free, the rivers and canals connecting Dhaka with Padma, Jamuna, Meghna must be kept navigable and clean. Public awareness must be built through mass scale advertisement, awareness campaign, seminar, and workshop and through media. A pragmatic water policy should be

stformulated for entire Bangladesh. Only then the greatest challenge facing the 21 century may be faced and tackled.

• Dependency on use of surface water against underground water has to be practiced and for this, effective measures must be undertaken. From a discussion meeting of professional Architects of Bangladesh it is learnt that use of water and electricity can be lowered significantly by introducing green housing programmes. The speakers also opined that if fuel efficient technology can be implemented then use of water and electricity can be decreased by 40% and 32% respectively.

• In the National Water Policy, many aspects of water management has been incorporated, namely, water management, ownership, distribution, right to the use of water, river preservation, filling up and controlling of water flow. According to the Policy, defaulters may be fined with 50 lac taka and 5 years imprisonment.

Prevention & Use of Rain Water: A New Possibility

Unplanned urbanization, growth of population and growth of industrialization has forced the

requirement of safe drinking water to go up. So, dependence on use of underground water

rises. Safe drinking water is threatened by arsenic contamination. Also the amount of salinity

in the water in the South-Western regions of the country and natural calamities is a deterring

factor and which reduces the availability of pure and safe drinking water. According to

statistics of Water Aid Bangladesh, every year, on an average, quantity of underground water

is reduced by 2-3%. Between 1991-2008, amount of underground water in Mirpur of Dhaka

Disaster Forum


has been reduced by 53.75%, in Mohammadpur it is 18.59 meter, in Sabujbagh 37.8 meter, in

Sutrapur 8.22 meter and in Cantonment area it was reduced by 14.14 meter.

In Dhaka there are 1,500 legal and 2,000 illegal deep tubewels pressurizing the underground

water level. The development organizations are continuously undertaking research works

and studies to cope up with this problem. Emphasis is being put on successful utilization of

rainwater of arranging for preservation of the same. In Bangladesh, average annual rainfall is

2.10 millimeter rainfall which is 800 mm more than the average annual rainfall all over the

world. So, if the rain water could be properly stored, then dependency on underground water

can be significantly reduced.

Beside this, if arrangements could be made to store rain water on top of all buildings then the

average daily consumption would be reduced by 25 crore liter.

Water Aid prepared a model on the roof top of office of Housing & Settlement Directorate of

rain water storage and utilization. Water from this reservoir was supplied to the countries, café

and toilet of the building. Dhaka WASA has also successfully undertaken two pilot projects in

Segun Bagicha and Lalmatia which will help in storing and utilization of rain water. With the

successful implementation of the above two projects, WASA was inspired and have taken 8

more similar projects located at Uttara, Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Banani, Gulshan, Khilgaon,

Motijheel and Gandaria.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (RAJUK) in the Building Code 2012 have given guidelines

on preservation of rain water. These guidelines have made it mandatory that every

government and non-government building must keep 300 meter area on the roof top to ensure

storage of rain water. At a later stage the rain water preservation and utilization programme

will be incorporated in National Housing Plan, Real Estate and other City Corporation

regulations.

Disaster Forum


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14

Climate Change : Doha Conference & Bangladesh

Climate change is an eternal national event. But due to greed and interference by human

being, at present this natural event is taking a very devastating form. As a result natural

calamities are increasing and environment imbalance is on the rise. Men’s lives are at stake.

After the industrial revolution and to keep the pace of development growing, people became

highly dependent on natural resources and increased use and mismanagement in use has now

pushed the existence of natural resources and the environment at large in a precarious

condition. Due to enormous rise in population and urbanization, people have started

indiscriminate destruction of the available natural resources. These, along with resultant

changes, climate has reached a very alarming stage.

Widespread industrialization by the developed nations, growth of the commercial sector,

consumption of bio-gas, indiscriminate cutting of trees and forests are posing serious threats,

to countries located near the coastal regions, namely, Bangladesh, Maldives, Indonesia. But

the research findings presented in Cancun Conference in 2010 stated Bangladesh’s

contribution to environmental change and release of carbon in the environmental is only 7

percent out of 10,000 ton of the total yearly carbon production round the globe.

While per head carbon extraction in Bangladesh is less than 3 ton towards the world’s climatic

change; it is suffering the most dreadful consequences. Bangladesh has been identified by

German Watch and Malecraft as to be most vulnerable country facing climate change and

natural disaster. Sources from Prothom Alo and different other media states that in the last 30

years, 1,91,637 persons were killed in various disaster of which only storms and cyclones

killed 1,67,178 persons. On the other hand, in the list published by World Bank on global

warming, Bangladesh is ranked 1 so far as flooding is concerned while regarding storms, it is

ranked 2.

The various natural disasters which struck the world is the result of adverse effects of climatic

change. For example, terrible floods in Australia, Thailand and Pakistan, earthquake in Japan,

Hurricane ‘Sandy’ in the USA. Experts opine that climate change has affected Bangladesh in

various ways like, fewer amounts of rainfall in 2012, untimely flood in Sylhet and Rangpur,

most dangerous cold wave in the last 50 years, etc.

Conference on Climate Change

The first major step to combat global warming and climate change started with holding of an

International Convention in 1992. Activities regarding global warming started by

incorporating two clauses under awareness rules.

1) Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which has been publishing Annual Reports since 1994. The last Report was published in 2007 and the next report is due to be published in 2014.

2) In order to reach a consensus, two facets of discussion began:

- Mitigation- mechanism to monitor and control the causes of global warming.

- Adaptation – the method or system how to tackle adverse effects.


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15

Kyoto Protocol was drawn up to achieve mitigation while adaption envisages use and control

of technology. COP (Conference of Parties) is being held after a specified number of years

aiming to carry forward discussion on climate change in light with the Convention. Since

1994, every year an Annual Conference is being held with the participation of 195 member

countries. Discussions on climate change are held and decisions are taken on the basis of th

ballot. Till now 18 COPs has taken place and Doha hosted the last (18 ) COP.

Doha Conferenceth

The 18 Conference on Climate Change was held from November 26 to December 08, 2012

in Doha, capital of Qatar. Nearly 15,000 participants representing 195 member countries

attended this 12-day long Conference. The major issue of discussion was global warming due

to emission of carbon and compensation to the affected countries.

The main gain from the discussions was the extension of the only legal forum, that is, Kyoto

Protocol until 2020. But the upcoming economic alliance BASIC and G-77 could not arrive at

a consensus on reducing emission of carbon in China and on adaptation issue. On the other

hand, the Protocol structure became weak when Russia, Japan and New Zealand declined to nd

sign the 2 phase of the Protocol and Canada pulled itself out of the Protocol. Only 35 nd

developed countries agreed and signed the 2 phase of the Protocol including Switzerland,

Australia and the 27 member countries of the European Union.

The Doha Conference aimed at lowering the carbon emission rate by 18% compared to 1990. o

This is really inadequate because to arrest the 2 C global warming, the reduction rate of

carbon emission should have been fixed between 25 and 40 percent. This has created a sense nd

of doubt in the minds of Scientists and Environmentalists if the 2 phase of Kyoto Protocol

will be able to make any positive contribution towards containing global warming and carbon

emission.

The developed countries are bound towards the developing countries regarding reduction of

disaster, adaptation and increase in the rate of technological advancement. Decisions were

taken in this regard in Cancun Conference in 2010 and Durban Conference in 2011. On the

basis of this, a 10 year long-term plan was drawn up. Where there is a commitment of 100

billion US Dollars. This money will be given as grant by the developed countries to the

developing countries with a view to help them undertake projects an adaptation, mitigation

and prepare accordingly. According to this, 30 million US Dollars will be paid between 2010-

2012 for three years. 30 million USD in 2013, 40 million USD in 2014, 50 million USD in

2015 and in the same manner 100 million USD will be given in 2020. This demand was

mainly raised by the developing countries and the countries adversely affected by climate

change.

Germany, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Sweden and EU countries have already

promised to contribute USD 6 billion. While the United States of America, Canada, China and

Australia declined to contribute to the package.

The developed countries are trying to withdraw and instead trying to advocate the Public

Private Partnership. That is, to continue funding through private channels. This resulted in


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16

disagreement on the issues of providing funding, distribution of compensation received,

deadline, etc. and the Conference ended without any concrete decision. They are hopeful that

in 2013 when the conference (due to be held in Warsaw) is on, there will be significant

response and a justifiable amount will be made available.

During Doha Conference, the long-term ‘Joint Action Plan’ developed in 2007 (which is

regarded as the basic guideline for Copenhagen and Cancun Conferences) had ended. Its

main objective was to ensure active participation of all member countries and to bring 80%

member countries under a joint umbrella. It was decided in Doha that in 2014 a draft

international law will be promulgated wherein all member countries will be bound to effect

carbon emission by 100%. A resolution was adopted in the Doha Conference that between

2015 and 2020, through discussions, 100% participation will be ensured among the member

countries.

Main Issues of Doha Conference at a Glance

Although 100% achievement of the objectives of the Doha Conference cannot be measured

but the Doha Conference could bring about some consensus and points of agreement:

• Extension of Kyoto Protocol in 2 phases till 2020;

• To prepare work plan on global warming which will end in 2015 and will begin full-fledged implementation from 2020;

• To increase the rate of yearly contribution to 100 billion USD, which would be finalized after thorough discussion in 2013.

Doha Conference & Bangladesh

Countries lying within the hazardous zone of global warming including Bangladesh,

Maldives, and Indonesia demanded preparation of special provisions to compensate the

above mentioned countries. But the main countries responsible for global warming, namely,

USA, China, Canada, India, Australia, could not be brought under any legal framework.

However, Bangladesh’s proposal on ‘Climate Change’ received recognition in the Doha

Conference. Bangladesh made a proposal in the Conference highlighting the importance of

women. It stated that gender discrimination shall be reduced by 50% COP states, several

organizations and institutions will be included.

Even with several adversities, Bangladesh has adopted many steps to combat disasters in the

coastal regions. It has been able to save 200 crore taka for renewable emergency fund and 1

million USD in the Climate Trust Fund. Apart from this, several training on disaster

management is being provided through several NGOs, workshops conducted in government

organizations, seminars on combating disaster. Due to these steps taken by Bangladesh,

World Bank held a news conference on December 7, the last day of the Conference. Their

main statement said that Bangladesh has been one of the most successful countries in the

world to adapt to changes due to global warming and climate change. Bangladesh has been

able to implement climate friendly environment through its various programme on climate

change and global warming, although it is placed at the apex of most vulnerable nations in the

world.


Air Pollution

Most of the cities and towns have become centres of dangerous air pollution. In Dhaka, the

situation is alarming due to air pollution from vehicles, factories, brickfields and dust. Are the

present cities for residents or industrial zones? Answer to this question is unclear like the

answer to the detrimental effects air pollution has on the general people.

According to findings of a research conducted by Yale and Columbia University related to nd

analysis of pure air, Bangladesh ranks 2 as the most air polluted country scoring 13.66 point

out of a total of 100 points. According to ‘Environmental Performance Index 2012’, st

Bangladesh ranks 31 among 132 cities as the most polluted cities. Health is at great risk due

to air pollution. Nearly 70% of the population of Dhaka city are suffering from various air-

borne diseases.

Ingredients of Air Pollution

Sulphur dioxide (SO ), Carbon monoxide (CO), 2

Nitrogen oxide (NO ), weight of earth level, X

changeable organic compound, hydrogen

sulphide, sulphate and nitrates - are ingredients

present in polluted air. Beside these, some other

ingredients responsible for air pollution are

poisonous metals (lead, manganese, arsenic and

nickel), benzene, formaldehyde, dioxin and

other organic compound. Airborne lead content

is the worst among the dangerous particular

matters.

Particular Matter PM , PM10 2.5

PM , PM is the yardstick to measure ingredients present in the air nitrate, sulphur, 10 2.5

ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, inorganic dust and water.

So2

NOX

PM2.5

Pm10

Total Emissions - Dhaka

120

100

80

60

40

20

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Kt/year

Figure 1: Total non-GHG emissions forDhaka from 1990-2030

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17

Figure 2: PM Emission for Dhaka, 1990-203010

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

PM Emissions - Dhaka10

Kt PM/year

Figure 3: PM Emissions General Sector Distribution10

for Dhaka from 1990-2030

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

PM Emissions General Sector Distribution - Dhaka10

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Kt PM

Transport

Industry

Residential

Agricultural


Figure 6: NO Emissions General Sector Distribution for DhakaX

from 1990-2030.

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Nitrogen oxide NO

NO increase the temperature in the air. This is a particular matter and ingredient of Ozone x

which generates heat and energy and is produced from car engine, generator, and electrical

equipments.

x


60

50

40

30

20

10

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

PM Emissions Activity Distribution - Dhaka10

Hard coal grade 2

Biomass fuels

Agricultural residuals - direct use

Fuelwood direct

Medium distillates (diesel, light fuel oil)

No fuel use

Non exhaust PM emission - tyre wear

Non exhaust PM emission - brake wear

Non exhaust PM emission - road abrasion

Natural gas (incl. other gases)

Gasoline and other light fractions of oil

kt PM Heavy fuel oil

Figure 4: PM Emissions Activity Distribution for Dhaka from 1990-2030.10

199019952000200520102015 202020252030

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

NO Emissions, DhakaX

kt NO

X

Figure 5: NO Emissions for Dhaka, 1990-2030.X

80

60

70

40

50

30

20

10

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

NO Emissions Activity Distribution - DhakaX

Figure 7: NO Emissions Activity Distribution for Dhaka from 1990-2030.X

kt NO

X

Hard coal, grade 2

Biomass fuels

Heavy fuel oil

Medium distillates (diesel, lightfuel oil)

Gasoline and other light fractionsof oil (includes kerosene))

Natural gas (i9ncl. other gases)

No fuel use

NO Emissions General Sector Distribution - DhakaX

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

kt NO

X Transport

Industry

Residential

Agricultural

Other

120

100

80

60

40

20

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Transport

Industry

Residential

Agricultural

SO Emissions General Sector Distribution - Dhaka2

kt SO

2

Figure 9: SO Emissions General Sector Distribution for Dhaka2

form 1990-2030.

Figure 8: SO Emissions for Dhaka, 1990-2030.2

120

100

80

60

40

20

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

SO Emissions, Dhaka2

kt SO

/year

2

Ozone O

It is the photo chemical smoke which is stored

on the surface of the earth. This is not the Ozone

layer present in the atmosphere. This smoke is

produced when sunrays mix with nitrogen oxide

(emitted from vehicles and factories), volatile

organic compounds, etc. and there is photo

chemical reaction.

Carbon Monoxide CO

Another ingredient responsible for producing

smoke in Ozone is carbon monoxide. If the

amount of carbon emitted is more than oxygen then carbon monoxide is produced. This is

produced from cigarette, wood used for burning, generator, smoke from vehicles.

3

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19

Sulphur dioxide SO

Sulphur dioxide is a colourless gas which is produced from coal. It is also produced from oil,

specially for cooking, generating temperature, fuel used for driving vehicles. By mixing with

water, sulphur oxide produces sulphuric acid. This is the main ingredient of acid rain.

2


80

60

70

40

50

30

20

10

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

kt SO

2

Hard coal grade 2

Biomass fuels

Figure 10: SO Emissions Activity Distribution for Dhaka from 1990-2030.2

SO Emissions Activity Distribution - Dhaka2

Heavy fuel oil

Medium distillates (diesel, lightfuel oil)

Gasoline and other light fractions of oil(includes kerosene)

Natural gas (Incl. other gases)

No fuel use

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

01990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

GHG Emissions General Sector Distribution - Dhaka

Figure 11: GHGs Emissions General SectorDistribution for Dhaka from 1990 - 2030

Mt CO2eq./year

Transport

Industry

Residential

Agricultral

Lead Pb: Lead produces high degree of air pollution.

Standard of air and condition of air in Dhaka

Disaster Forum

20

Bangladesh Paribesh Andonlon (BAPA) states that the quantity of per cubic meter of airborne

particulate matter is 250 microgram which is five times more than the normal acceptable

level. The air in Bangladesh becomes most polluted in January. During this time the airborne

particulate matter increases to as high as 600 microgram. Environmentalists say that this is

caused by absence of rainfall whereby construction materials, smoke from brickfields and

smoke from factories pollutes the air very easily. But, according to Department of

Environment, the amount of airborne particulate matter is 463 microgram per cubic meter in

Dhaka city and this is considered to lie in the highest bracket in the world during December-

January. The maximum acceptable level of airborne particulate matter is 150 microgram per

cubic meter per 24 hours but in reality it is several times more than the limit set in

Environment Protection Rules, 1997. Beside Dhaka, other high airborne particulate matter

recorded is in Chittagong in December 2011 at 450 microgram; November 2011 at 422

microgram; and in January 2012, airborne particulate matter recorded was 637 microgram

per cubic meter.

Due to excessive air pollution, many people die in Dhaka city and also many are at risk of

dying. According to Ministry of Environment and Forests, if the pollution in Dhaka could be

reduced from 20 to 80%, then lives of 1,200-3,500 people could be saved every year. In

addition, 80 to 230 million people could be relieved of breathing related problems.

Polluting

agent/element

Particular Matter

Pm10

Ozone O 3

Nitrogen oxide

NOX

Sulphur dioxide

SO2

Carbon monoxide

CO

Standard according

to World Health

Organization

1 year: 60-90 mg/m

1 hour:3

150-200 mg/m

324 hours: 150 mg/m

1 year:3

40-60 mg/m

1 hour:3

30 mg/m

3

Quantity in Dhaka

air

1245-1601 mg/m

in commercial areas 3

445 mg/m in

residential areas

3119 mg/m

3472.9 mg/m in

commercial areas 3

63.5 mg/m in

residential areas

11 ppm

3

Health risk

Flow of blood is

obstructed. Risk of

cancer.

Heart problem, high

blood pressure, lunge

ailment, risk of asthma.

Chest pain, ailment of

lunges, vomiting,

headache.

If a pregnant women

comes in regular contact,

the child may die, chest

pain, headache may attack.

Its contact may produce

headache, vomiting,

restlessness, lethargy. 3

Note: mg/m – microgram per meter cubeSource: http://www.eng-consult.com/air/standard.html


Disaster Forum

21

Reason

The major reasons for excessive air pollution in Dhaka city are plying of old vehicles on the

streets, about 1,000 brickfields surrounding Dhaka, dust from construction works, poisonous

smoke from mills and factories, use of several electric gadgets including generator.

In the brickfields, non-refined coal is being imported from neighboring country from which a

gas is produced which pollutes the air. Also smokes from gas burners are polluting the air. In a

workshop titled “Global Alliance of Clean Cook” sponsored by UNDP and held on May 30,

2012, it was revealed that every year 46,000 people die merely because of cooking in open

burner/oven. Of these, mostly are children and women. The polluted smoke from oven using

kerosene and wood is the reason for these deaths. Air pollution is also taking place in the

villages, not only in the cities.

Factories & Industries

Smoke produced in factories and industries is a prime cause of pollution of air. Many

factories are being established indiscriminately without adhering to any standards including

tannery and other production and processing factories even in residential areas. As a result,

air in the surrounding environment is easily polluted. People residing there are easily

becoming sick due to emission of poisonous smoke from these factories. Not only in the

capital, similar situation is seen even in the parts other of the country. For example, in Bera

Upazilla, a factory has been established to produce lead by burning lead. More than 50

ovens are being used in this process. The poisonous smoke being produced there is

becoming extremely harmful for the local residents. Cattle heads are dying, agriculture

lands are becoming barren and even trees bearing fruits are dying.

Traffic Jam is a Major Problem

Unprecedented traffic jam is becoming a vexing problem for Dhaka city dwellers and is

primarily responsible for air pollution. Although the normal requirement of roads is 25% of

the entire city area, Dhaka’s road network covers only 7.5% of the entire Dhaka city. Mostly

these roads are occupied by hawkers, passerby, small traders, rail crossings are also not

planned. In these inadequate roads ply various types of vehicles simultaneously fast moving

as well as slow moving and there is a tendency of not abiding by traffic signals. So, these

ultimately creates huge traffic congestion, vehicles cannot move fast and due to slow

movement, lot of fuel is being consumed and so the air is being polluted easily. The smoke

from the vehicles is having serious effects on public health. At present, on an average,

vehicles can move at only 14 km/hour. If this rate of vehicle movement continuous, then by

2025, vehicles will move only at 4 km/hour.

Health Hazards

Information gathered from Air Quality Management Project (AQMP) funded by World Bank

and implemented by Government of Bangladesh, approx. 15,000 people in Dhaka die even

before reaching the average age limit by being attacked by various lung related disease. In

addition they are also having breathing problem and brain related problem.


According to World Health Organization, smoke from vehicles is the most crucial reason for

breathing problem of people living in the cities. Due to industrialization, air pollution level

has also increased and many serious diseases are setting in. Minute poisonous particles float

in the air and come into contact with dust particles – resulting in burning of the eyes, heat and

lunges become non-functional gradually. There is burning inside the lung and possibility of

lung cancer cannot be ruled out. It also creates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD) and asthma. Beside this coronary problem, heart failure, drop beats in heart is likely

to occur. It can even destroy DNA cells.

Researchers say that those living by the side of the roads easily may become victim of asthma

or dust allergy and children living within 100 meters from the roads are attacked mostly by

asthma, cough and cold, sneezing. If a pregnant women comes in close contact regularly with

polluted air, she may have miscarriage and also the natural development of the baby inside the

womb may be affected.

Affect on Children

Children are affected mostly be air pollution. Sources from

National Institute of Chest Diseases & Hospital state that in

Bangladesh nearly 7 million people are suffering from

asthma of which 50% are children. World Health

Organization claims that 10,000 baby die even before birth

due to air pollution every year. Children, especially new born

children, are very susceptible to air pollution because their

intake of oxygen is greater than elderly people as their body weight is less. Children who live

in air polluted areas, they are affected by bronchitis and ear problem.

Steps

Air pollution is increasing at an alarming rate due to lack of awareness and effective measures

to combat air pollution. Even if measures are present in paper, lack of supervision is posing

hindrance for successful implementation.

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22

On September 9, 2012, 7

school children fell seriously

ill due to emission of

poisonous gas from a nearly

medicine factory in Outpara

of Tongi in Gazipur district.

• On May 30, 2012, two factories in Demra, Dhaka was fined Taka 27 lac by Department of Environment because they were polluting the air.

• A cement producing factory in Muktarpur of Munshinganj was fined Taka 15 lac for air pollution. On two separate occasions, Department of Environment was conducting tests on February 01 and April 15, 2012, to find out the air quality. The SPS content in air was found to be 2,727 microgram and 1,113 microgram per cubic meter respectively while the ideal SPS content should be 500 microgram per cubic meter.

• Department of Environment shut down a factory producing fuel by burning tyres located at Bhawal Mirzapur Kainjanul of Gazipur Sadar Upazilla. The whole area was covered with black smoke and bad smell. On the basis of a complaint that poisonous gas is polluting the air in the area and it was impossible to live in the vicinity, the factory was inspected and shut down completely on February 29, 2012. But the factory was re-opened in August and the air pollution continues in an unabated manner. Lack of proper monitoring is allowing these factories to continue their production activities, while it is affecting the people, trees and crops in the area


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23

Solutions

In order to stop air pollution, some urgent measures has to be undertaken, for example:

• Ban plying of vehicles which are 20 years old;

• Control import of private cars including small cars;

• Adequate number of big buses should be placed in operation, a separate lane for bicycles should be maintained;

• Try to avoid going out when the roads are filled with too much dust;

• Use mask while walking on the roads;

• To reside in a pollution free locality;

• Stop import of low quality coal;

• Stop cutting of trees.

It is highly desirable that air pollution should be controlled by strict implementation of

prevailing laws.

Source: The charts used in preparing this report has been taken from ‘Top-down assessment of Air Pollution

and GHGs for Dhaka, Bangladesh: Analysis of GAINS Derived Model Data’.


Sound Pollution

Sound pollution is one of the major causes of health hazards. Due to natural reasons, the sound

pollution is more intense in the cities than in the villages and in Dhaka, the situation is most

dangerous. Dhaka city has been developing at a very rapid rate and for economic

development and industrial excellence, more and more factories are being constructed, more

vehicle movement and more sound pollution. Different areas of Dhaka are being

compartmentalized according to different trade for example, commercial buildings,

residential areas, office, schools, colleges, etc. Noise from these work places are making the

scenario more dangerous. the Audiology section of ENT department of Bangladesh Sheikh

Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) conducted a survey 4 years ago on the cause of

deafness of people. 8% of the patients became deaf due to sound pollution then, while now it

has increased to 10%.

Some Causes of Sound Pollution

• Too many heavy vehicles plying on the road;

• Unnecessary honking of horns on the roads by vehicles;

• Using of microphones to publicize products, play music and give speeches;

• High volume generated from generators installed in different commercial shopping malls and restaurants;

• Sound from factories;

• Use of brick breaking machines indiscriminately;

• Sound from piling for construction of high rise buildings;

• Sound while installing tiles in the floors of apartments;

• Equipment used for construction of roof and roads.

Hertz is used to measure sound per unit. A normal person’s ear can absorb 15-20 kilohertz

sound. According to data of World Health Organization, normally 60 decibel sound damages

temporarily a person’s ability to hear and 100 decibel sound damages a person’s ability to hear

permanently. But the sound unit in any road of Dhaka City lies between 60 and 80 decibel.

The other range of sound units are : car horn 95 decibel, loudspeaker 90-100 decibel, mills and

factories 80 to 90 decibel, restaurant and cinema hall 75 to 90 decibel, any programme 85 to

90 decibel, scooter and motorbike 87-92 decibel, truck and bus 92-94 decibel. But the ideal

sound should be: bed room 25 decibel, dining and drawing room 40 decibel, office 35-40

decibel, classroom 30-40 decibel, library 35-40 decibel, hospital 20-35 decibel, restaurant

40-60 decibel and sound in cities at night 45 decibel.

Disaster Forum


Physical Damage Due to Sound Pollution

When the sound goes beyond the above

limits, it is termed as pollution. Excess

sound damages the ears and may lead to

mental imbalances. Excessive sound

hampers a child’s natural growth and

development, lunge problem, irrational

behaviour and children become unmindful

in studies. A survey conducted by Department of Environment concludes that sound pollution

may lead to mental and physical disorder. It may also lead to insomnia, headache, high blood

pressure, peptic ulcer and indigestion. Any person who stays in a room or a situation where the

sound is 100 decibel or more for half an hour, may become deaf and may lose the ability to

hear. Any form of noise pollution can become extremely harmful to pregnant women. It has

been observed that pregnant women who resides near any airport are likely to give birth to

children who become paralyzed, autistic and immature as compared to mothers who stay

away from any airport.

According to “sound control guideline” of Department of Environment, the acceptable sound

limit in the silent zone is 50 decibel during day time and 40 decibel at night. For residential

areas, it is 55 decibel during day and 45 decibel during night. In the mixed areas (residential,

commercial and industrial are grouped together), the permissible sound limit is 60 decibel

during day and 50 decibel at night. For commercial areas, the permissible level is 70 decibel

during day and 75 decibel at night. For industrial area the permissible sound level is 75

decibel and at night it is 70 decibel.

Another survey conducted by Department of Environment reveals that sound pollution in

different areas of the country, specially in schools, hospitals and adjacent areas, is increasing

at an alarming rate and is shown in the table below:

Disaster Forum

25

Places

Shaheen School and adjacent areas

Motijheel Government High School

Dhanmondi Government Boys High School

Azimpur Government Girls High School &

College

Tejgaon College, Farmgate

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical

University

Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Mitford Hospital

Sishu Hospital

Sound level during

day (decibel)

83

83

80

80

75

82

80

76

72

Sound level during

night (decibel)

74

79

75

74

67

69

69

73

69

Source: The Financial Express, March 23, 2012


Place/point

Morning (9-11 am) Noon (12 noon-4 pm) Afternoon (5-8 pm)Mean (average)

9 am-8 pm)

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26

According to Sound Pollution Act, 2006, blowing horn is banned within 100 metres of office,

educational institutions and hospitals. The Act also envisages that brick breaking machines

cannot be used within 500 metres of any residential area. It also says that before use of

loudspeakers, permission has to be taken from appropriate authority. In a research finding,

Work for Better Trust (WBT) found out in March-April, 2011 that the sound level in silent

zones in Dhaka City is 104 decibels. They observed that the sound level was 104 in front of

Square Hospital between 9:50 am and 9:55 am (April 21, 2011). Whereas it was 103 decibel

between 12:00 noon and 12:05 pm in areas adjacent to New Model University College.

Sound Pollution in Mixed Areas of Dhaka City

Uncontrolled sound has kept the inmates of Dhaka City in a very vulnerable situation. Mixed

areas (residential, commercial organizations, schools, colleges, hospital in same area) are

used for multifarious purpose. So, sound pollution is very high here. So, keeping this in mind,

a survey was conducted jointly by Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Public Administration

and Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSSO) in mixed

areas to find out the nature and threat of noise pollution and to find out its implications by

using GIS method. They selected Ramna area which is a mixed area and a very important

location. The time brackets used in the survey area : 9 to 11 am, 12 to 4 pm and 5 to 9 pm and it

was conducted on a full working day and on a holiday.

Sound Pollution on a Work Day

In order to find out the level of sound pollution on a working day the mean (average) between

“maximum sound” and “minimum sound” was arrived at.

Table: 1 Sound level average of maximum and minimum on a Work day from 9 am to 8 pm.

Malibagh (road crossing)

Shantinagar (road crossing)

Kakrail (road crossing)

Kakrail mosque

In front of Matsya Bhaban

Shahbagh (in

front of

BSMMU &

BIRDEM)

Sheraton

(Ruposhi

Bangla)

Bangla Motor

Moghbazar

Mouchak

Ramna Park

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Maximum

(DBA)

85.5

82

85

79

84

85

83

88

85

86

59

Minimum

(DBA)

72

71

75

68

75

75

69

72

78

74

50

Maximum

(DBA)

81

80

82

77

82

84

81

82

83

85

56

Minimum

(DBA)

68

70.5

70

64

70

71

70

75

77

71

50

Maximum

(DBA)

87

84

87

80

85

88

85

90

87

85

62

Minimum

(DBA)

75

75

76

71

76

79

75

78.5

75

78

51

Maximum

(DBA)

84

82

84.6

78.7

83.7

85.6

83

86.7

85

85

59

Minimum

(DBA)

71.7

72.2

73.7

67.7

73.7

75

71.3

75

76.7

74.3

50.3


Place/point


9 am-8 pm)

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Viqarunnessa

School &

College

Hare Road

Moghbazar

Rail Gate

Dhaka

University (in

front of Public

Library)

Dhaka

University (in

front of Dass)

Dhaka Medical

College

Holly Family

Hospital

Ad-Din

Hospital

(Moghbazar)

CARE Clinic

Wills Little

Flower School

(Bijoy Nagar)

Siddeswari

Girls’s High

School

Nilkhet

In front of

Nagar Bhabon

Hotel

Sonargaon

Modhubagh

Maximum

(DBA)

79

80

81

81

78

72

74

63

77

81

80

80

76

85

62

Minimum

(DBA)

67

72

70

70

69

64

65

55

65

73

73

71

69

73

55

Maximum

(DBA)

81

69

79

79

76

68

69

58

72

77

79

76

72

81

58

Minimum

(DBA)

72

60

70

70

65

61

60

52

60

66

70

66

63

69

51

Maximum

(DBA)

80

81.5

84

84

80

72

76

65

78

82

82

81

77

86

63

Minimum

(DBA)

70

72

73

73

73

66

66

58

67

72

74

73

72

74

56

Maximum

(DBA)

80

76.8

81.3

81.3

78

70.6

73

62

75.7

80

80.3

79

75

84

61

Minimum

(DBA)

69.7

68

71

71

69

63.7

63.3

55

64

70

72.3

70

68

72

54

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27

Places with Higher Sound Pollution

In the above table the Shahbagh cross-section between BSMMU and BIRDEM lies in the most

vulnerable area. According to provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1995 and

Environment Protection Rules, 1997 the maximum sound level should be 45 within 100 metre

radius, but in reality it is much more (maximum 85.6 decibel and lowest 75 decibel). This sound

level is creating serious problems to the patients. Siddheswari Girls’ High School, CARE

Clinic, Mosque falls within Shantinagar area. The maximum sound level here should be 45 to

50 decibel depending on its characteristics. But the maximum average sound level recorded

here was 82 decibel and the minimum average sound level was 72.2 decibel during the day.

Kakrail zone is office-cum-commercial area and also residential area. The maximum sound

level here should be 60 decibel but in reality it is maximum 84.6 decibel and minimum 73.7

decibel. Most of the area in Bangla Motor is occupied commercial – here maximum sound

level should be 70 decibel but maximum is 75 decibel and minimum is 86.7 decibel. In


Disaster Forum

28

Mouchak highest average sound level is 85 decibel and minimum is 74.3 decibel. Matsya

Bhaban, an office area where Matsya Bhaban, Shilpakala Academy and other government

offices are situated. According to the Environment Protection Act, maximum sound level

within 100 metre of this special area should be 45 decibel between 9 am and 5 pm. But in

reality it is 82 decibel maximum. Malibag and Moghbazar are mixed areas where normal

sound level should be 60 decibel. In reality, the sound level in Moghbazar varies between 85

decibel and 76.7 decibel while in Malibagh it is between 84 and 71.7 decibel. Hotel

Sonargaon area is an office-cum-commercial-cum residential area too. Maximum sound

level should be 84 decibel and minimum should be 72 decibel. But in reality, it is much higher.

So, people living here are likely to be at risk.

An analysis of that areas shows that people residing within these areas are more at risk of

being affected by sound pollution.

Sound Pollution During Holiday

Sound pollution on a holiday should comparatively be lower as offices are closed and

transports also ply less. But from Table 2 it is totally a different scenario. Like any other work

day, sound level is more or less same on a holiday. Lot of transports ply here on holidays.

Many people, labourers work and does trade and business. Many people come to see the

beauties of Dhaka, visits the different parks and spots. Also people come here to attend

conferences, meetings as well as to do shopping. Patients are brought in these areas by

blowing siren of the ambulances and the hospitals here lie adjacent to the main road. So, even

on weekends or holidays, sound pollution is very high in the area.

Table: 2 Sound level average of maximum and minimum on a holiday from 9 am to 8 pm.

Place/point


9 am-8 pm)

Malibagh (road crossing)

Shantinagar (road crossing)

Kakrail (road crossing)

Kakrail mosque

In front of Matsya Bhaban

Shahbagh (in

front of

BSMMU &

BIRDEM)

Sheraton

(Ruposhi

Bangla)

Bangla Motor

Moghbazar

Mouchak

Ramna Park

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Maximum

(DBA)

74

72

73

67

76

76

75

77

74

72

56

Minimum

(DBA)

62

62

61

51

58

58

57

61

60

61

50

Maximum

(DBA)

70

68

69

67

68

72

69

68

67

70

54

Minimum

(DBA)

59

59

58

52

61

61

58

59

58

60

45

Maximum

(DBA)

79

78

78

75

78

80

78

81

77

82

60

Minimum

(DBA)

68

69

64

67

67

70

70

69

67

71

52

Maximum

(DBA)

74.3

72.7

73.3

69.7

72

76

74

75.3

72.7

74.7

56.7

Minimum

(DBA)

63

63.3

61

56.7

62.7

63

61.7

63

61.7

64

49


Sound Pollution in Hospital & Educational Institutions

Many of our hospitals and educational

institutions are located in places with high

level of sound. This is affecting adversely

the school children and patients. So, the

Environment Protection Act, 1995 and

Environment Protection Rules, 1997 has

categorized hospitals and schools as silent

zone and the maximum sound level has been

fixed at 45 decibel. In a 5-day work week,

the hospitals and educational institutions lie within high level of sound pollution. The

following table shows the highest and lowest level of sound pollution on a working day in the

hospitals and educational institutions located in Ramna area.

Noise Pollution in Hospital & Educational Institution

Highest Average

Lowest Average

Points/Places

90

8070605040

30

20

10

0

Noise Value in DB-A

BSMMU

BIRD

EM

Holy Family

DMC

Care Clinic

Standard Limit

Ad-din Hospital

Viquarun Nissa N

oon S

chool &

College

DU-Public Library

DU-DUS

Shiddheswai Girls School

Wills L

ittle Flower School

Place/point


9 am-8 pm)

Disaster Forum

29

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Viqarunnessa

School &

College

Hare Road

Moghbazar

Rail Gate

Dhaka

University (in

front of Public

Library)

Dhaka

University (in

front of Dass)

Dhaka Medical

College

Holly Family

Hospital

Ad Din

Hospital

(Moghbazar)

CARE Clinic

Wills Little

Flower School

(Bijoy Nagar)

Siddeswari

Girls’s High

School

Nilkhet

In front of

Nagar Bhabon

Hotel

Sonargaon

Modhubagh

Maximum

(DBA)

64

65

67

65

62

66

66

58

70

70

70

71

69

73.5

59

Minimum

(DBA)

57

58

58

59

50

59

58

50

59

61

61

61

59

62

51

Maximum

(DBA)

60

61

65

61

60

64

62

56

68

67

67

68

67

71

57

Minimum

(DBA)

52

53

54

52

49

58

53

48

54

60

56

60

57

61.5

52

Maximum

(DBA)

74

71

75

76

75

67

74

60

72

76

78

79

73

79.3

62

Minimum

(DBA)

66

61

66

65

63

60

60

52

63

64

67

64

62

71

55

Maximum

(DBA)

66

65.7

69

67.3

67.7

65.6

67.3

58

70

71

71.1

72.7

69.7

74.6

59.3

Minimum

(DBA)

58.3

57.3

59.3

58.7

54

59

57

50

58.7

61.7

61.3

61.7

56.3

64.8

52.7


No System of Supervision

There is no system of supervision of sound pollution within the Department of Environment,

according to Director (Dhaka Laboratory). He said that ‘we only see the quantity of air and

quality of the top water level regularly. Only when we receive any complaint, then we check

the sound level’. Environment Protection Movement, in their research paper entitled ‘The

present status of sound pollution in Dhaka Metropolis and measures to be taken’ has stated

that there is lack of coordination among different government departments, namely,

Department of Environment, Dhaka City Corporation and Bangladesh Road Transport

Authority (Prothom Alo, May 5, 2013).

Measures to be Taken to Control Sound Pollution

Sound pollution is synonymous with movement of vehicles, especially heavy vehicles like

truck, bus, auto-rickshaw, etc. Beside these, sound pollution also increases due to the

following reasons: mismanagement in maintenance of vehicles, bad road condition, use of

high volume horn and indiscriminate use of such horns including hydraulic horn. Several

recommendations have been placed to reduce sound pollution. One of the major

recommendations is awareness campaign which can be implemented through educational

curriculum, training, etc. Also strict implementation of prevalent laws can reduce and remove

the threat posed by sound pollution.

Fines Imposed on Five Organizations

In July 2012, 5 lac taka fine was imposed on five organizations by Department of

Environment. At the same time, electricity lines of a factory in North Badda producing

dangerous sound was snapped out and the factory was sealed by Department of Environment.

The organizations which were fined are: 1. Niharika Door and Traders International Ltd.

(North Badda), 2. Col. Shahabuddin (Siddheswari), 3. Amin Mohammad Group

(Dhanmondi), 4. Little Star Spinning Mills (Ashulia), 5. Henolux Skyview (Purana Paltan).

Sound level found in those organizations were respectively, 75, 80, 85, 86 and 90 decibel,

which is higher than acceptable and injurious to health.

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Radiation from Mobile Phones

Due to the stiff competition among the mobile phone

service providers, the mobile phone network is

expanding rapidly and several towers are being

installed. In almost all regions of the country, especially

near the cities, several towers are being installed. People

are spending hours together by talking over this popular

media by being attracted by different packages

announced by the cell phone providers.

According to a data published in August 2008, the number of mobile phone users in the

country is 7.9677 crore. 6 mobile phone companies have set up approx. 36,000 towers. At

present Grameen Phone has 14,000 towers while Banglalink has 5,200, Robi 8,200, Airtel

4,100 and City Cell has 2,900 towers, Teletalk, the government owned company has 1,400

towers.

Mobile Phone and Radiation from the Towers

Tower is the main centre through which the mobile

telephone connections work. Recently these towers have

been identified as the most harmful reason of health

hazard all around the world. Although the cell phone

companies are demanding that there is no radiation from

these towers but there is proof that these towers

disseminate radioactive materials. Electromagnetic

radioactive materials which flow from these towers have

bad effects on human being, animals, trees and on the environment as a whole. In the villages,

towers are constructed near populated areas and in the cities these are placed on top of high

rise buildings. Residents living in these buildings are not aware that they are submerged

inside electromagnetic radiation.

Effects of electromagnetic radiation is of two types:

Thermal (where heat is generated)

Non-thermal (where no heat is generated)

Thermal effects is compared to microwave. Non-thermal effects cannot be defined as such,

but it is 3-5 times more harmful than thermal effects. A mobile phone generates 1-2 watt

radiation when its frequency range is : 824-829 MHZ (CDMA technology), 890-915 MHZ (in

GSM 900 technology) and 1,710-1,780 (in GSM 1,800 technology).

Dr. Satyapashad Mozumder, Professor, Telecommunication Engineer, Bangladesh University

of Engineering & Technology says, each mobile tower generates between 17,100 microwatt

to 72,000 microwatt radiation per square meter. (Source: http://news.priyo.com,September

15, 2012).


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General Procedure of Installation of Towers

According to prevailing rules, cell phone tower antenna may be constructed at a height of 300 o

ft., 120 from plain land and +/-50 and must be constructed where there is no inhabitant

residing. But in Bangladesh, mobile towers are constructed in populated areas on rooftops

and at less than 300 ft. height.

Cell phone operators claim that the radiation from mobile towers is non-ionic and not harmful

for living being. But researchers reiterate that the non-ionic radiation may be harmful if it

flows at a high rate.

Many Researchers has Confirmed Presence of Radiation

Researches conducted in many countries have confirmed that people using cell phone are

being affected by brain cancer. People (30 – 59 years old) who have been using mobile phone

for 30 minutes a day for the last 10 years have a tendency to develop tumor in the head.

In a study conducted in 2007 on people living in Campton West in South Africa, it has been

found that this radiation has regulated the normal flow of serotonin and melatonin in blood.

These hormones control sleep, information flow, etc. in the brain. The study was conducted to

reflect the change in behavior of people 5 months prior and 5 months after the construction of

the tower.

More than 100 scientists and Doctors of Boston and Harvard Universities have termed cell

phone tower radiation as a menace. If anybody stays at a place where more than 100 mili volt

per meter radiation is generated he should immediately get out of the place. If someone

resides beyond 400 meters from any mobile tower, then the risk is much less.

Findings from a study conducted in 2003 in France concluded that people living within 300

meters of a mobile tower is beset with insomnia, headache, lack of concentration, uneasy

feeling, frustration, loss of memory, loss of hearing and eyesight, skin problem, etc.

Health Hazard

The number of cancer patients has risen in the recent years. Also skin diseases, tumor is

increasing. World Health Organization has identified mobile phone and tower to be

responsible for causing cancer and brain tumor.

Human body can endure up to 1 lac microwatt of radiation. If any body is directly affected by

radiation, then he is likely to develop skin disease and even cancer. When a human body is

inside electromagnetic radiation, then the human body contacts with radiation, because 70%

of a human body contains liquid. The parts of body containing fluid materials, like blood,

head (head contains 90% fluid), easily gets contaminated by radioactive materials.

The parts of body where fluid is more or less constant, for example, eye, head, heart, the

harmful effects are more. This may also cause tumor in the joints in the bones. Young people,

less than 20 years old, are more susceptible to be affected by tumor.

Most of us are not aware that a normal person should not talk for more than 18 to 24 minutes in

a day.


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Adverse Effect on Pregnant Women

Radiation also has dangerous harmful effect on pregnant women. The baby inside the womb

of a lady is likely to be affected if the mother lives near a town – the foetus may die and even

miscarriage may take place. So, with a view to give birth to a healthy baby, to avoid

miscarriage and to avoid the baby being born as autistic, during pregnancy a women should

try to refrain from talking on mobile phone for longer duration and also live as far away as

possible from the mobile tower.

Recent studies carried out prove that fertility of male is reduced due to radiation from mobile

phones. In 2006, in a Report published by American Society for Reproductive Medicine, it

has been revealed that the quality of sperm to reproduce, number and effectiveness is

hampered, their sperm building capacity is reduced by 30%. The radiation destroys DNA

inside the sperm.

New Symptom

A new type of psychological disease named Tinnitus or Ringxiety is spreading at an alarming

rate. People affected by this disease hears the ringing of a mobile phone even if a call is not

incoming but they feel that a call is coming in their cell phones. These patients tend to hear

less, are inattentive at work, have problem with sleeping and feel perturbed and impatient.

Identified Health Hazards

Prof. Girish Kumar, in his research work entitled “Report on Cell Tower Safety” prepared for

Indian Telecommunications Department has reported on the health hazards due to radiation

from the use of cell phone and phone towers as follows:

1. Extraction of albumin from the blood and so blood flow to the head may be affected;

2. May become impotent;

3. DNA may be damaged, sperm is affected and which may in turn be harmful for the next generation;

4. Calcium is driven out from the cell membranes. So, the calcium spreads around and may cause tumor;

5. Skin diseases may appear;

6. Body immunity is affected and people may fall sick easily;

7. Ear problem is likely to occur – if someone uses mobile phone regularly for more than 30 minutes for 4 years or more, he may become permanently deaf;

8. Eyes are likely to be affected – uveal melanomas, an eye disease or tumor in the eye is likely to show up;

9. Those who keep mobile phone in their pant pockets, the bone below the backbone becomes weak;

10.Tumor may appear in the blood vessels;

11. Level of melatonin, an anti-oxidant hormone is reduced;

12.Problem with sleep;

13.Headache, blurred eyesight, general weakness, chest pain, loss of memory, excessive


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heart beat, uneasy feeling, leukemia, lymphosus and even alzheimer disease may result from use of cell phones;

14. Increase risk of cancer.

Effect of Radiation of Animals and on Environment

The 6 mobile phone companies have constructed 36,000 towers all over Bangladesh without

considering its possible harmful effects on animals or environment. The adverse effects of

radiation may lower the flying capacity of the birds or supply of food for the animals may be

reduced. Continuous emission of radiation may even lead to total extinction of some breed of

animals. Their natural immunity may reduce and their capability to stay alive may be affected.

Birds or other animals which can fly cannot endure radiation of 40,000 microwatt or more.

There is a gradual extinction of birds and insects from the cities. Also many species of trees th

are becoming extinct. Research conducted on rats has found that after the 5 generation, the

rats lose their capacity to reproduce. Bees are getting lesser in number. Eggs laid by birds fail

to produce kids.

Effect on Agriculture

Radiation is having its harmful effects on agricultural lands - seeds and saplings are dying and

crops are being damaged. There is a marked reduction in the production capacity of the

agricultural land adjacent to cell phone towers. Trees are being diseased, their growth is also

hampered. Fertility of the land is reduced and so production capacity is also hampered.

Neglect by the Authority

The natural growth of trees is being hampered due to presence of cell phone tower. Coconut

and nut production in Khulna and Barisal is going down. On the basis of complaint that cell

phone towers are producing radiation, in 2008, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory

Commission (BTRC) formed a Committee to experiment and recommend on the detrimental

effects of radiation on trees. Field research discovered that production capacity of trees and

plants situated near cell phone towers are reducing and black spots are seen on those and even

those plants are dying. BTRC commented that this is not a complete report and so mobile

towers cannot be blamed.

In a study in 2010 on Global System for Mobile (GSM) conducted on the effect of mobile

phone on health and environment of people of Bangladesh, it did not show the adverse effect

on health but it found out that many species of birds have become extinct due to construction

of cell phone towers in Dhaka city.

Cell phone towers have detrimental effects on big trees. This was found when a Report

published by Financial Express on December 15, 2012 on the adverse effects of radiation

from cell phone towers on trees in Bhairabpur village of Kamalpur Upazilla in Bhairab

district was released. Before construction of the mobile tower, there were 20/25 big coconut

trees. But after the tower was constructed, there are only 10/12 trees left which is producing

half of the original production capacity and the trees tend to shrink.

It is a matter of hope that people of Bangladesh are becoming gradually aware of the adverse

effects of invisible electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers.


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Measures to Prevent Radiation

The following measures may be undertaken to prevent harmful effects of radiation:

1. Issue guidelines to concerned quarters that microwave radiation should be reduced, every one should attempt to keep the level low;

2. To create awareness among the general public regarding the harmful effects of radiation from cell phones and towers;

3. Cell phone Towers and cell phone parts should be produced in such a way that radiation is transmitted at low level and only when it is required;

4. Children should be kept away from cell phone towers and cell phone should be kept out of reach of children;

5. Towers should not be constructed in and near a residential area;

6. Instructions regarding use of cell phone should be strictly adhered to and care must be taken while carrying a cell phone;

7. If land phone is available, use of cell phone may be avoided;

8. It is advisable to use SMS system or loud speaker installed in the system rather than placing the phone directly against the ear;

9. Electromagnetic radiation preventive paint may be used at home or windows should be covered with heavy curtain or glass panel;

10.Cell phone should not be used in cars rather it should be used in open spaces;

11. Cell phone should not be used with wet hair or while wearing metal spectacles;

12.To reduce the conversation as much as possible through cell phones.

The radiation being transmitted through cell phones and towers is a silent form of pollution

which may have severe adverse effects on human being and environment. We should try to

control the waves generated so that disaster can be avoided.


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Industrialization versus Death of River

In Bangladesh, the challenge is at present on industrialization versus environment. For

ensuring healthy environment, it is imperative to keep the environment and natural resources

pollution free and to curb industrial pollution is a big challenge. Although the major emphasis

is on rapid industrialization to ensure economic growth but the unplanned establishment of

factories and industries is polluting the cities which are becoming unfit for human being.

According to Ministry of Industries and Department of Environment, till June 2012, there are

approx. 1 lac industries in the country. Of these, there are 65,000 small and cottage industries

while 35,000 are medium and large industries. The medium and large industries are mainly

producing solid, liquid and gaseous waste products and high sound and vibration. The most

hazardous industries responsible for environment pollution include textile, dyeing, chemical

& chemical fertilizer, etc.

About 10,000 medium and large industries situated in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Tongi are

situated beside river. So, all the waste products are falling into those rivers and polluting

those. According to Ministry of Water Resources, there are 230 rivers in the country. 25 rivers

have become extinct due to encroachment and pollution and 174 rivers are being threatened.

Of those 174 rivers, 117 are almost extinct.

Industries & Factories of Dhaka and River Pollution

The rivers flowing besides the capital are facing terrible pollution. These include Buriganga,

Turag, Bangshi, Dhaleswari, Sitalakhya, Balu covering an area of 110 km. overall situation is

endangered environment, devastated living conditions. Poisonous waste products are

changing the colour of water of the rivers and gradually becoming poisonous and unfit for

human consumption. Due to this, almost 50 lac inhabitants located around Dhaka are

suffering from various diseases. Experts feel that if this contamination continues, the future

will be quite dangerous and environment will be polluted beyond repair. In three regions of

Dhaka city (Hazaribag, Tejgaon and DND), there are more than 7,000 factories and

industries. According Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) research report, everyday 0.5

million cubic meter waste products are being produced from households while 1.3 million

cubic meters are waste products from 7,000 industrial units. These industrial wastes are 60%

responsible for polluting rivers, canals, beel and other water bodies. Findings from a joint

study by World Bank and Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) shows there are more than 300

waste disposal outlets in 9 industrial zones namely Tongi, Hazaribag, Tejgaon, Tarabo,

Narayanganj, Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur and Ghorashal. Of these, maximum waste products

from housed industrial units flow through 19 outlets.


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The number of most contaminated industries according to Department of Environment is

shown in the table below:

The actual number is definitely much more. Among these, dying factory and tannery is most

responsible for pollution.

Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

ETP is a refining and recycling plant for treating waste products. According to Environment

Conservation Rules, 1997, every factory or industry must have their own ETP and no factory

or industry will be issued with Clearance Certificate from Department of Environment

without constructing ETP. Surprisingly, Department of Environment is not aware of the

number of industries which have ETP facility. The Caretaker Government issued order in

October 2007 that every industrial unit must construct ETP and the order was made

mandatory.

There are about 4,000 medium and large industries in Dhaka region and 3,000 in surrounding

locations. Most of these do not have ETP facility. So, waste products from these industries are

easily flowing into the nearby rivers.

Even if some of the industries have ETP, those are not being used. According to Department of

Environment, if a dyeing factory produces 1 ton cloth it generates 100 cubic meter of liquid

waste, which is equivalent to 1 lac liter water. Taka 300-400 is needed to refine 1 cubic meter

of waste products. The factory owners do not want to spend this money and so directly lets the

waste products flow into the adjacent rivers.

These are mainly due to lack of awareness among the general public and lack of effective

supervision by the concerned Government Department which is pushing people’s lives

towards death due to severe contamination and pollution. Even knowing fully that the water

of the rivers is poisonous people have to drink and use those as there is no other alternative

available to them.

Factory/Industry Number

Dyeing 363

Tannery 198

Pharmaceuticals 149

Workshop 129

Chemical and insecticides 118

Jute 92

Rubber and plastic 63

Food and sugar 38

Paper 10

Cement 5

Fertilizer 5

Liquid refinery 4


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Buriganga

The Buriganga river has become devastated due to pollution. Different types of waste products

including industrial waste products are every day flowing into the river. The Hon’ble High

Court passed a verdict on June 01, 2011 ordering the Chairman of Dhaka WASA that all

sewerage lines and waste products line connected to the Buriganga river must be shut down

within one year. Also it warned that stern action will be taken against those who will oppose the

move. But that was it. Pollution of Buriganga continues in an unabated manner. Every day, on

an average, more than 10,000 cubic meter waste products are directly being dumped into the

river. This includes 40,000 tons waste products from 250 tannery lanes in Hazaribag. Other

sources contribute 25,000 ton. In the river bed there is a deposit of 8 ft layer of polythene. An

alarming news of hospital wastes being deposited in Buriganga river is also alarming. About

62 types of chemical waste including antibiotic like amoxicillin, pencillin, ciprofloxin and

azyphromycin – all high dosage antibiotic are deposited in river Buriganga. Also, every day

thousands of liters of fuel, burnt mobil are being dumped into the river by several boats and

launches plying on the river. The waste products which are being dumped from industries are:

cyanide, mercury, carbon, acids of different types, lead, zinc, nickel, battery, dye, etc. In spite

of efforts by the Department of Environment, environment contamination cannot be

controlled. The persons who are convicted pay the fine and again start to dump wastes into the

rivers without paying any heed to the prevalent laws and regulations.

Turag

The famous Kohor Daria (Turag river) of Tongi is almost dead with pollution. Waste products

from several dyeing and dry washing factories mixes with the river water and contaminates

and makes the water more poisonous. The factories are Jaber & Jubayer of Noman Group,

Dhaka Dyeing, Hossain Dyeing & Washing Factory, etc.

Everyday waste from dyeing factory and chemical wastes from washing factory are falling

into Turag river and creating terrible smell. Although Department of Environment has served

notice and fined some factories, they are continuing to dump waste thereby polluting the river.

On April 11, 2012, Department of Environment imposed a fine of tk 21 lac on Pacific Fiber Corporation, a dyeing factory located in BSCIC Industrial Estate in Konabari, Gazipur on charges of contaminating water of the Turag river. This factory do not have any ETP and had been dumping wastes for the last six years.

Contaminated and polluted waste products from 250 dyeing, knitting, insecticide, tannery

and other factories of Kaliakoir, Konabari, Kashimpur and Kodda are being thrown into the

waters of Turag river and canals, beel, etc.

During high tide, every year waste water supply increases and flow through the 15 km canal

from Kodda Bridge to upstream of Turag river. This kills fish and other weeds in the water,

whereas government has declared Golachipa, Lalkharkum as permanent sanctuary for fishes.

Due to pollution from waste products of 28 textile mills and dyeing and spinning mills, the

affected villages are: Tenguri, Kabirpur, Baidgaon, Sugondhi, Koltasuti, Chhoner Tek,

Modhupur, Nayartek, Alokandi, Kaichabari, Dogortola, Banshbari, Nolam, Baipail, Sreepur,


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Chhitbari, Debdosha, Elailil, Khagan, Datta para, Kaltapur, Majidpur, Imandipur,

Khalashipara, Namagenda, Karnapara, Andopur, Kortar Tek, Goper Bari, Puran Bari,

Sadhapur, Gazaria and Kumarir Beel.

Sitalakhya/Dhaleswari

The industrial establishments which are established in Narayanganj includes dyeing factory,

board mill, oil refinery, hide processing, pulp and paper mills. The waste disposal lines of

these factories are directly connected to Sitalakhaya, Dhaleswari and Buriganga rivers. So,

waste materials from all these factories flow directly into the rivers mentioned above without

being treated. Although it is mandatory to construct ETP approx 7 crore taka is required.

Except a few large industries, more than 300 factories situated within 7 thanas of the district,

has not set up any ETP, due to high cost involvement. So, the water of all rivers flowing in and

around Narayanganj have been heavily contaminated with several kinds of waste products

from the industries and factories. The colour of the water has turned red and smells very bad.

Even after being processed in the water treatment plant, the water supplied is muddy and

contains bad smell. The water of channel river flowing from Bishnadi Bazar to Gopaldi Bazar

in Araihazar Upazilla of Narayanganj district has become polluted with waste products.

People who are using water from this channel is facing innumerable misery and sufferings.

Louhajang & Bangshai

Poisonous waste products from more than a hundred mills and factories located in Gorai of

Mirzapur upazilla is flowing into the nearby river, canal, drain, and polluting the

environment. Since most factories do not have effluent treatment plant, the water is getting

contaminated and fishes are dying in the rivers and canals. Especially, the water is highly

contaminated and poisonous in Sohagpara Khal, canal beside cadet college, beel and

Bongshai river. The surrounding environment is also polluted 3 to 4 lac people who lives in

and around the surrounding areas are facing health hazards.

Balu River

The water of Balu river is also becoming unfit for common use due to pollution. Many people

are suffering from skin disease. Padma Poly Cotton & Knit Fabrics Ltd was fined taka 10 lac

on December 04, 2012 on the charge of dumping poisonous liquid wastes in Balu river.

Meghna

When fishermen are throwing their nets in the river, there is no fish. But huge amount of dead

or half dead fish are seen floating along both banks of the river. Local residents have

complained that the industries shut down their ETP on every Thursday. They dump wastes in

the river on Friday (being a government holiday). So, many fishes die and local people

catches those dead fish to eat. Bashundhara Paper Mills Ltd. (unit-3) was fined 42 lac 80

thousand taka by Department of Environment. Situated in Gazaria of Munshiganj district, the

factory was inspected on October 17 and December 03, 2012 and found that even when an

ETP was established, they shut it down and dumped waste products directly into the river

Meghna.


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Karnaphuli

Karnaphuli river water has turned black due to pollution. Everyday, on an average, 2,000 ton

waste products are falling into the river. Waste materials from factories, from butchery,

powder from cement clinker, fuel from ship, and boats, liquid waste from house- all directly

falls into Karnaphuli river. 220 factories have been identified as hazardous including

Karnapuli Paper Mills, Rayon Mills, CUFL, Dye Super Phosphate, Eastern Refinery Ltd.

Padma Oil Co. Ltd., Meghna Oil Co. Ltd., Jamuna Oil Co. Ltd., Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd.,

Cement Factory. The river is also being polluted by waste products of tannery located in

Kalurghat. 90% factories situated between from Kalurghat and KEP area do not have ETP.

Only 10 % factories have ETP but 50 % of those keeps shut down because of the cost

associated with running the plants.

Due to the presence of Chittagong Port, on an average 2,000 foreign ships come into the

Karnaphuli river. Besides, every month about 1,500 ships plies on this river. While cleaning

and repairing the ships, metal products like zinc, lead, cadmium, soda, ash, gypsum etc. are

dropped into the river water. Also waste fuels are dumped from the ships. Arsenic content in

1976-1977 in the river water was found to be 5.06 ml while it has now come down to 3.02.

Due to continuous contamination of river water, fish and other animal species are gradually

becoming extinct. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has conducted

a survey and found that 54 species of fish has already become extinct from the river. At present

50 lac people live in Chittagong. Every day thousands of tons of liquid wastes are dumped

into Karnaphuli river by flowing through 24,000 open drain and 20 canals. If this trend

continues, Karnaphuli river is soon going to be a dead river, it is feared.

Titas

Everyday huge quantities of waste products are being thrown in Titas river in Homna of

Comilla. If this trend continues, soon there will be crisis of navigation, environment pollution

etc. Waste products including medical wastes are being dumped in the river near Homna

Municipal Market ghat, Shahabarighat, old Launch ghat, Barguna ghat, Ramkrishna ghat,

Akandapara ghat, Sri Mondi Ganguly ghat.

Modhumoti

The recently established 100 MW Peking Electrical Centre in Gopalganj has brought misery

to the people living on both banks of river Modhumati. Because of dumping of waste products

from fuel from the Centre to Haridaspur the water is becoming polluted. This is creating

problem in supplying water to Goplaganj Municipality. Furnace oil from the Electrical Centre

is straight away dumped into the river. This oil is seen floating over 20 km area - both in the

upstream and downstream of Faridpur. This oil mixed water is flowing through the irrigation

canals into the agricultural lands in Haridaspur, Malekha, Urki, Madhupur, Mahidah,

Chapail, Koiltoli, Satpara and Ulpur village. Farmers have complained that paddy plants in

40 bigha agricultural lands have died as water mixed with furnace oil was supplied through

the irrigation canals.


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Karotoa

Waste products from industries and factories and waste materials of 5 lac residents of Bogra is

being thrown every day in the Karotoa river. This is harming the normal flow of the river.

Waste materials from TMSS Medical College Hospital and waste and dirty water of BCL

Paper Mill is dumped into Karotoa. Waste products from Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical

College and adjacent factories flow through Bhadai canal in Shahjadpur. This is killing

snakes, frogs and fishes through pollution. Waste products from hundreds of processing mills

in Sirajganj, weaving factories in Shahjadpur, Pabna are polluting the waters of Karotoa river,

link canals, ponds, beel, water bodies, etc. Since many mills and factories including dyeing

mills, processing mills, weaver’s own houses been constructed in an unplanned manner and

there is no ETP or no means of removal of wastes, colour of water of Karotoa river and Rupai

canal in Shahjadpur has turned pale.

Khiru

Industrial wastes are threatening the existence of Khirnadi Bilaijuri canal, Morapura canal,

and 5 other canals and beel in Bhaluka. In the Khir river amount of cadmium, potassium and

sodium is much higher than the minimum acceptable level. The cadmium contamination has

resulted from the ceramic, glass and metal factories which have been established on the banks

of the river. Also amount of cadmium is very high in the mud. Fishes need 6.5 to 7 mg of

oxygen to survive, but the level of oxygen in the water of Khir river is 1.7 to 2.64 mg (per litre)

which is much less than the minimum level required for their survival.

The condition of canals lying adjacent to the river is precarious. Waste products from the

following factories and industrial units are falling directly into the 1 km. long Bilaijuri canal:

Nasir glass, SQ supply chain, SQ supply colour city, SQ holding, Cotton Thread, Pioneer

Sweater, Kamal Yarn, Ilsiv Textile, Arif Spinning, Crown, Akbar Cotton, Ideal Spinning,

Riser Chemical, Orchard Sweater, Advance Sweater, Howell Textile, etc. Waste products

with different colours, red, green, deep violet are mixing into the water. Also liquid wastes are

flowing into the canals through drains. These wastes (pitch black colour) are flowing into

Lauti canal through Bilaijuri canal and then flowing into Khir river.

Ichamati

Not only in the capital, rivers are being contaminated by factories in the mofussil towns also.

The waters of river Ichamati near Laskarpur in Pabna district is being polluted by chemical

wastes dispatched from a dyeing factory. Most of the river has already been occupied as a

dumping spot for chemical wastes. The remaining portion is being polluted by waste products

from the factories and posing threat to the human health.

Dangerous Effect of Contaminated Water

Fish

IUCN, an international organization involved in the protection of the environment, in 2000

concluded that out of 289 species of fish available in Bangladesh, 54 species are facing threat

of extinction. In the last 12 years, the situation has deteriorated further.


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In a recent study conducted by Fisheries Museum of Bangladesh Agricultural University, it

has been observed that the number of species of fish facing extinction has crossed the 100

level. 25 species have been extinct already. According to Directorate of Fisheries, while the

catch of fish in 1998-99 was more than 9 lac ton, after 12 years it has been reduced by 8,000

ton (Prothom Alo, September 27, 2012).

Due to factory wastes, the sanctuary for the fish is being heavily harmed. As most of the

factories do not have ETP, so harmful chemicals are easily mixing with water, polluting the

water and making it unfit for human consumption. In addition, heavy metals like copper, zinc,

cobult, etc are also being thrown in the water poisoning the fish feed.

Irrigation Projects

Even the irrigation projects are not spared. Waste matters are being thrown in the

Narayanganj, Narsingdi Irrigation Project, Agrani Irrigation Project, Rupganj Water

Reservation Project. These waste matters are flowing through the Irrigation Projects in the

rivers. There are more or less 500 small and big industries in Rupganj, a majority of which do

not have their own ETP, also they do not have Clearance Certificate from Department of

Environment. So, use of polluted water is damaging irrigation projects and thereby damaging

agriculture.

Agriculture

Waste products including liquid wastes dispatched from different industrial units are

damaging agriculture lands. For instance, productivity is decreasing in nearly 5,500 acres of

agriculture land situated in 35 villages of 7 unions of Savar municipal area. 5,000 acres of

fisheries and 2,000 acres water resources are also being destroyed. Due to liquid waste

products, nearly 10,000 farmers and their family members are affected adversely.

Health

Since dyeing units does not have functioning ETP, lacs of people are suffering from

diarrhoea, hepatitis, high blood pressure, urinary tract infection, kidney disease, skin disease

mainly due to use of contaminated water from industrial and chemical wastes. In some cases,

even after being treated, the water is not being fully germ free. So, people are falling sick by

use of this polluted and contaminated water.

Activities of Department of Environment

With a view to prevent industrial pollution, the Enforcement Section of Department of

Environment has taken many corrective steps but the perpetrators easily obtain bail from the

Hon’ble courts and also evade fines imposed by the Enforcement Section. Most of the

industrial establishment are violating provision of Environment Protection Act, 1995

On September 30, 2012, two industrial units, namely Pearls Paper and Board Mill and

Polymer Industries Ltd. were fined Taka 20 lac because they were dumping poisonous

waste products in Gazikhali river and Kalampur canal in Sreerampur of Dhamrai. It is

worthwhile mentioning here that during last one year, 11 crore liter liquid poisonous wastes

was dumped in the river.


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(revised 2002) and Environment Protection Rules, 1997 (revised 2002). Many factories are

being constructed without obtaining Clearance Certificate from the Department of

Environment and without taking preventive measures against pollution and contamination.

The Department of Environment has prepared a new list in 2012 of 300 new industrial units

which are severely realized fines worth Tk 2 crore 61 lac from 43 industrial establishment.

But still it is not having much effect.

Legal Notice Suspended instead of Implementation of law

The Department of Environment had originally fined the two units, situated in Narsingdi and

Narayanganj, nearly 3.5 crore taka. Department of Environment served Notice upon them to

install ETP. The two units did not set up ETP or obtain Clearance Certificate from Department

of Environment. Rather they applied to Ministry of Environment regarding the Notice served

on them. Ministry had quashed the Notice and the two factories are continuing to spill waste

products in the rivers, namely, Brahmaputra & Sitalakkhya. In 2010, government in

cognizance with an order of the Hon’ble High Court, has declared Sitalakhya river as an

environmentally sick river. So, no waste material can be thrown in the river and no

infrastructure shall be constructed on it. Violation of this order could lead to 3 to 10 years of

imprisonment.

This is how rivers are getting lost from our lives by being subject to pollution and

contamination.


Daily waste production ton/day

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Waste Management : Unhygienic Future

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization, production of waste materials have also

increased. Many developed countries like USA, Germany are transforming their industrial

waste into electricity, chemical fertilizer, etc. On the other hand, faulty waste management

hampers development and has a negative impact on the environment. For Bangladesh, proper

waste management is a critical issue as it has link to health hazard, environmental hazard as

well as financial implications and associated risks.

The majority of waste is generated from residential areas. Beside this, other major sources of

waste materials are markets, industries and factories, commercial organizations, hospitals

and medical installations.

Since 1990s, Waste Concern, a private concern, has been playing a very important role in

management of waste products in Bangladesh. From a study conducted by them in 2005, an

idea can be derived about the waste products in the urban sector.

City

Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

Khulna

Barisal

Sylhet

Pourashavas

Other city centers

Total

Rate of waste

production

0.56

0.48

0.30

0.29

0.25

0.30

0.25

0.15

Dry season

3,767.91

1,254.61

140.51

261.19

109.25

116.07

3,803.58

1,382.64

10,839.75

Wet season

5,501.14

1,837.57

205.15

381.34

159.51

169.46

5,553.22

2,018.66

15,826.04

Per day average

waste production

4,634.52

1,548.09

172.83

321.26

134.38

142.76

4,678.40

1,700.65

13,332.49

According to Waste Concern, the daily

waste production in the cities is 17,000

ton on an average where per head

waste production is 0.41 kg. There are

different types of wastes. Most waste

is produced from food items and

vegetables. Apart from these, paper,

plastic, hides and skin, metal products,

glass, ceramics, wood, thread,

medicines- also are responsible for

producing wastes. Due to abundance

of vegetables dur ing winter,

production of waste also increases

during winter.


Food & vegetables

Paper

Plastic products

Metal products

Glass & ceramic

Wood/leaves

Paper/Fibre

Medicine related

Others

2%1%

1% 4%0%

9%

5%

10%

68%

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Among the waste products, most risky waste is disaster prone waste products. Department of

Environment says that disaster prone waste products are increasing continuously. Pesticide

manufacturing company, textile mills, dyeing factories, plastic industries, chemical factories

and pharmaceutical companies are producing this type of waste products. Another major

source are the hospitals and medical centers. Besides, liquid wastes, agriculture wastes are

also responsible for environment and health hazards. Several targets were set under Agenda

21 of the United Nations Environment and Development Conference held in Rio de Janerio of

Brazil in 1992:

� Every member country will install waste disposition and management techniques by 2000 and observe the environmental hazards arising from production of waste.

� By 2025, developed nations will ensure that at least most of the liquid waste, solid waste products are disposed in light of national and international rules and regulations.

Hospital Wastes/Medical Wastes

Thousands of medical centers have been set up to provide medical treatment to the suffering

people. But most of these have been set up illegally in the residential areas. This was found out

during a survey conducted by BCAS on ‘Environmental Management of Hospitals’. Usually

medical wastes are those wastes which result from daily operation of the hospitals. These

waste products are not categorized and all types of waste products are dumped together in the

dustbins. So, the germs of different diseases flow through the air and water and poses serious

hygienic problem and health hazard.

According to Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1997, due to their damaging role,

hospitals and clinics have been categorized as Red and Pathological Centers as range B

category. The reason for this categorization is the spread of different types of disease from

medical waste products. Experts say that 18 to 20% of hospital wastes produce types of virus

and bacteria which are harmful to human health, mainly because these disposal of these waste

products is not managed properly.


Type

Liquid waste

• Organic waste

• Expired date waste

• Chemically reactive waste

Solid waste

• Pointed and sharp waste

• Not pointed and not sharp waste

Example

Blood, abscess, and other types of human liquid waste.

Wastes after pathological test and medicines

whose date has expired.

Waste developed due to chemical reaction (for

example, iozine 125.131 etc).

Needle, syringe, blade, broken glass, scissors, vial,

imputed parts of body, expired date medicine,

gauze, cotton, bandage, saline bag, post-operative

instruments, etc.

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Survey conducted by various NGOs like BRAC, Prodipon found that used saline bag,

syringe, blood bag, surgical instruments are re-sold in the smuggled markets. If these

materials are reused there is every possibility of contracting with AIDS, Hepatitis B and

Hepatitis C, Meningitis etc.

A particular proportion of the poor people earn their livelihood by gathering different types of

waste products and by selling those. Since hospital wastes fetch a good price, these young

kids have a tendency to collect more of those. Unknowingly they became contaminated and

pose serious health hazard in the long run. They are unaware about the harmful effects of

hospital wastes and so indulge in collecting more of those waste products.

Normally the profit earning tendency of the hospital authorities and irresponsible behaviour

leads to problems with hospital wastes. None of the hospitals has scientific system of waste

management. Staff is not trained in different types of waste disposal. Even in many hospitals,

waste products are burnt due to absence of incinerator machine. This is more serious because

these produce carbon dioxide gas which may even lead to cancer.

If we want to save ourselves from disaster from hospital wastes, it is imperative to have a

functioning and modernized waste management system. In USA, in 1970 the first step was

taken to introduce the system of waste management. This means collection of waste,

disinfection, preservation, separation and transportation. At the point of production, firstly

dangerous and safe waste products must be separated from each other and preserved in a

specific place. Then these must be transported carefully and disinfection has to be done. This

disinfection can be made by autoclave method, chemical or plasma method, incineration or

burying underground, etc.

Since incineration method is quite expensive, it may not be possible to establish one singly. A

few medical centers or hospitals in the same area may jointly install an incineration plant so

that all of their medical wastes may be treated there.

Plasma plus is a much modernized method of waste management. By establishing only one

such plant all sorts of waste products of whole of Dhaka can be treated. But this is an

extremely costly affair. Also each plant needs several highly qualified and experienced

operators to run such a plant effectively and professionally which is absent in our country.

Name

Staphylococcus

Streptococcus

Pneumococcas

Salmonella

Canzida

Fibro coleri

HIV

Nature

Bacterial disease

Bacterial disease

Viral disease

Sickness

Skin disease, injury, infection, food poisoning

Infection of the lunge, rheumatic fever,

hemorrhagic fever

Pneumonia

Typhoid, Paratyphoid

Cholera

Cholera

AIDS (infected and disposed needles, blade or

blood use may cause AIDS).


A list stating names of some disease produced from medical wastes:

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Rather, the steps taken and method used by Prodipon in 1997 is a very suitable method of

waste management. Under this method, waste products are collected in a transport van. Inside

the van there are separate chambers to keep different types of waste products. These are

carried to a dump site far away and buried underground.

At present, there is only one organization named Prism Bangladesh which is engaged in waste

management and disposal in Dhaka. It is situated in Dhanmondi. Their dumping site is

located at Matuail, near Jatrabari.

Beside this, they have branches at Chittagong, Jessore and Khulna. They work on the basis of

contractual agreement and at present are engaged with nearly 200 medical centers. They

ensure waste disposal through incineration and burying underground methods. Besides

taking effective steps, it is imperative to implement prevalent rules and regulations of waste

disposal and management otherwise it will soon turn into a disaster. So, beside government

initiative, private entrepreneurs must also come up and engage themselves in assisting

government in management of waste products. In addition, general public must be made

aware through advertisement, publicity, awareness campaign, etc. Then we can have a

pollution free Bangladesh.

Production of Electricity from Waste Products

One of the important and vexing problem in Bangladesh is waste management. With the ever

increasing growth of population, waste production is also rapidly increasing. So, people are

becoming more susceptible to various kinds of health hazards.

In Dhaka, approx. 5,000 ton waste is being produced everyday and there is problem with

management of such huge quantity of waste regularly. Although 90% can be burnt but this

will generate harmful gas in the air. Specially burning of lead, mercury, calcium, plastic or

polythene products produces poisonous smoke. One of the modern methods of waste

management is the method of recycling and reuse. Producing bio-gas or electricity from

waste products is an environment friendly method. In many developed countries this method

is being successfully implemented as an environment friendly method and also a revenue

generating method.

For the first time in Bangladesh, a project has been launched by Management Environment

Finance SEL, a Italy-based organization, to generate electricity from municipal wastes. Two-

electrical sub-stations will be constructed at Jatrabari and Amin Bazar at an estimated project

cost of 300 million US Dollars. By recycling wastes from Dhaka City Corporation 50 MW

electricity will be produced and this will be added to the national grid. Govt. will purchase the

electricity so produced at Tk. 8.75 per kilowatt. The project will be implemented in three

stages in three years after signing of formal agreement with Bangladesh Government.

At present many government and non-government organizations are preserving household

waste products and producing compost fertilizers and selling those. But these ventures are

quite inadequate compared to the instruments required to undertake similar heavy projects to

challenge this vexing problem. Bangladesh government has set a target of producing

electricity by recycling method of waste products and it will produce 10% electricity by 2015.


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Simultaneously, another project is going to be implemented at the initiative of Ministry of

Local Government and Rural Development. 50 megawatt electricity will be produced

through this project. 60% of the waste produced in the cities is organic waste. So, after the

installation of a bio-gas plant in Matuail under this project, a similar bio-gas plant will also be

set up in Amin Bazar. The other wastes will be used as organic fertilizer. One of the project

personnel said that if this project becomes successful in Dhaka, similar projects will be

undertaken in Chittagong and Khulna City Corporation. These projects will aid in solving

electrical problem to some extent. Further, if these projects become really successful, it will

usher a new era of development in waste management and waste disposal.


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Sufferings from Tannery

Tannery has been one of the most prospective industries in Bangladesh. During the last

decade the earning from tannery has increased on an average by US Dollar 41 million every

year. The tanneries have exported leather and leather goods worth 663 million US Dollars

from June 2011 to July 2012. Bangladesh exports leather and leather goods to 70 countries in

the world including China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States

of America.

Although it is an ever growing industry but due to unplanned management of this industry

people are being harmed due to pollution from solid and liquid wastes from the tanneries.

Hazaribag Tannery

Almost 90 to 95% tanneries in Bangladesh are located in Hazaribag. There are between 200

and 250 factories both small and large. However, according to Human Rights Watch there are

150 tanneries while BSCIC (Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation) puts the

figure at 194. About 12,000 workers are employed full time. Immediately after Eid-ul-Azha

for about 2/3 months, during the seasonal employment, number of workers rise to 15,000.

These tanneries are polluting the air, water and earth unabatedly. As a result, due to this

incessant pollution, the local residents mostly remain sick, child labourers are being engaged

into factories to perform risky and hazardous jobs against a meager wage.

Pollution from Tannery

The chemical wastes from tanneries are polluting the environment seriously. The chemicals

used for processing the hides include: sulphuric acid, chromium, sodium chloride, sodium

sulphide, sodium mataboisulphate, forsic acid, formaldehyde, azocholorants,

pentachlorophenol – these are harmful to human beings. Beside this, the waste products from

tanneries include biochemical oxygen, chemical oxygen, alkalinity, chloride, oil and grease –

which are also harmful. The BSCIC study states that every day the tanneries are producing

15,000 cubic meter liquid wastes which are harmful for the environment. Further, due to the

poisonous chemical gas produced from the tanneries, furniture made of iron, metal, tins,

aluminum utensils are being damaged.

Polluted & Affected Areas

Air and water are mixed with poisonous materials produced by the tanneries. So, all the

50,000 workers associated with this trade directly or indirectly are affected by this silent killer

of these approx. 40,000 workers are directly affected. Although the main processing zones are

located in Hazaribagh and Lalbagh, but the poison is spreading in Rayer Bazar, Jhikatola and

Dhanmondi. About 20 lac people living in 10 km. area are directly or indirectly affected.

There is no plant to measure or control the pollution from the waste products in the area.

According to local residents, during earlier days when the western side of Buriganga was

connected with Hazaribagh, the waste products would directly be deposited in the Buriganga

river. Since the flood protection embankment was constructed in 1988, these waste products

falls into river Buriganga, here residential plots and 20 slums are accommodated. Due to


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pollution, the workers are already being affected by skin cancer, tuberculosis, chest pain,

hepatitis, asthma, among other diseases. Not only human being, these poisonous waste

products are also adversely affecting the fish resources.

Management in Extraction of Waste Products

Due to absence of adequate methods of extraction, many chemical waste products are deposited on the factory floor. These chemical wastes coupled with unclean dirt and polluted water are thrown on the roads and drains around, then ultimately flow along small rivulets and mixes with the river Buriganga. The waste products from tanneries have long surpassed the maximum acceptable amount of lead content in waste products. In some cases, this rate is thousand times more than the acceptable level.

People living in narrow lanes and by-lanes have complained about their deteriorating health condition. The water containing black polluted products from the tanneries are extracted at a great speed, this then flow through the drains and bad odour fills the air around. The local residents said that since there is no supervision from the government agencies they are not aware about the extent of pollution through which they are passing their days.

Health Problem

To live in a healthy natural environment is also part of right to health. It is necessary to

mitigate the risks associated with consumption of unsafe drinking water. Past and present

workers who are associated with tanneries suffer from various health related problems, such

as, blisters, early degeneration of the body, discoloration of skin, skin disease, rash, acid burnt

Map: Areas affected by pollution from tannery (source: Human Rights Watch)


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skin, finger, body ache, turning of head, amputate parts of body, etc. A study conducted by an

NGO named SEHD has found that 89.3% out of every 1,000 workers suffer from various

physical ailments like tuberculosis, chest pain, hepatitis, fever, dysentery, asthma, cough and

cold, rheumatic fever, hypertension, etc.

Workers who are regularly working in the tanneries are more prone towards cancer. Also due

to regular working in the tannery and coming in contact with different chemical mixtures or

components, these labourers develop skin disease and many other health problems, like

asthma. The skin easily comes into contact while measuring chemicals and compounds,

pouring chemical in the hides or handling hides while processing. Some chemicals may

became hazardous to health within a very short time, for example, sulphuric acid and sodium

sulphide. These acids can easily burn body cells, retina of the eye, skin and even trachea.

Formaldehyde, azocolorants, pentachlorophenol etc. are confirmed chemicals likely to lead

to cancer.

River Pollution

Due to absence of proper drainage in most of the factories, on an average, 100 MT waste

products are thrown into the rivers every day. 22,000 cubic meter falling in the river

Buriganga is definitely polluting the river and also people using the river water is suffering

from different types of skin diseases. According to BAPA, Buriganga is now almost a dead

river with tannery wastes. 60% pollution of the river is from tannery wastes. These are also

polluting the underground water. As these waste products are mixing with drinking water,

people are being affected by diarrhoea, high blood pressure, urine infection, kidney diseases,

skin diseases, cancer.

Air Pollution

The air around the area is filled with smoke and poisonous gas and terrible bad odour all the

time. Waste products from hides are burnt as fuel and the terrible smell has to be consumed by

the local residents. People are affected by trachea and suffer from breathing problem.

Poisoned from Tannery in Food Stuff Also

Fish and poultry feed are being produced from brain and poisonous waste products of hides.

These chemicals are transmitted into the human body through fish and poultry consumption.

High level of chromium and lead is found in eggs laid by chicken. If these chromium and lead

contains deposits in human body at more than the acceptable level then child bearing

capability of women may be affected including liver, kidney, head and nervous system may

become paralyzed.

Safety Hazards

In many factory, safety appliances like gloves, mask, boot and apron are not available. Some

tanneries supply these but not in adequate quantity. There is no provision of training for the

tannery workers. Many serious accidents occur while working with old instruments.

According to Human Rights Watch, safety of the workers is the most neglected area. 90%

workers working in Hazaribag areas come in contact with poisonous chemicals and

sometimes work under extremely hazardous conditions.


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Violation of Rights of Workers

Workers’ rights are being violated in many ways in the tanneries. In most cases, there is no

appointment letter given to the workers. Some of the tannery owners even do not recognize

the legally accepted rights of the workers. For example, right to sick leave with pay, right to

compensation due to injury or illness, right to healthy work environment, etc. Another major

violation is that female workers are paid less money than male workers. Many tanneries are

situated in Hazaribagh amidst heated environment not favourable for working. There is no

provision of exhaust fan to pump the polluted air from the factory. Workers has to work under

such unfavourable working conditions which tantamount to violation of labour law and rights

of workers.

Shifting of the Tanneries

According to a Rule passed by the High Court in 2001, a project work started to shift the

tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar from 2003. During the last 9 years, only extension of

project period has been effected. Although plots have been identified to shift the tanneries,

there is no progress in that direction.

Two major organizations related to tannery came into an agreement with the government in

2003 that the tannery industry would be shifted to a different location. The government also

agreed to bear part of the compensation due to this shifting. This shifting was supposed to be

completed by December, 2005. But there were several appeals made to the Hon’ble High

Court to extend the time period for completion, on different pleas. Hon’ble High Court,

through an order in 2009, asked the government to ensure shifting of the tanneries or to close

them permanently. On the basis of this order, the time for completion was extended till June,

2010 and again the time was extended till June, 2012. But till writing of this report, this has not

been done.

Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP)

If the tannery industry is to be made an environment friendly industry, then it is imperative to

construct a Central Effluent Treatment Plant or CETP. If such a plant can be established, then

the waste products of tannery will be recycled and treated. This will be a revolutionary

measure and will solve the environmental and health hazards related to the waste products

disposal.

Failure to Implement Laws

The concerned authority is not supervising the pollution of water, air and earth in Hazaribagh

on the excuse that, “since these will be shifted, what is the use of supervision and wasting

time”. On the same plea, the owners are not adhering to the instructions from the government.

As a result the pollution is increasing day by day.

No legal action or fine is imposed on the tannery owners as they are dumping untreated waste

products. Although the Inspectors sometime visit the factories, no tannery owner has till now

faced any Labour Court or has been punished for their offence. The instruction or order of the

High Court is also not being followed on the plea of extension of time needed for shifting.


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Absence of Necessary and Adequate Monitoring

A strong monitoring system should be established to monitor that the tanneries in Hazaribagh

are managed as per prevailing laws and they adhere strictly to the government directives.

Simultaneously, application of the prevailing labour laws and workers’ rights should also be

ensured. There are only 18 Inspectors to inspect more than 1 lac factories and industries in

Dhaka. So, it is quite impossible to ensure whether the tannery owners in Hazaribagh are

adhering to government directives, mainly due to lack of manpower and resources. The only

18 Inspectors are not able to monitor so many industrial establishments.

Solutions

� All the tanneries situated at Hazaribagh should be shifted outside Dhaka by preparing a well-coordinated work plan which would be environment friendly and appropriate.

� Rights of workers must be given top priority and ensuring proper implementation of labour laws.

� According to Bangladesh Environment Protection Act (1995) and Environment Protection Rules (1997), tanneries are categorized. Steps must be taken to ensure that all shifted tanneries must follow government directives. Those marked as “red” and which produces maximum pollution, must obtain clearance certificate from Department of Environment and if they do not, these factories should be shut down permanently.

� To impose more punishment or fine for the offences stated below:

• to be the cause of death, physical loss or any type of harm to the labourers;

• not to employ any child or young boys or girls in any hazardous job;

• any offence which violates any law;

• undertake regular monitoring works and take punitive measures against those factories which produce more wastes or produces more chemical wastes.

� To replace the top soil of the places which have been contaminated by huge waste from the tanneries and clear the drains jammed with waste products and then to place new soil which is not polluted.

� To make the residents of Hazaribagh aware about the environmental pollution, about its detrimental effects on the public health and its resultant harmful effects.


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City Life & Junk Food

Fast food is the food which can be prepared very easily and within the shortest possible time.

People are becoming allured easily towards these unhealthy fast food with a view to save

time. However, even fast food may become hygienic if those contain healthy ingredients and

those are prepared hygienically. But, in order to make those tasty and crispy, additional fat,

chemicals and sweetening materials are being used. These are injurious to health and lacks

nutritional value. People are eating junk food, namely, burger, sandwich, pastry, cold drinks

while they should be actually eating different kinds of salad, boiled vegetables.

People are being allured by colourful advertisements on different fast food items due to lack

of awareness about the detrimental effects that is accompanied with consumption of fast food.

Although the nutritional value of these items is minimal, these are becoming popular as those

are easy to prepare, easily available, tasty and within buying capacity of general public.

Element of Junk Food

The first and primary need for survival is food. Balanced food with proper nutritional value

keeps us healthy and energetic. A person cannot remain healthy if he cannot take a balanced

diet containing vitamin, mineral, protein, calcium in correct proportion. Junk food is such a

food which has no nutritional content; rather it contains additional fat, sodium and other

harmful chemical.

An analysis of different ingredients in some junk food shows-

• 10 pieces chicken nuggets- 470 calorie – containing 33 gm. fat and 950 mg. sodium

• 1 small pizza – 700 calorie – containing 33 gm. fat and 1533 mg. sodium

• 1 sandwich – 410 calorie – containing 37 gm. fat and 800 mg. sodium

Effect of Junk Food

People who take too much junk food usually suffer from headache, depression, anxiety, etc.

While there is absence of vitamin, protein and minerals in fast food there is excess of sodium and

other harmful materials. So, it creates several health complicacies including diabetes, inadequate

blood flow through the veins, weakness of the bones and fatigue. It results in improper

functioning of the body and gives rise to liver and kidney diseases beside obesity and ulcer.

• The chemical used to preserve these junk food may make people hyper active.

• The processed chicken or meat gives rise to loss of memory.

• Junk food and cold drinks increase the level of blood sugar. So, there is a possibility of being attacked by diabetes. This may also affect the kidney and even normal functioning of the heart.

• Excessive fat content in junk foods increases the cholesterol level in blood and may create heart complications.

• High level of salt present in junk food. As to adding different flavour, sodium and carbonium are used in preparation of junk food, people taking those may suffer from hypertension.


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• Since most junk foods are prepared in microwave, there is possibility of cancer.

Influence of Children

Children are becoming easily attracted towards junk food due to the taste of those food. This

is becoming uncontrollable. Guardians are taking their children to fast food shops to feed

them out of affection, but in fact this is the beginning of their health problems. If any children

take fast food thrice weekly on an average, then they are likely to have asthma and eczema.

Children who regularly takes junk food has more chance of being attacked by asthma.

Children do not want to take other food as junk foods have nice taste and flavour. Children

also lack in nutrition because they do not take fresh fruits and vegetables which contain

proper nutritional value. So, children gradually become anemic and lazy. Their immunity

becomes less. Lack of calcium is harmful for bone and teeth.

Effect on Women

Too much intake of junk food may cause problem in women and their private parts (uterus)

may become affected. Intake of excessive fat through junk food may become affected. Intake

of excessive fat through junk food may lead to obesity and also women may become sterile. If

a pregnant woman takes junk food regularly then the baby inside may be attacked by diabetes

or high cholesterol. Also the child may be born with mental and physical disability.

Solution

• Avoid taking junk food totally;

• To keep these food in daily consumption list which will help stay healthy and which contains indispensable ingredients;

• To take more fruits and vegetables;

• To avoid cold drinks and to take more safe water;

• To make cooking tasty by using natural minerals having adequate and proper nutritional value;

• To make children habituated with hygienic and nutritious food by avoiding junk food.

Busy people are not aware that fast food may gradually lead to death. They do not have time to

spend on taking hygienic and nutritious food. But it is definitely possible and desirable that

people should try to stay away from junk food as much as possible and stay healthy.


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Road Accident

In spite of several discussions, seminar, processions, human chain, debates on road accidents

and how to prevent road accidents, the number of incidents continue to rise. When people go

out of their homes, they are always at the fear of becoming victim of accident. To face this

challenge, everyone must build up awareness from their own stand point and try to build

resistance to the causes of accident.

Accidental deaths are always increasing. According to government statistics, the number of

deaths in the last 10 years is 34,918 persons. On an average, every year 3,492 persons die due

to road accidents. This figure is based on the records of numbers of incidents reported at the

police stations only. But according to non-government statistics, the number of deaths per

year is 20,034. Everyday approx. 55 persons die (source: The Daily Ittefaq, January 11, 2012)

Every year, on an average, 4,500 road accidents take place. In 80% cases, there have been

some cases of death. The serious accidents occur 38% from bus and minibus and 30% from

trucks. Financial loss due to accidents per year is approx. 5,000 crore taka. These information

were shared at a Seminar on October 14, 2012 on ‘Safe Roads and Traffic Safety: Planning,

Designing and Operational Considerations.’

Some Well Discussed Road Accidents in 2012

• Journalist Dinesh Das was killed on January 08 due to collision with bus while he was driving his motorcycle.

• A passenger bus fell on the roadside ditch in Thanchi Upazilla in Bandarban on January 14. Seventeen persons died and 26 were injured. The accident occurred at Shiter Chiri, 85 kms. East of the district Sadar.

• On February 24, 18 persons were killed at Pantaparra in Kalkini Upazilla of Madaripur district.

• A student of Dhaka University was hit by a bus and was killed near Shahbag on April 29.

• A passenger bus was skidded off the road due to break failure and fell in to the roadside ditch. The accident occurred at Ullapara of Sirajganj on May 23 and 10 persons were killed and 30 persons were injured.

• In a tragic accident which took place near Rajendrapur in Keraniganj on the Dhaka – Mawa highway on May 30 when a passenger bus collided head –on with a microbus. Twelve persons, including 9 of the same family died.

• An accident occurred on October 05 when a bus and microbus collided head on at Tetli of South Surma Upazilla on the Dhaka –Sylhet highway. The accident took lives of 13 passengers of the microbus and 15 passengers of the bus were injured.

• On October 28, at night, a bus hit the railing of a bridge as it was going from Dhaka to Madarganj in Jamalpur. The accident occurred on the Parbhanga Bridge of Dhopakandi Union of Dhanbari. The bus broke the railing and fell in a ditch 30ft. below. 12 persons died and 35 were injured.


Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Total

No. of accident

71

82

103

208

171

159

174

232

150

206

171

199

1926

No. of injured

422

256

441

419

437

389

409

809

308

446

548

473

5357

Children

83

153

173

31

36

20

38

64

31

46

38

42

755

Women

34

31

37

30

27

21

26

45

22

36

32

27

368

Men

145

117

141

181

183

153

159

187

135

190

149

180

1920

Unknown

10

9

11

14

13

11

8

17

9

6

6

17

131

Total no.

of deaths

272

310

360

256

259

205

231

313

197

278

225

266

3174

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57

Road Accident in Dhaka City

In Dhaka city, number of accidents has increased. This is mainly due to unawareness of the

pedestrians, faulty cars, unskilled and under age drivers, not adhering to traffic signals,

punishments not given to defaulters, etc. In 2012, in Dhaka alone there were 211 cases of road

accident, 315 died and 174 were injured (source : daily newspapers).

The Road Accident Research Institute of BUET has identified 51 points in Dhaka city as

accident prone areas. The most risky points are Jatrabari, SAARC fountain, Bijoy Sarani,

Jasimuddin Road Crossing, Shahbagh, Sayedabad, GPO moar, Press club, Agargaon and

Abdullahpur. The main causes of accident at these points are not using flyover, underpass,

footpath and not following the traffic signals properly.

Dilapidated Condition of the Roads

In our country, 3,492 km of highway and 4,268 km of regional roads have long become unfit

for use. Everyday some sort of accident takes place in any of these 8,000 km roads.

Except for the main roads and some roads in the posh residential areas, most of the 2,289 km.

roads are in a precarious and hazardous condition. According to Dhaka City Corporation

(North) and Dhaka City Corporation (South), there is a demand from different zoned to repair

85% of the roads in the city. That is, 1,945 km road needs repair and reconstruction. For some

of the city roads, fund is provided for repair on a number of occasions. The contractor take

money but does not do a complete work. They repair in such a way that within a short time it is

again damaged and they can repair it again . Since the roads are not properly repaired, those

are frequently causing suffering to the common people.

No. of dead persons

Source from Roads and Highways Department confirmed that construction and repair of 18

km road from Kalampur to Saturia and Balia in Dhamrai upazilla started quite some time

ago but it has not yet been finished.


Number of death and injured in road accident in 2012:

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58

Footpaths is Not for Pedestrians

Paribesh Bachao Andolan (PABA) and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) has undertaken

a study and found that 90% of Dhaka’s 163 km footpath is under control of others and not

pedestrians. So, most of the persons who die or are injured in accident in Dhaka city are

pedestrians. Since there is not much of free space on the footpaths, pedestrians are forced to

walk on the main roads. In some cases, even cars are parked on the footpaths. Beside this, the

footpaths are mostly occupied by hawkers, dustbin, construction materials, beam of flyover,

broken manhole, goods of various shops, etc. Even at times, motorcycle owners ride their

motorcycles on the footpath to avoid traffic jam.

Majority portion of footpaths in Mothijheel, Purana Paltan, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate,

Mohakhali, Dhanmondi, Gulshan and Kakrail are occupied by parking cars. Many end of foot

over bridge are connected to the footpath, so the space for walking has become narrow. The

staircase of foot over bridge in New Market has occupied most portion of the footpath while

hawkers have also occupied majority portion. Similar scene can be seen in Kalyanpur, Mirpur

and Bangla Motor. In Bangla Motor, motor workshops have occupied the entire footpath. In

some places, bus counter, markets are placed on the footpath. Also, some footpath is being

used as public toilet and creating health hazards and bad smell.

Above all, the footpath in Shahbagh, Nilkhet, New Market, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar,

Farmgate, Shaymoli, Mirpur, Press Club, Paltan, Gulistan, Syedabad, Jatrabari, Khilgoan,

Rampura, Badda, Mouchak are dispossessed since a long time. As the pedestrians cannot use the

footpaths, they have to take risk and have to use the main roads for walking or crossing the roads.

Inadequate Number of Over Bridge and Underpass and Installation at Wrong Place

One of the most important intersections of Dhaka is the Shahbagh crossing. Nine roads meet

at this point, all types of high speed vehicles move through this point. Since there is no over

bridge and under pass, many accidents take place regularly. In the last few years 9 persons

were killed including 4 students of Dhaka University.

In many other places, like Shahbagh, adequate number of foot over bridge or underpass is

absent. Also, in certain places, the foot over bridge is far from the road crossing. So, many

people do not use those. According to Accident Research Institute, 58% die while crossing the

roads. Since in many places movement of rickshaw has been restricted, so people have to get

down at quite a distance, cross the road and then get up on another rickshaw. In these cases

also accidents happen.

Zebra Crossing

Most of the traffic signals in Dhaka city are not working. People do not bother about zebra

crossing even if it is there. But nearly 15% citizens including children, elderly people, and

patients are not able physically to climb the foot over bridges. For these people, zebra

crossing is a must but there is no step taken to implement these. Several serious accidents

therefore occur every now and then.

Overtaking

The tendency of drivers to overtake is the main cause for many accidents. In a study


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59

conducted by the Institute of Social Welfare & Research it has been revealed that 50%

accidents occur while overtaking. The buses which ply on the roads and highways have a

tendency to overtake each other and thus cause accidents. According to police, 2 out of every

3 major accidents in the city is causes by dangerous overtaking.

Reckless Motorcycle Driving

At present, reckless driving of motorcycles has become an order of the day. Motorcyclists now

are driving in the most irresponsible manner; getting over the footpath is habit for them. They

do not bother for the pedestrians. There are standing rules that more than 2 passengers are not

allowed to ride a motorcycle but even 3 or 4 persons are at times seen riding on one motorcycle.

Also rules say that all motorcycle passengers must wear helmet but this is also not followed. In

some cases, motorcyclists are seen racing and this is extremely dangerous for the pedestrians.

No Provision of Separate Lane for Small & Big Vehicles

There are many attempts to build separate lanes for small and big vehicles on the main road. In

some roads where rickshaw movement is restricted, the rickshaw pullers pay 2 or 5 taka and

cross the signals (for example, Bangla Motor crossing). This mixing of vehicles on the road

also causes accidents.

Fake License

According to government statistics, at present 5 lac drivers do not have driving license or

training. On the other hand, out of 10 lac who has valid driving license, 5% has got the license

without undergoing any test. Corrupt officials have issued these licenses. First hand

knowledge shows that the procedure is there. Examination scripts are issued and without

writing any thing the scripts are taken away. ‘To appear is enough to pass the driving test. If

you pay good money, you get the license, so why waste time to take the test’. This is how

unskilled persons are being issued with driving license and are being given permission to

commit accidents.

Rail Crossing

In Dhaka city, several makeshift markets operates on the

railway tracks. When train approaches, the traders move

away and again sit with their commodities as soon as the

train passes. This scene is common in Moghbazar and on

the rail crossing under Khilgoan fly over. At the rail

crossing points, there are not adequate numbers of

gateman; even those who are there do not perform their

duties properly.

It is common scenario that a train is approaching; red

light is on along with sounds of signal, level crossings have been put down but still people try

to cross the rail lines taking full risk.

Lack of Awareness among Common People

The major cause for any accident is the lack of awareness of the person affected. With the

growth of population, movement of people on the road has increased manifold. Many people

According to Joydebpur Railway

authority, the distance from

Joydebpur to Bangabandhu

Multipurpose Bridge is 90 km.

There are gateman in only 22

level crossings while 59 level

crossings do not have any

designated gateman.


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60

try to cross busy roads even when there is foot over bridge, footpath or underpass. Even after

seeing a train approaching, people try to cross over. If they are just a bit more aware and

careful and do not take risk, the number of accidents can be reduced significantly.

Non- functioning of Accident Prevention Programmes

A research conducted by Transport Research Laboratory of the United States of America

reveals that from the causalities in road accidents every year, there is a loss of approx. 4,000

crore taka worth of resources which is equivalent to 1.5% of our GDP. Even if the authorities

try to take action immediately after an occurrence, the endeavor gradually dies down with

time. This is how the accident prevention activities are going on. If we compare the incidents

of 2009-2010 and 2011 reported in the Disaster Year Report and compare with incidents in

2012, the whole scenario will become crystal clear.

Training on Traffic Rules & Signals

Although there was a recommendation to assess whether drivers have any knowledge about

traffic rules and signals and whether these are followed in practice this has been implemented.

It was also recommended for separate training institutes for drivers, allowing them

scholarships and to ensure that drivers must pass S.S.C examination at a minimum. There

were several letters going to and from BRTA and Ministry of Education for over a year but no

course curriculum was finalized, no course was conducted for the drivers.

� Issuing of license: No steps were taken to stop issuance of fake license rather it was

claimed that everyone who applied for a license was issued with a license.

� Investigation and judgment: Every major accident is followed by constituting an

enquiry committee. Committee submits its recommendation speedily but those are not

implemented. The accused person is very soon released on bail petition of his master or

owner.

� Not obeying traffic rules: Many drivers do not obey traffic rules and drive vehicles on

the wrong side. Since there is no proper implementation of traffic rules, this is

becoming a regular feature. Especially cars belonging to Ministers, Members of

Parliament or Police vehicles take the wrong side of the road due to traffic congestion.

� Talking on the mobile phone while driving: Forty one students died in a terrible road

accident in Mirersarai as the driver was busy talking on his mobile phone. At that time the

enquiry committee strongly recommended “No talking on mobile phone during driving”

and “No passengers can be carried on trucks”. But it was not implemented later on.

� Problem with vehicles: Although the bumpers which are fit with cars or the angles fit

along the body of the trucks is prohibited, there has been effective measures taken in

this regard.

� Formulation of speed guard or governor cell: In its order passed in March of 2008,

the Hon’ble High Court ordered that by 2009 speed controlling governor cell or speed

guard must be installed in all bus, minibus, truck engine but even in 2012 it has not

been implemented.

� Blind farming: Although necessary measures were to be taken to prevent accidents in

blind turnings, nothing has been done.


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61

� Black spot: Road Accident Research Institute had recommended for taking

preventive measures in 209 accident prone spots two years ago. No steps have yet been

taken in this respect.

� Speed breakers: Speed breakers must be clearly identified and visible to the drivers – unnecessary speed breakers should be dismantled and traffic signals also must be fitted at right places. There are 15 speed breakers in 25 km road from Chuadanga bus stand in Jessore to Barobazar in Jessore on the Dhaka –Khulna highway. Beside this on the Bogra part of Dhaka –Bogra-Rangpur highway, there are 30 speed breakers on 66 km road. Most of the speed breakers do not have any warning sign on the speed breakers are unnecessarily too high.

� Trauma center: There are only few trauma centers to handle post accidental cases. Only 5 trauma centers operate in the country but those situated at a long distance from the main road. Five more trauma centers were supposed to be established but not yet. Rather, due to absence of proper and adequate staff, trauma centers are facing close.

Law

Absence of appropriate law and absence of implementation of law is one of the major reasons for increase of road accidents. Person accused for any accident may face up to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment. The age old law with 7 years imprisonment during the British era was amended in the 1980s. The amendment imposes non- bailable imprisonment and maximum punishment of death penalty for causing any major road accident. Within a few months, this law was amended and maximum 5 years punishment was re-established. Beside this, a law was passed under the title Transport Use and Issuing of Driving License Act, 1983 (revised in 1988). But it is not effective at all. On March 5, 2012, Hon’ble High Court issued a rule on safe and hindrance free walking. Among other, the Act banned plying of motorcycles on the footpaths, placing zebra crossing in appropriate places. But in reality, these are not implemented.

Recommendation to Prevent Accidents in Dhaka City

� Create awareness, life is more important than time;

� To create speed limit so that people can walk safely;

� Wide footpaths to be constructed without having obstacles;

� Arrange zebra crossing after every 200 meters on the city roads;

� To enforce law that cars must stop before zebra crossing;

� Install sign board and signal beside zebra crossing;

� To take all necessary steps and plans to ensure safe crossing of pedestrians;

� Strict implementation of traffic rules;

� Prevent corruption;

� Arrange long term training for the drivers;

� To follow the right procedure for issuing driving license;

� To undertake appropriate plans during construction of roads and arrange for immediate repair of roads whenever necessary.

Every human being has the right to live in a healthy manner, he also has right to die in a natural

manner. For this, building awareness, planned action and treating others as a human being is

imperative.


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62

Fire Accident

Accidents caused by fire are nothing new in Bangladesh. Fire incidents are increasing all over

Bangladesh, including small and large cities and Dhaka Metropolitan City, due to several

causes. Many people die due to these incidents while many became physically and mentally

retarded due to the shock and aftermath. Several families are financially affected. Like past

years, in 2012 many small and large fire accidents occurred. Information gathered from

different newspapers states that there were 583 incidents caused due to fire in shops, godown,

households, markets, high rise building, slums, schools, colleges, bus, launch, hotel, etc. The

most dangerous incidents caused by fire occurred in the garments industries and in many

slums of Dhaka. As usual, these incidents were followed by discussions in the media,

formation of investigation committee and in some cases, compensation was provided against

this loss to the affected families. But the loss or damages do not seem to decrease in any way.

Reasons of Accidents

Electrical fault or short-circuit was the main reason for fire incidents like all other years. Beside

this, fire accidents were also caused by explosion of gas cylinders, gas burners, kitchen, mosquito

coil, etc. The table and graph below shows number of incidents which occurred in 2012:

Fire Incidents of 2012

The loss which occurred in 2012 due to fire incidents is irrecoverable and irreparable socially

and financially. Newspaper sources quoted that fire incidents in 2012 became almost a daily

affair. It can be seen that out of 583 incidents, 245 took place in Dhaka division while 338

incidents took place in all other districts. 230 persons were killed while 1,241 were injured.

The amount of loss was approx. Tk. 925,64,40,000 only.

Some Major Fire Incidents of 2012

Ready made Garments Manufacturing Factories/Industries

Bangladeshi workers remitting foreign exchange from abroad and the farmers, are the two

Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

No. of

Death

49

85

94

35

37

34

33

27

28

34

49

78

8594

35 37 3427

34

78

100

80

60

40

20

0

Series

3328

4949

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

Month-wise incidents of fire


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63

major sectors to contribute in our economy, the third major contributor to the national

exchequer is considered to be the ready made garment manufacturing factories and industries

sector. The workers working in these factories had been toiling since the rise of this sector in

the late 70’s. Bangladesh is the second largest garments exporting country after China in the

world today. In 1978, this sector started with only 9 garments factories, the income from there

during that time amounted to US Dollars 0.069 million only.

At present, in Bangladesh, there are about 5,500 garments factories (Ittefaq, 23/03/2013). The

present revenue earning by exporting ready made garments is 2,000 crore USD (Ittefaq,

23/03/2013). Knit garments are exported to more than 145 countries of the world while

woven garments are exported to 126 countries of the world. Of the 36,00,000 workers

working in this sector, 80% are female workers (Ittefaq, 11/12/12). But their lives are never

free from accidents and their working conditions were also not safe. Although there has been a

steady increase in the number of industries or workers, safety and security at workplace has

always been a cause of great concern. The ready made garments workers frequently are

victim of accidents at their workplace.

Accidents at Tazrin Fashion

The severe accident caused due to fire in Tazrin Fashions Ltd., a garments factory of Toba

Group situated at Nischitpur of Narasinghapur of Ashulia in Savar on 24 November, 2012

shocked the whole nation. This has been the most dangerous fire incidents in recent history.

Although Government sources reported that 112 persons were killed in this incident, it never

reported how many were missing. To show respect to those killed in this incident,

Government announced a day of National mourning on November 27, 2012.

Number of Deaths

101 workers out of 112 were burnt to death while 11 labourers died while trying to jump from

the burning building. However, the actual number of injured persons remains undisclosed or

not available. The incident occurred during the night shift work at the garments factory –

1,159 workers were at work then, mostly female workers. When the fire broke out, many

workers at the ground floor could come out while others in the first floor and above got

trapped. Many workers tried to jump, many tried to come down through the stairs which

resulted in several deaths and injured. Maximum number of workers were killed in the second

floor, where 69 dead bodies were recovered. 21

dead bodies were found in the third floor and 10

were recovered from the fourth floor. 31 of them

died due to suffocation, 69 died due to burning

and 11 died by jumping from the building.

(Source: Fire Service and Civil Defense.)

Source of Fire

The main reason for such colossal loss of lives

or injury in the incident that occurred has been

attributed to the mismanagement of the factory.


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64

The factory was constructed without adhering to the building code. The main reasons which

were identified include:

1. The design of the building was faulty. The factory was far away from the main road and there was only a narrow strip of lane through which workers entered the factory. Only one fire brigade vehicle could enter these. Also since there were many houses around the factory, fire service personnel could not enter the premises easily. This delayed the fire fighting works.

2. The velocity of fire was high due to the presence of highly flammable thread (source: Fire Service).

3. The surviving workers said that immediately after the fire started, the doors of the floors were locked and even the main door was locked and so the workers could not come out. Beside this, the officials were heard saying that “nothing has happened”, “rehearsal is going on”, “alarm system is being repaired as there is problem with the alarm system” and so the workers were not allowed to go out. Due to negligence of the factory officials and by locking the main door and the door to the roof, the number of deaths became so high.

4. There was severe crisis of water. No pipe was available to carry the water from the bathrooms. There was no water reservoir in the factory, also there was no pond or source of water near the factory.

5. From the website of Tazrin Fashions Ltd. it is learnt that in each floor the space available was nearly 16,000 sq. ft. In the ground floor, there was the godown, a medical centre and its office and there was a day care centre for the children in the 1st floor. There were only 3 staircase through which 1,159 workers used to go up and come down. Although according to building code, provision for an emergency exit staircase was supposed to be built, there was no such emergency exit. Workers used to enter and come out through the only iron gate which was to be pulled outwards to open. The front exit was mostly blocked by keeping threads and clothes through which workers used to enter and exit. Due to arrival of new ‘challan’ of clothes, the entrance was almost jam-packed and which also prevented workers to come out easily. Many deaths occurred due to smoke, darkness, narrow staircase – it is felt.

6. The website of the Factory (later closed down) shows that there were 300 trained fire fighters in the factory and 335 fire fighting equipments were also available. Although all the floors had fire fighting equipment but nobody used any of those, including the fire extinguishers. Because none knew the use of fire extinguishers. If they were trained or could know how to use those, the number of deaths could be much less.

7. The Fire Safety License of the factory was not renewed. The building was originally given permission by the concerned authority for a 3-storey one, but the factory owner raised it up to 9 floors. The License for Fire Safety expired on 30 June, 2012 and was


not renewed. According to documents maintained with the Fire Service regarding License, it is seen that the License was issued to the factory on 30 October, 2010 for a 3-storey building measuring 48,750 sq.ft. area. Next year, they got License for 80,725 sq.ft. area for extension from 4th floor to 8th floor and the license expired on June 30, 2012. After the expiry date, Fire Service officials who visited the factory found the following problems:

a) Lack of fire fighting equipment including fire hosepipe;

b) Lack of proper emergency exit;

c) Lack of adequate number of smoke detectors.

For these reasons, Fire Service officials declined to issue Fire Safety License to the factory.

Several Announcements Regarding Payment of Compensation

1. Allocation of Tk. 1 lac to the families of the dead workers from the Fund for Disaster and Relief of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

2. Tk. 1 lac from the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Employment.

3. Tk. 1 lac from BGMEA (Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association).

4. Tk. 1 lac for each dead worker from Hongkong-based Lee and Fong Company, the buyer of Tazrin Fashions Ltd.

5. Tk. 1 lac from Bankers’ Association. In total, the Hon’ble Prime Minister announced a grant of Tk. 6 lac to each of the families of the dead workers.

6. Also, it was announced that Tk. 50,000 will be given for medical assistance to the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

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65

Where are the Children of the Child Care Centre?

From the website of Tazrin Fashions Ltd. it is learnt that there was a Child Care Centre in the

1st floor of the factory. Apart from this, it was also learnt from the survivors that many women

workers used to keep their children in the centre while they were at work. There were 20

children in the Child Care Centre when the fire broke out, claimed the surviving workers.

Many workers were seen crying for their children but they could not rescue them as the gates

were locked. No one knows their whereabouts. Fire service personnel said that none of the

officials of the factory informed them about the Centre. The surviving workers said that the

Child Care Centre was situated near the entrance to the machine floor to the left if someone

would climb the stairs to the first floor. The godown was situated just beneath this. The fire

entered the Centre through the gaps in the staircase and through the window. Fire Service

officials said that everything in the first floor was burnt down. No human body was recovered

from the first floor. Parts of hands, ears and other organs only could be recovered from the

floor. The structure of heavy machineries and furniture only remained after being burnt down.

Under these circumstances, it is impossible to find any child survivors and they must have all

been burnt down totally. But there was no report mentioning the fate of these children. Except

for three newspapers (Prothom Alo, 27/11/12; Samakal, 27/11/12; Ittefaq, 31/11/12)

mentioned about these children. Beside this, no other media- government, private, owners

had reported anything about these missing children of the Child Care Centre.


7. The District Administration announced a grant of Tk. 20,000 to families of each of the dead person while Tk. 5,000 to the families of the injured workers.

8. Ministry of Labour and Manpower Employment declared that a total of Tk. 1 crore would be given as compensation to the families of the dead and injured workers.

9. A grant of Tk. 1 lac per worker was declared by the C&A, International Dutch Chain of Fashion.

Compensation Provided so Far

1. The Dhaka District Administration had given Tk. 5,000 to each family of the dead workers for purchasing burial clothes and related materials.

2. Hon’ble Prime Minister, at the first installment has given Tk. 6 lac cheque to each of the families of the 62 dead and identified workers. In the second phase, she had handed over the cheque of Tk. 7 lac to the family members of the 36 workers.

3. BGMEA handed over cheque of Tk. 1 lac to the 47 injured workers. Later on, they had announced compensation to another 27 workers.

4. Inner Wheel, a voluntary association of women belonging to the Bangladesh Chapter, handed over a cheque of Tk. 1 lac to Prothom Alo to distribute among the workers.

5. Taka 25,000 was given to the families of the 14 workers belonging to Mithapukur of Rangpur by the Local Member of Parliament, Deputy Commissioner and Zilla Parishad.

6. District Administration gave Tk. 15,000 to each of the families of the 49 workers who were killed and Tk. 5,000 was given to the 58 injured workers. Immediately after the incident, the District Administration declared payment of Tk. 20,000 as compensation to each worker. Accordingly, they had paid Tk. 5,000 instantly for arranging burial clothes and related works.

7. ‘C&A’, the renowned buying company, based in the Netherlands, provided financial assistance worth Tk. 1 lac to families of each of the dead workers.

Incidents Following the Fire Incident at Tazrin Fashions LTD. (Demonstration, Rallies, Salary, Panic of Fire)

Due to the accident which occurred from fire at Tazrin Fashions Ltd. and death of 112

workers, there was a subdued but strong agitation among the workers working in several

factories in the entire area. Later on, this turned out into violent demonstration and agitation

and the labourers took to the streets expressing their resentment and frustration. So, even after

three days all factories Ashulia were closed due to fear of labour unrest. Beside this, they also

demonstrated for payment of wages and compensation to families of dead and injured

Internation l buyer organizations statement on compensation

A meeting held at Geneva, Switzerland

on 25 April , 2013 about the

compensations for affected labour of

Tazrin Fashion Ltd. ‘Industrial All’

organized this meeting. Here some

popular Brands agreed to form a fund of

50 lac 70 thousands taka for fire affected

labour. Tazrin Fashion Ltd prepared

dress for Wallmart and Siars

organization who are international

buyers of United Nation. But in this

meeting Wallmart was absent. As a

result, Siars, K Mart and Disney also

declined to help the affected labour.

a

Disaster Forum


Disaster Forum

67

workers of Tazrin Fashions Ltd. It is worthwhile mentioning here that salaries for the last 3

months plus the month of accident was not paid to the workers of Tazrin Fashions Ltd.

Workers and labourers also joined them demanding payment of arrear salaries and also for

increase in their salary. They also demanded immediate arrest of the owners and associates of

Tazrin Fashions Ltd. stating that they had meticulously planned to kill the workers by burning

them. After this incident, a panic spread among the workers around the factory about fire. The

labourers became so panic stricken that they would be afraid and agitated even seeing a small

fire or smoke. Many workers were either injured or even killed due to this fear of fire in many

industries in Dhaka, Chittagong and other parts of the country.

Formation of “Independent Enquiry Commission”

A writ petition was filed on humanitarian grounds by four human rights organization, namely,

Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Nijera Kori

and BRAC demanding formation of an independent enquiry commission to probe into the fire

incident at Tazrin Fashions Ltd. This Commission would investigate into the cause leading to

the fire incident. The writ demanded formation of the commission with members including a

retired judge, appropriate professional person, members of the civil society and

representative belonging to the different trade and labour unions.

Investigation Report

Ministry of Home had constituted a 4-member committee to investigate into the fire incident

at Tazrin Fashions Ltd. Apart from this, separate enquiry committees were formed by

Ministry of Labour and Manpower Employment, the Bangladesh Police, BGMEA, Fire

Service and Civil Defense. The Fire Service and Civil Defense Commission could not find

out the real cause of the fire incident by investigating into the several possible causes and by

analyzing the relevant and pertinent information.

The Committee formed by the Ministry of Home concluded that it was mere negligence of the

owner and management of Tazrin Fashions Ltd. which had caused such a shocking incident. It

recommended for instituting a case against the owner under section 304 (A) (death due to

negligence) of the Bangladesh Penal Code. The Committee investigated thoroughly and

submitted the following recommendations:

1. Those involved for this heinous crime should be immediately arrested under section 304 (A) of the Bangladesh Penal Code. Specifically the owner and 9 others should be convicted. If these cases were filed, a maximum punishment of 5 years imprisonment would be meted out to all the convicted persons.

2. The mid-level management officials also must be brought to justice who prevented the workers from crying out for five alarms, those who locked the collapsible gate of the factory building and prevented the workers from leaving the factory.

3. An emergency project needs to be undertaken immediately by coordinating among Labour Ministry, Fire Department and Public Works Department which will ensure safety and security at work in all garments factories.

4. A powerful detective agency is to be given the responsibility of finding the real culprits and nab them.


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5. The Deputy Commissioners should be given the responsibility to ensure the safety and security aspects in all garments factories in all the districts of the country.

Beside these, the committee also recommended the following actions which would help

prevent accidents, ill motive of the factory owners, prevent electrical short circuits, etc.:

• Implementation of labour laws in garments factories to be made mandatory;

• Intensive inspection;

• Implementation of ILO standards;

• Insurance of the workers;

• Obtaining of Fire Safety License must be made mandatory for all factories;

• Developing good working relationship between owners and workers;

• Preventing terrorism;

• Construction of staircase which would be quite wide, etc.

There was unanimous conclusion by the members of enquiry commissions formed by

Ministry of Home, BGMEA that the accident was caused by mere negligence of the owners of

Tazrin Fashions Ltd. and its management and stated:

a) Although there were 3 staircases, 2 of those did not have provision of emergency exit. Only 1 staircase was there through which workers could leave in case of emergency but that too was very narrow. The front of the staircase was blocked with stacks of clothes, threads, paint and cotton. In the downstairs, highly flammable materials was kept.

b) There was no water reservoir. There were no ponds or source of water near the factory.nd

c) After the fire broke out, the GM, AGM and PM of the company blocked the gates of 2 rd

and 3 floors. Workers were told that fire fighting drill was going on. If the gates were kept open, so many workers would not have been killed.

d) If the entire staircase would end up outside the factory building, the number of deaths would be significantly lower.

According to investigation report of BGMEA, it has pointed out towards sabotage activities

perpetrated by some mid-level management personnel. Suspicious movement of these

officials prior to and immediately after the fire break out and not allowing the workers to

come out even after the alarm started to ring tantamount to “intentional sabotage” and so it

was recommended that further investigation must be carried out to nab the real culprits.

Although the report mentioned several cases of mismanagement in administration of the

factory, it did not recommend for any punishment for the owners of the company. Later on, the

responsibility for carrying out further investigation was handed over to the CID (Criminal

Investigation Department).

Reaction after Publication of the Investigation Report

Although the Enquiry Committee of Ministry of Home found the owners guilty of not abiding

by the laws of the land, BGMEA did not recommend for the punishment of the owners and

instead put blame on other officials and termed it as an act of sabotage. This created

resentment among the trade unions (National Front of Garments Workers and Saving the

Garments Industry) and they strongly protested contents of the BGMEA’s report.


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The labour organizations blamed the negligence of the owners of the factory and termed it as a

‘planed murder’. In addition, they demanded immediate arrest of the owners of Tazrin

Fashions Ltd. and demanded their punishment. BGMEA’s report was also rejected by the

Parliamentary Committee of Ministry of Labour and Manpower Employment. Ministry of

Labour termed it as one-sided and a bid to save the owners. The Parliamentary Committee

recommended to the Ministry of Labour to take measures to arrest the owners of Tazrin

Fashions Ltd. vis-a-vis take up other legal steps. Later on 40 Garments Workers Federation

submitted a Memorandum to the Minister of Home Affairs demanding arrest of the owners of

Tazrin Fashions Ltd.

Garments Village could not be Established even in 12 Years/According of Land for Garments Village

Efforts has been undergoing for the last 12 years to bring several unplanned garments

factories under an umbrella of “Garments Village”. Even after several promises made by

different government administration, this project has not been materialized. Even Foreign

buyers have been recommending for setting up of such a village or industrial park. According

to experts related to the sector, they feel that if an industrial park would be established, this

would lessen the number of fire accidents significantly.

In 2001, the then government promised to set up an industrial park after some fire incidents. In

line with this, acquiring of land was supposed to begin in Bausia, Munshinganj within next

three months. An industrial zone would be established where all sorts of relevant amenities

would be present. Government would be responsible to supply electricity, gas and set up

Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Beside this, government would also set up Police Station and

Fire Service station. Once land acquisition is complete, the sponsors would spend for

development of the land. Sources from BGMEA states that the Garments Village would be set

up in line with economic zone of government. The Project Proposal was approved in the

regular meeting of the ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) in

2003. Although the Project was envisaged by the government to be owned by both

government and private entrepreneurs jointly the private entrepreneurs were adamant in their

stand that government would first acquire and develop the land and then private entrepreneurs

would purchase those lands at a reasonable price. As a result, the project could not be

implemented to establish a Garments Village even in the last 12 years.

Laws Relevant to Fire Safety, Prevention of Fire and Awareness

Most of the garments factories in our country are not established by adhering to building code

of the government. Flammable materials are kept inside the garments factories and so fire

spreads very easily and quickly. Fire service vehicles cannot reach some of the factories as

several houses or shanties surrounds the factories. Most of the factories do not have ponds,

water bodies or alternative source of water supply. Fire fighting equipment are not kept in

many factories. Even if such equipment are available, there are no trained personnel to use

those in case of emergency. Beside this, neither the factory owners nor the government

agencies have any short term or long term plan regarding fire fighting. There are several laws

in Bangladesh regarding fire safety, prevention of fire and awareness. Analysis of these laws


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shows that there are clear cut guidelines regarding construction of building and factories,

awareness regarding fire safety and prevention, etc.

Bangladesh Building Construction Act, 1952 (Act No. II OF 1953)

Government had formulated the following guidelines in 2008 in line with section 18 of the

Building Construction Act 1952 (Act no. II of 1953) regarding construction of any sort of

building.

1. ‘Fire prevention door’ means doors which are specially built to prevent fire and the heat generated due to fire for a certain period of time.

2. ‘Fire prevention materials’ means materials which are fire resistant to a certain extent.

3. ‘Fire safety staircase’ meaning staircase which will be built from different floors and which will all land on a safe landing place away from the main building and will be free from any obstacle or hindrance.

Apart from this, in these guidelines, following has also been stated regarding fire safety:

• Means of escape- this is the secured passage in case of fire through which people can leave the scene of fire and it must have three parts- a) Exit access, b) Exit and c) Exit discharge. Here, Exit access means the passage to reach the Exit; Exit is that part which allows safe passage between the place of fire and up to Exit discharge; and Exit discharge means the passage from the Exit till the last wall of the building where people can be safe.

• Doors, corridor or passage connected to the stairs, smoke and fire hazard free surrounded area, hanging verandah, fire exit staircase- these should be reachable from open roof, main road or from where people can take shelter in safe place and those will be away from smoke, fire and affected area.

• All buildings which will be inhabited by public and all sorts of godown must have sufficient number of exits so that the inhabitants can speedily and safely leave the building without help from others.

• All Exit points must be distinctly visible and Exit Access signs has to be placed. Buildings with several exits must use lighted Exit signs and directions to the Exits must be clearly demarcated.

• Owners or lessor of all buildings must be responsible for the safety of all residents and if the exit points seem inadequate, proper authority may notify the owner or lessor accordingly.

• Exits will be such which will be free from all obstacles and will ensure proper means of escape for all inhabitants or residents of the building.

According to the regulations of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, each factory must

have minimum three exit ways which will be 45” wide and constructed at 450 angles. On each

floor, fire extinguishers with carbon dioxide or dry powder and dry chemical powder must be

stored. Smoke detector and alarm system must be installed. Each floor must have two fire

preventing points and at each point 4 buckets and a drum with 2004 litre capacity of water

should be stored. All the exit points must contain automatic lighting system. There will be two

groups of fire fighters and first aid providers selected from within the workers who will be

skilled and trained.


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The Guidelines Enacted in Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 under Chapter 6 Section 62

regarding awareness of the factory management regarding fire incidents states:

(1) In all organizations, provisions must be made in the operation manuals, to build up at least one alternative escape route which will be connected to all floors and proper fire exit stairs has to be constructed and arrangements must be made to provide adequate fire fighting equipment.

(2) If an Inspector feels that a certain factory or establishment is not adhering to the provisions mentioned in (1) above, may immediately issue a Notice to the owner which will contain guidance as to what is needed to be done and by which date. He will also inform the owner accordingly.

(3) None of the doors from any room through which workers can go out, will be locked or closed. This must be ensured so that any worker working in a room can easily open the door from inside and if these doors are not sliding, must open towards outside or if a door separates two rooms it must also be constructed in a way so that it is near an entrance and may be easily opened. No door shall be locked or shall not be obstructed by keeping anything on its way.

(4) In all establishments, except the general entrance points, doors, windows or any other exit passage must be clearly marked in Red and in Bangla letters or in any other form (symbols). This will help workers know that these points may also be used for emergency purpose to go out of the establishment.

(5) All establishments must ensure installation of proper alarm system so that in case of a fire, every worker working in the factory is able to hear the sound of alarm- the sound should be clear and easily heard.

(6) During fire, every worker must use the free passage which will be easily identifiable and easily located.

(7) In any establishment where more than 10 workers are made to work, where explosives or highly inflammable materials are used or stored—all workers must be given adequate training and must be made aware about what to do during emergency situations. This must be ensured by the factory management.

(8) In all establishments where more than 50 workers and officials work, fire drills must be held at least once a year and factory management must maintain proper records of such events in a Record Book.

But, year after year, the factories are continuing to operate without adhering to most of the

guidelines stated above and so the number of accidents is always on the rise.

The same scenario may also be seen in case of Tazrin Fashions Ltd. According to Bangladesh

Labor Laws, 2006, the scenario is –

• Section 62(1) – not complied with – in the 10 storey building of Tazrin Fashions Ltd., there is not a single alternative staircase which could be used as emergency exit.

• Section 62(3) – not complied with – immediately after the fire broke out, gates on all floors were locked and prevented workers from coming out of the building.

• Section 16(5) – not complied with – the fire alarm system was signaled for a short time only, when the labourers started running around, they were stopped.


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Date

27 December 1990

15 July 1997

30 July 1997

27 August 2000

25 November 2000

December 2003

7 January 2006

23 February 2006

25 February 2010

14 December 2010

24 November 2012

Establishment

Mirpur Sarika Garments

Mirpur Rahman and Rahman Applarel

Mirpur Tamanna garments

Globe Knitting Factory

Narsingdi chowdhury Knitwear and Garments

Garments Factory in Shibpur Narshingdi

Narayangonj Shan Knitting

Chittagong KTS Textile Mills

Gazipur Garib and Garib Sweater Factory

Ashulia Hameen Group Factory

Ashulia Tazreen Fashions Ltd.

No. of Deaths

30

22

27

12

53

48

22

65

21

30

112

Source: BILS and daily newspapers The list contains the incidents where more than10 persons had died.

According to data received from Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, there had been

2110 fire incidents between 1996 and December, 2012 in the ready made garments factories

in which 410 workers had died and 530 were injured. The loss is estimated to be approx. Tk.

400 crore worth of properties. Statistics maintained by the various owner – worker

associations shows the number of casualties to be much more.

So Many Deaths but Punishment Top no One

A review of the various prevalent laws reveals that there is provision of punishment to

perpetrators of such unwanted deaths. For example-

1. Section 304 (A): Death due to negligence – if any person kills somebody by negligence or acts, he may be given punishment of any kind up to a maximum of five years or may be given financial punishment or both.

2. Section 436: Causing fire incidents with ulterior motive or malafide intention or sabotage – if anyone is found guilty of causing fire, the punishment will be lifetime imprisonment or 10 years imprisonment at the minimum or fine may be imposed.

3. Section 307: If any person fails to adhere to the above law or scheme or commits a breach and if there is no provision of any punishment, he will be fined up to Tk. 5,000 (revised).

4. Section 309: Punishment for non-adherence to law related to volatile and dangerous situations.

• Section 62((6) – not complied with – there was no free passage to reach the various exit points of the factory.

• Section 62(7)(8) – not complied with – the workers were not given proper training on fire fighting. A rehearsal or fire drill was conducted in the factory building only two days before the incident in a very haphazard manner, during lunch hour for only a few minutes. The workers were shown how to leave the factory in a disciplined manner which is totally contradictory to any fire incident when people run around in a disorganized manner without adhering to any formal manner. The drill was not proper and inadequate.

Statistics Showing Major Fire Accidents in Different Factories Over the Last Decade in Bangladesh

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(1) Irrespective of whatever is stated in any other form under this chapter; if any person violates this law or clause, sub-clause or scheme, he or she –

(a) if such violations leads to death of any person, is liable to be imprisoned for four years or pay a fine of Tk. 1 lac or both,

(b) if such violation leads to severe physical injury, is liable to be imprisoned for two years or pay a fine of Tk. 10,000 or both,

(c) if such violation leads to any injury to any worker or any other person or some other form of danger crops up, then he is liable to be imprisoned up to six months or pay a fine of Tk. 2,000 or both,

(2) Under this section, the Hon’ble Court, while passing judgment against such acts mentioned above can impose fine or penalty on the accused, get the money in full or partial from the accused person and then can pass judgment that the money so collected as compensation shall be handed over to the victim or injured person or in case of his death, to the legal heir or representative.

(3) If, however, there are higher forms of punishment for such acts of negligence or violation relevant to this law or any clause, sub-clause or scheme, then none of the above mentioned punishments shall be enforceable. That law conferring higher form of punishment shall override this law.

But, unfortunately even after death of so many workers at different times, no substantive

measure has been taken till now or no punitive measure has been taken in this regard. After

most of these incidents, police has filed cases at the maximum as the plaintiff. Most of these

cases are filed under section 304 (A) of the Bangladesh Penal Code. Mostly these cases are

filed against anonymous persons. Usually in most cases, Police undertakes investigation and

then says that “the allegations have not been proven” and submits Final Investigation Report.

After the fire incident in 2006 in KTS Textile Mills in Chittagong, where 65 workers were

killed, Police filed cases under section, 338, 334 and 34 against 14 persons. But High Court

rejected the case and ordered for release of the accused persons. In 2010, 21 persons were

killed in fire accident in Garib and Garib Garments Industry of Gazipur. Police filed a case

against anonymous persons and later on filed the Final Investigation Report by stating that

there was no proof of negligence on anybody’s part. In the same year, 29 workers were killed

in the Ha Meem Garments Factory at Ashulia. The survivors of this incident complained that

the main gate of the factory was locked. Police filed two cases – fire and death. After 7

months, the investigation report which was submitted stated that the fire broke out due to

electrical short circuit. In the latest incident at Tazrin Fashions Ltd., Police has filed a case

against anonymous persons. 112 persons died in this incident. The cases were filed under

section 436 (sabotage) and 304 (A) death due to negligence of duty.

Law of Compensation

The ‘Fatal Accident Law 1855’ states that the rate of compensation will be twice the amount

which is to be calculated at an average of the number of years the person was likely to stay

alive or the amount of wage he was receiving at the time of death. However, there is no

instance of any factory owner being punished under the prevailing laws of Bangladesh. Also,

no case has ever been filed by any injured person or any relative of any dead person (who had


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died due to any fire accident). Mostly, after six months or so, a Final Investigation Report is

submitted by the Police without convicting any factory owner.

Under section 99 of the Labour Law, it is mandatory to start a group insurance scheme in any

factory where 200 permanent employees work. But due to negligence of the factory owners,

this scheme is not being materialized in many factories.

Measures Taken by Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defense (Condition of Fire Fighting Measures in Different Factories & Industries in Bangladesh)

After the horrifying fire incident at Tazrin Fashions Ltd., Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil

Defense has undertaken fire safety activities and programmes in different factories and

industrial establishments. The programme started with 60 fire experts divided into 15 groups.

They have categorized the fire safety situation in the factories as “A”, “B” and “C”. In the first

phase, they inspected 232 factories. Out of these, in one-fourth of the garments factories, the

fire fighting amenities were very scanty and inadequate, in Ashulia of Savar. Fire fighting

amenities and readiness in 23.28% factories was very bad, 37.93% had more or less better

facilities and 38.79% factories had good fire fighting readiness and amenities. Of the 232

factories, 90 were categorized as “A” category factories (adequate fire fighting

arrangements) and 88 factories were categorized as “B” category factories (fire fighting

arrangements were more or less adequate). Under the category “C” 54 factories were

classified. In these factories, there was no Fire Safety License, no hose pipe, no water

reservoir and no trained personnel.

On the other hand, a survey carried out in 228 factories in Chittagong revealed that 50% of the

factories were well-equipped to fight fire related accidents. Arrangements in 10-15%

factories were more or less of good quality; 30 to 35% factories did not have adequate fire

fighting measures or amenities; 80% factories had problem of alternative fire exit; 10%

factories had no fire fighting equipment; in 20% factories the passage leading to the roof is

blocked and in 15% factories there was not adequate arrangement or water reservoir either at

the ground level or at the rooftop.

At a later stage, this Committee undertook further survey and identified 334 garments

factories which were at high risk of fire accidents. They submitted investigation report

accordingly. Most of these risky establishments are located in old parts of Dhaka city. The

report states that most of the risky factories are situated in old and dilapidated buildings, the

staircases are narrow and many of those do not have any fire fighting equipment. These

factories are not members of either BGMEA or BKMEA. The number of workers in each of

these factories is below 50 and these factories work as sub-contractors of big factories or

industrial establishments. The Report also states that these factories may easily collapse and

several lives may be lost owing to the dangerous state of existence. The Committee has

recommended for shifting of these factories outside the Dhaka metropolitan area.

According to the data provided by Bangladesh Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), only 300

to 500 factories out of 5,500 factories in Bangladesh are compliant. Most of the factories are

run by unskilled or untrained workers. The sub-contracting factories are at the highest level of

risk. There are more than 1,000 of this type of factories where safety measures are almost


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absent. The factory management has no knowledge of labour laws of the country and the

worker-owner relationship is also not up to the mark. We hope that the government will take

strong steps by implementing labour laws and thereby ensuring sound working environment,

reasonable wage and prevent wastage and oppression against workers in these factories.

Fire in Slums

In the slums of capital Dhaka, the residents are mostly rickshaw pullers, garments workers and

people who belong to the lower income groups. Since these slums are densely populated and

the passage is usually narrow, so it is always risky to live. Beside, the way electrical and gas

connections are given in the slums, itself poses great threat and security risk. So, accidents

caused by fire have become quite common in the Dhaka slums. Like in the past several years,

in 2012 too, there has been many cases of fire accidents in Dhaka and in different districts. 18

major fire accidents occurred in the slums. In these accidents, 4008 shanties in the slums were

destroyed and 12 persons were killed while 91 persons were injured.

Some Major Fire Accidents in 2012 in Different Slums

Fire Incident in Slums in Shyamoli in Dhaka

A fire accident occurred due to electrical problem which started from a room in a slum (Kazi

Bari slum) located beside road no. 2 in Shyamoli in the capital. The fire spread very quickly

because the rooms in the slum were made of bamboo, wood and tin. 14 units of fire service

fought for nearly 3 hours and brought the fire under control. Nearly 250 rooms were burnt and

10 persons were injured including 2 children. About 300 families lost their homestead and

became absolutely helpless and destitute.

600 Houses Gutted and Burnt Down to Ashes in Begunbari Slum

On September 20, 2012 a devastating fire burnt down to ashes nearly 600 rooms of a slum

located adjacent to Begunbari khal in Tejgaon Industrial Area of the capital (locally known as

Begunbari slum). The real cause of the fire could not be ascertained although it is assumed

that the fire could have been caused for gas stove or electrical short circuit or from the ‘jhut’ of

the adjacent godown of a garments factory. The 3- storey rooms in the slum were made of

wood, tin and bamboo. The rooms in the houses were like any school building. Each house

had approx. 60-65 rooms. The rooms were about 5ft to 6ft in length and breath.

Beside electrical connection, these rooms also had gas connections. So, as soon as the fire

started, it spread very quickly and engulfed the whole slum. More than 1,500 people were

rendered homeless due to this fire. Most of the residents of Begunbari slum were garments

workers. Since most of the slum dwellers were at their places of work at the time of incident,

the number of deaths was nil but about 40 persons were injured.

Fire at Sattola Slum of Mohakhali

Nearly 1,200 houses were gutted in the devastating fire at Sattola slum located in Mohakhali,

Dhaka on October 08, 2012. Most of the houses were built by tin and some houses were semi-

pucca. Several sources confirmed that the fire broke out either from electrical short circuit or

illegal gas connection. Approx. 12 units of fire service fought for 1.5 hours and were able to

contain the fire in which 20 persons were injured.


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Women and Children were Burnt to Death in the Darkness of Night

The slum surrounded by walls became an inferno. The main gate was covered with fire;

people were running down the iron stairs. Several women and children took shelter in

kitchens and toilets hoping that they would survive. But dead bodies of 11 women and

children were recovered from there. This fire accident took place in the capital’s Hazaribag

area. The fire engulfed some slums located adjacent to each other in Bou Bazar of Sonatangar

(locally these slums were known as Boubazar slums). Of the 11 dead, 6 were children and 5

were women. About 25 persons were injured. 700 slums dwellings were burnt down. The rent

of each room varied between Tk. 1,500 and 2,000. The tenants included rickshaw pullers,

drivers, tannery workers, garments workers, maid servants, day labourers, etc. Nearly 3,000

persons lost their shelter and personal belongings. The fire broke out from a rickshaw garage

located inside the Boubazar Sanatangar slum around 3p.m of November 12. Sources from

different quarters opined that the fire started from rickshaw garage due to cigarette smoking

or from mosquito coil. A kerosene van was there and so the fire became spread quickly. 120

rickshaws inside the garage, 6 CNG driven auto-rickshaw, 2 drums loaded with fuel and 4

bicycles were burnt down along with a few pucca buildings. 20 shops were gutted too. As the

fire was burning just beside the wall of the garage and as the passage was very narrow, the

slum dwellers could not come out. The men could survive by climbing the walls but the

women and children were trapped. A few women and children took shelter in the pucca toilet

and kitchens. 8 bodies were recovered from the toilet and 3 were found in the kitchen.

The Administration announced that families of each dead person would receive Tk. 20,000

each. 100 MT of rice and Taka 1 crore in cash was allocated. Dhaka City Corporation

announced a donation of Tk. 10,000 for the families of the 11 dead persons. Beside this, a

grant of Tk. 9 lac was announced for rebuilding of the houses.

Incidents of such type are not uncommon in slums. Unfortunately major causes of such fire

are not looked into. Beside this, the low income group of people who reside in the slums in

such narrow rooms become easy victim of fire which spreads quickly and there is loss of lives

and household items. Fire cannot be controlled quickly and easily. The narrow passage or

lanes is unsuitable for fire service vehicles to reach the base of the fire. Apart from this, source

of water is scarce. Flammable materials are present all around the slum where rooms are

located very closely and several shops are located near the slum area. This is the reason why

slum fires are terrible and amount of loss becomes huge if a fire breaks out. In 2012, within a

span of a few months, fierce fire broke out in Boubazar, Mohakhali, Begunbari slums and in

other slums too. The severity of such accidents demand effective coordination among

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha and various other agencies.

Some Other Fire Incidents of 2012

• On 29 September, 19 Buddhist temples were burnt down in Ramu, Teknaf, Ukhiya and Patiya.

• Approx. Tk. 1 crore worth of betel leaf was burnt to ashes when 30 betel-leaf ‘baraj’ caught fire in Jhenaidah sadar Upazila.

• In Roangchhari hills in Bandarban, trees in the hills were cut down for ‘jum’ farming and fire was lit to clear the area. But the fire got out of control and 4 persons were killed.


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• Nearly 3 km forest area was burnt when a fire broke out in Sitakunda Echo Park from either a match or cigarette smoking. 25 persons were injured and trees worth a few crores of taka were destroyed.

• A fire in a rubber garden in Sylhet Sadar Upazilla caused a loss of Tk. 1 lac.

• In Ispahani camp no. 3 where non-Bengali residents reside in Robertson village in Rangpur, 300 houses were burnt due to violence among the residents. 20 persons were injured.

• Violence caused burning down of 42 rooms in 3 blocks in the hostel of Sylhet M.C. College.

• A fire incident occurred from electrical short circuit in the hostel and residence of Hostel Super. The scene of the incident was Adakhola Secondary School under Boroia Union of Rajapur Upazilla in Jhalokathi district.

• 3 computers and accessories were damaged due to an electrical short circuit in the Computer Lab of Statistics Department of Jagannath University.

• Due to an accidental fire from electrical short circuit in terminal building of Chittagong airport, the airport activities including plane landing and take off was shut down for 4 hours.

• Electrical short circuit resulted in a fire incident in Jai Jai Din office in Tejgaon Industrial Area.

• Train service was suspended for an hour when fire broke out in Mahanagar Provati as its wheel was jammed.

• While a ship was being broken down in Chittagong shipyard, a fire incident occurred.

• Fire broke out in Ghorasal Power Plant in Narsingdi due to a spark from circuit breaker and 5 persons were injured. 5 persons were injured in an incident in Hasnabad Power Plant in Keraniganj. Another 5 persons were injured in Khulna Power generation plant (a privately owned company).

• The distribution pipe of Titas Gas had burnt under the Gulshan-Jatrabari Flyover at Sayedabad. This happened while shouldering works was going on above the pipeline. Titas Gas pipeline also burst resulting in fire in Shafipur Purbapara in Kaliakoir Upazilla of Gazipur district. So, there was panic all around and traffic came to a halt for two hours on the Dhaka-Tangail highway.

Analysis of Fire Incidents and Subsequent Loss between 2009 and 2012

Incidents of fire are on the rise in the country, causing death of people and also huge loss of

property. Statistics from Fire Service and Civil Defense reveal that in 2008, 9,310 fire

accidents took place. Within the first nine months in 2012, the number has risen to 14,941. Fire

service officials stated that here has been 12-17% rise in such incidents between 2009 & 2012.


Year

2009

2010

2011

2012

Number of deaths

209

271

95

124

Number of incidents

12,182

14,682

15,815

14,942

For 2012, the information is up to September only.

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Two Years on Nimtoli Tragedy

126 persons were killed when a devastating

fire broke out in a godown housing highly

flammable chemical materials in Nawab

Katara in Nimtoli located in old Dhaka area

on June 3, 2010. The fire started from house

number 43/1 of Nawab Katara. The fire

started during cooking at a wedding

ceremony and it quickly engulfed the

godown filled with chemical substances.

The heat generated by the fire due to

bursting of the chemical filled drums and

sacks, also caused bursting of the electrical

transformer located in front of the building.

The fire took a devastating from mainly due to presence of highly flammable chemical

substances.

It is learnt from various news items that the said 5-storey house had been re-constructed and

re-fabricated. A monument has been constructed in front of the house to commemorate the

dead persons. There is a wall writing stating “we are aware” while many chemical godown are

situated in and around. The fire accident started from one of these godown. In 2010, many

processions took place demanding immediate closure of all chemical godown from the area

and have those removed from there. Many high level government committees were formed to

arrange for shifting the factories and godown from the area. Several government departments

were contemplating on taking appropriate measures, but now it has all come to a halt. Ministry

of Home had constituted a task force in this regard. The task force recommended for shifting

all the 994 chemical godown (legal and illegal holdings) located in old Dhaka and in other

parts of the capital. Only 127 out of the 994 godown have proper documentation and license

from the proper authority.

The Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1997 envisages that there can be no factory

located in and around any residential area and the factory owner must obtain necessary license

from the Department of Environment for use of such chemical substances. But many chemical

factories and godown are being established without adhering to the above law. These are

causing accidents too. Even after two years of Nimtoli tragedy, several factories and godown

can be seen there. On May 27, 2012 a fire broke out in the same area in the ground floor of a

residential building where a polythene factory was located. Although there was no loss of life

or property, it created panic among the local residents. This incident again reminded us that

even after the Nimtoli tragedy, no one has become aware and no one is adhering to the laws of

the land.


2001

2005

2009

2001

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

2002

2006

2010

2003

2007

2011

2004

2008

2012

301251

168 188

480 465547

378

703

906

Death

683

974

No. of workers who died in last decade while working

Insecurity at Workplace

Accidents are becoming very common at workplace and number of injured and dead is also

increasing. According to statistics of International Labour Organization (ILO), every year

approx. 20 lac workers die due to accidents at workplace. About 12 lac workers become

injured, paralyzed and jobless. More than 16 crore workers become sick due to diseases

related to their profession. This problem is

present in all countries but varies in degree. In

the last decade, number of accidents at

workplace has increased significantly in

Bangladesh, especially number of fire related

accidents have increased in the factories and

industrial concerns. Some of the common

causes of accidents in factories and industries

are: fire from bursting of gas pipeline, faulty

electrical wiring leading to electrocution,

falling from high rise building with inadequate

protection mechanism like welding, collapse from faulty construction or improper mixture of

materials during construction, explosion from out of date boilers, death due to suffocation

resulting from poisonous gas, use of old and unsafe machineries and equipment, not wearing

boot in the ship breaking industry, absence of safety gloves while working in the welding

factories, etc. As a result, number of accidents is always increasing. According to experts in

the field, they feel that this increase is due to improper use of prevailing Act, minimum

amount paid as compensation if at all, publishing investigation report and submitting

recommendation for punishment but no implementation of those recommendations.

According to information received from Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), 301

workers died in 2001 while it has risen to 906 in 2012. 1108 workers were injured in 2012 in

different incidents. The number of accidental deaths can be seen in the following table:

Year

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

No. of Death

301

168

251

188

488

974

456

547

378

703

683

906

Figure 1:No. of workers who died in last decade while working

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11%

23%

24% 24%

8%

4%

3%

3%

Transport workers

ReadymadeGarments

Constructionworkers

Day labourers

Farm workers

Householdservant/workers

Service

Other

Workers killed due to clash betweenrival groups (no)

Total number of workers killed: 906

Figure 2: No. of death according to BILS

According to data received from BILS, in 2012, 708 workers died due to accidents while at

work of which 154 were female workers. 113 women were injured out of total 701 workers.

Due to rivalry at workplace 198 workers were killed including 49 female workers while 407

were injured including 56 female workers. In 2012, maximum number of deaths at workplace

included transport workers. In this sector alone, 249 were killed in accidents and 48 died due

to clashes between rival groups of workers.

Appended below is a table showing workers killed while at work and due to clash between

rival groups: (A situation analysis 2012 Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS):

Sector

Transport workers

Ready made Garments

Construction workers

Worker working abroad

Day labourers

Fishermen

Farm workers

Brick field workers

Ship breaking workers

Household servant/workers

Rice mills

Re-rolling mills

Service

Other

Total

Workers killed due to clash

between rival groups (no)

48

22

6

6

8

46

15

47

198

Workers killed by accidents

while at work (no)

249

155

113

23

21

11

10

9

7

7

4

5

101

708

Workers killed by accidentswhile at work (no)

Transport workers

Readymade Garments

Construction workers

Worker working abroad

Day labourers

Fisherman

Farm workers

Brickfield workers

Ship breaking workers

Household servant/workers

Rice mills

Re-rolling mills

Other

1% 1%

1%1%

1%

1%

1%

3%

3%

14%

16%

35%

22%

Collapse of under construction building

By falling from under construction building

Be being electrocuted in under construction building

Construction materials from under construction building

Poisonous gas from septic tank

Collapse of under construction walls

Brickfield

Collapse of under construction silo

Collapse of under construction flyover

Accident in lift

Entangled in machine

Cylinder explosion in dockyard

According to data from Newspaper

2%

2%

2%

2%

5%

6%

9%18%

2%

18%

7%27%

According to data received from

BILS

According to data received from different newspapers

Figure 3: No. of accidents (BILS & different newspapers)

Different sectors

Road accidents

Falling from

upstairs

Electrocution

Construction

materials from

under construction

building

Collapse

Fire accidents

Exposing

Panic of fire

Suffocation from

poisonous gas

Entangled in

machine

No. of accidents

389

71

68

29

15

15

12

11

8

2

Different sectors

Collapse of under construction

building

By falling from under

construction building

Be being electrocuted in under

construction building

Construction materials from

under construction building

Poisonous gas from septic tank


walls

Brickfield


silo


flyover

Accident in lift


Cylinder explosion in dockyard

No. of accidents

10

10

15

4

5

3

3

1

1

1

1

1

Maximum number of accidents while at work: A situation analysis 2012- Bangladesh

Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and information gathered from different newspaper:

According to data From BILS Road accidents

Falling from upstairs

Electrocution

Construction materials from under Construction building

Collapse

Fair accidents

Exporting

Panic of fair

Suffocation from poisonous gas


2%

2%

2%

2%

11%

5%

0%

12%

1%

63%

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Information gathered from different newspapers shows that in 2012 there were 51 major

cases of accidents which occurred, in Dhaka alone there were 22 major cases of accidents. In

these accidents, 80 construction workers died and 180 were injured. Most of these accidents

occurred due to collapse of under construction building. Other major causes include: falling

down from under construction building, electrocution in under construction building, sudden

fall of construction materials from under construction building, under construction bridge,

poisonous gas from septic tank, etc. The most tragic accident was the collapse of under

construction flyover in Bohoddarhat in Chittagong. This collapse shows that our workers are

working in construction sites without any protection and under hazardous working

conditions.

Collapse of Flyover/Over Bridge

On November 24, 2012, three girders of under construction flyover at Bohaddarhat,

Chittagong collapsed killing 16 construction workers , 31 persons were injured. Around 7 p.m

the accident occurred when one girder out of 7 girders located between 2 spans could not be

positioned properly and tilted on 2 nearby girders. Then all 3 very heavy girders and gave up

and collapsed with big sound. One of the girders fell in the adjacent pond while 2 fell on the

road. Like any other day, construction workers, kucha market, market on vans, people sitting

on the railings near the pond was going on while shifting and stretching of the girders was

going on above. While work was going on above, no warning was given to those to move from

down stairs. So, 16 persons died and 31 were injured.

Rescue Work and Agitation of the General Public

Even when the accidents occurred at 7 p.m, real rescue efforts could not start before 11 a.m.

Firstly, rescue operation could not be started due to agitated workers and the general public.

Beside this, neither army nor the fire service personnel had heavy equipment to remove or cut

those girders instantly and remove the same. Rescue work started with whatever was

available with the Engineering Corps of Bangladesh Army in the evening of November 24.

The main rescue operations started after heavy equipment were brought from Dhaka for the

rescue on November 25. But Army, BGB, RAB, police were more involved in containing the

excited people who were creating hindrance during rescue operations. Because through a

similar incident on June 29, 2012, one girder fell down and injured a rickshaw puller. The

enquiry committee clearly blamed the contractor and also blamed the material being used for

constructing the flyover. So, agitated people demanded immediate arrest and punishment of

the Chairman of Chittagong Development Authority. During this time, the agitated people lit

fire to generator, other goods and site office, chased the fire service personnel, burnt cars,

motorcycles of journalists. At one stage they clashed with the police. Later on the situation

was brought under control by Army, BGB, RAB, and police personnel.

Causes of the Accident

CDA took the initiative to build the first flyover in Chittagong at Bohaddarhat from its own

funding. Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the construction works of the

flyover on January 02, 2010. The main construction works stared from March 2010. It is

expected to be opened in February, 2013. Its length is 1.332 km and width is 14 meter or 46 ft.

according to first investigation report of city police, the number 3 girder from southern side

was being lifted for placement by using 2 jacks. One of the hydraulic jacks went out of order,

lost its balance and hit another girder. That girder, in turn, fell on another girder. Then all the 3

girders fell down together. Weight of each girder is 100 ton, is 137 ft long and 7 ft wide. While

lifting the girder only 6-7 labourers were there but no professional driver or no technical

person from the contracting company or from CDA was at the steering wheel of hydraulic

jacks. But it is mandatory that while such heavy works is undertaken, technical person

representing both CDA and the contractor must be present at the site. Although two

organizations, namely, Mir Akhter and Parisa Enterprise was awarded the work at a cost of

106 crore taka, the main work is being done by Parisa (JV). It is learnt the main reason for the

accident is inefficiency, lack of experience and unskilled technical personnel of Parisa

Enterprise who were implementing the construction works vis-a-vis fault in the design of the

construction and engineering drawings.

Bohaddarhat Flyover a Death Trap

The 1.33 km long flyover is being constructed on the Chittagong Cox’s Bazar road. Each

girder is 42 meter long, 2.5 meter wide and weighs more than 100 ton and these are kept

without any protection. Slabs have not been placed against the girders, only the top portion is

kept tilted. The girders are not joined with each other. The 45 girders kept between pillar no. 8

and 18 are kept in a vulnerable way – 11 girders kept between pillar no. 8 and 18 are kept in the

most vulnerable manner and without adequate protection. Also the girders near pillar nos. 21

and 22 are kept in a risky manner. Such acts have made the Bohaddarhat flyover a death trap to

the local residents, also construction flows are a critical issue.

Investigation Committee

An investigation Committee was formed with Chief Engineer, Chittagong Development

Authority (CDA), Roads & Highways Division, LGED, and Chittagong Engineering

University as its members. Beside this, another 5 member investigation Committee was

formed with Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public works as its Chairman. Another 5

member Committee was formed on behalf of the District Administration with Additional

Deputy Commissioner as its Chairman.

The Committee formed by District Administration blamed CDA, consultancy firm, lack of

coordination between contracting partners Mir Akhter construction and Parisa Enterprise. Lack

of management regarding providing adequate safety at workplace and neglect, has been

identified as the main reasons for the collapse. The report recommended that the construction

works may begin only after an Expert Team thoroughly investigates and inspects the equipment

and technical designs, etc. Later on, the construction of this flyover has been handed over to the

Army. Bangladesh Army has rectified the faults and construction works has begun.

After the accident, police filed a case under section 304 and 34 of Bangladesh Penal Code.

The case mentioned the name of CDA enlisted vendor, 25 persons from the contracting

companies and some other unnamed persons as accused and co-accused. But no body was

arrested.

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Financial Assistance

Hon’ble Prime Minister provided Taka 2 lac as financial assistance to the families of dead

persons. Tk 50,000 was provided as financial assistance to the injured persons. Ministry of

Disaster Relief provided Tk. 20,000 for each family of the dead persons and Tk. 5,000 to the

family members of each injured person. Well group of Industries, owned by chairman, CDA,

through its and welfare organization Mabia Rashidia Foundation gave financial support of Th

2 lac to the family members of each dead persons (9 out of 16 dead person were present). They

also announced that they will arrange for their medicine and related expenses.

In reality, only the owners can not be blamed for safety at workplace. The concerned authority

can not avoid responsibility. Safety at workplace falls under the preview of Labour Laws.

Simultaneously, workers also must be aware of their rights to safety at workplace. Trade

Union Leaders of our country are more vocal about increasing the salary and wages of

workers but not so much vocal about the workplace safety. In this respect coordination among

government, worker, and owner can create a favourable and safe working environment at the

workplace. Beside this, steps must also be taken to ensure post-accident medical care and

adequate rehabilitation measures.

Flood in City

Rivers are responsible for the creation of deltaic Bangladesh. But due to severe neglect of the

rivers the resultant affects are becoming too heavy for our country. Every year flood occurs in

some parts of the country and we are helpless as we watch the people’s suffering in the

flooded areas. During floods, people and their cattle, poultry, other animals suffer

tremendously. Beside this, the post-flood situation sometime create epidemic due to the

stagnant water. Crops are damaged severally. Usually, the low lying areas and char areas of

Padma, Jamuna and Brahmaputra are flooded every year. But in recent years, flood waters

enter into the cities and towns and create enormous suffering to the people. Dhaka and

Rajshahi Metropolitan areas are every year affected by seasonal floods. While Chittagong

and Sylhet Metropolitan areas face flash floods every year. As both these metropolitan areas

are mainly hill-locked and do not have effective drainage system, flash floods occur

whenever there is heavy rainfall. Usually continuous rainfalls during the rainy season, water

coming down the hills are the main causes which raises the water level to rise in the adjacent

rivers. But with the decrease of the water level in the rivers, the water in the cities cannot be

drained out properly and water becomes stagnant for a long period. Faulty drainage

management and un-cleaned drains causes such floods. Experts feel that the tendency of

flood in the cities is due to:

• Illegal occupation of the low lying areas;

• Illegal occupancy of the marshy bodies and channels of drainage;

• Decrease of the capacity of the land to absorb excessive rain water.

Causes

Every year the rivers are being filled up by unscrupulous land grabbers. In our country, the

main reasons for flooding are seasonal rainfall, water coming down from Assam, Uttar

Pradesh and Nepal and heavy and continuous rainfall.

Most of the major floods in Bangladesh occurred during August/September (Ashwin-

Kartick). These are called non-seasonal or return flood. At this time, the paddy fields are filled

with ripe crops. So, the loss becomes colossal and hit the farmers very hard. The dams

constructed in Asaam for management of the rivers are mis-managed and so results in

flooding of our country. Although India is being benefitted by managing the flow of water at

source, Bangladesh is adversely affected. Bangladesh is suffering and not getting due share of

water from these rivers. It is facing flood during the rainy season while drought during the

summer season. Most of the major rivers of Bangladesh are dying due to unfair withdrawal of

water at source by India. Beside, siltation of the river beds at an alarming rate is causing floods

regularly during heavy and continuous rainfall.

Flood in 2012

In the year 2012 also Bangladesh could not escape from flood, especially the northern parts.

Beside this, south-eastern, northern, middle and eastern parts of the country was flooded. The

main causes of flooding were monsoon rainfall, continuous and heavy rainfall and rush of

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water from the hilly areas. These resulted in non-seasonal floods and return floods. The most

affected are the areas which were flooded after the Boro season. In 2012, the various regions

of the country were flooded on three occasions. In the first phase, the low lying areas and char

areas were flooded thrice due to heavy downpour and continuous rainfall vis-a-vis rise in

water level in the rivers.

st1 phase: In June, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Kurigram, Gaibandha,

Sirajgonj and Jamalpur districts were affected by flood waters.

nd2 phase: During mid-July, due to continuous rainfall and due to rise of water level beyond

danger level, for the second time Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Jamalpur, Sylhet, Chittagong,

Cox’s Bazar was flooded. Fresh areas which were flood affected included Sunamganj,

Netrokona, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat.

rd3 phase: Due to renewed rainfall the river waters rose above the danger level and caused

flooding in Kurigram, Jamalpur, Sirajganj and Bogra. Apart from this, in mid-September new

areas which were flooded were Manikganj and Faridpur. Also, flood waters entered into

Rangpur, Patuakhali, Bhola, Sherpur, Habigonj, etc.

Amount of Rainfall

Although there was less amount of rainfall in 2012

unlike other years, flooding was mainly caused by

continuous rainfall. The table below shows the amount

of rainfall in different regions (in mm).

Status of Rivers

Although there was less amount of rainfall in 2012

unlike other years, flooding was mainly caused by

continuous rainfall. The table below shows the amount of rainfall in different regions (in mm).

Source: Bangladesh MeteorologicalDepartment

River

Surma

Surma

Surma

Kushiara

Kushiara

Kushiara

Kangsha

Khowai

Bhogai

Someshwari

Sarigoain

Jadukata

Danger level

(July, 2012)

+29

+99

+94

+46

+40

+12

+113

0

+55

+56

+4

+92

Danger level

(June, 2012)

+68

+147

+55

+194

+199

+15

+37

+32

+175

+55

+138

0

Station

Shlhet

Kanaighat

Sumanganj

Omalsid

Shewla

Sherpur

Jaria Junjail

Balah

Nakuagaon

Durgapur

Sarighat

Lorergar

Danger level

(Sept.,2012)

+15

+3

+5

Meghna Estuary

Region

Chittagong

Cox’s BazarSylhet

Normal

rainfall

243.3

344.0

349.7

Actual

rainfall

568.9

344.0

376.0

Southeast Hilly Estuary

Brahmaputra Estuary

Ganges Estuary

In Cities is it Flood or Water logging?

Of the 9 cities in the world lying at the highest risk zone of flooding, Dhaka stands second. The

Coastal City Flood Vulnerability (CCFVI) yardstick was discovered by researchers of the

Netherlands and Leeds University of UK by adopting a new method. The report stated that

although Dhaka stands at only 4 metre above sea level, flood is a regular phenomenon. But

there are no measures available in Dhaka to control flooding. In 2012 Dhaka City was victim

of water logging if not flooding. However, flash flood occurred in Sylhet, Chittagong and

Cox’s Bazar. Government took possible steps to prevent flood from occurring in Dhaka based

on the flooding situation in the previous years.

Chittagong

Usually towards end of May, monsoon winds become active in Bangladesh. Monsoon winds

were weak towards the early half of 2012. So, monsoon winds became very strong and active

from around mid-June as it gathered lot of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Due to strong

monsoon winds especially in the southern parts of Bangladesh there was heavy rainfall

resulting in flood. The main reasons for such flooding were rainfall and swelling of rivers. This

year, Chittagong recorded maximum amount of rainfall in several years. Due to torrential

rainfall, life became terribly disrupted in Chittagong and adjacent district towns. On June 22,

continuous rainfall, swelling of rivers coupled with high tide in the sea flooded a huge area of

Chittagong city. On June 28, a record high rainfall was measured in 24 hours to be 463 mm.

River

Matamuhuri

Matamuhuri

Sangu

Halda

Ghagot

Brahmaputra

Brahmaputra

Jamuna

Jamuna

Jamuna

Dharala

Teesta

Jamuneshwari

Kobadak

Padma

Padma

Korotoa

Danger level

(July, 2012)

+111

+148

0

+95

+10

0

0

+32

0

0

+18

+30

0

0

0

0

0

Danger level

(June, 2012)

+207

+240

+60

0

+63

+35

+39

+106

+30

0

+20

0

0

0

0

0

0

Station

Chiringa

Lama

Dohajari

Narayanhat

Gaibandha

Nunkhawa

Chilmari

Bahadurabad

Sirajganj

Aricha

Kurigram

Dalia

Bagarganj

Jhikargacha

Padma

Bhagyakul

Char Rahimpur

Danger level

(Sept.,2012)

+26

+47

+96

+60

+44

+54

+27

+52

+40

+23

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rainfalls. This was a record for rainfall

in any particular day beating all

previous records. (Daily Star, 28 June,

2012). Before this, the highest rainfall

recorded in Chittagong on 11 June,

2007 which was 450 m.m. in one

single day. Like that period, most of the

areas of Chittagong were flooded.

Unloading of cargo at the Jetty had to

be suspended. Household, educational

institutions, business establishments,

export-import trading came to a

standstill. Airports, railway

transportation, electricity connections

were stopped. Land transport (for

example, bus, trucks, etc.) could not

ply as almost two-thirds of the road

went under water. 41 wards of

Chittagong City Corporation were

affected by flood. Some Upazilla

adjacent to Chittagong city were

affected by flood, namely, Satkania,

Feni, Rangunia, Lohagara, Dohazari,

Fatikchhari, Patiya, Banshkhali,

B a n d a r b a n , R a n g ama t i a n d

Khagrachhari. Water level of rivers

Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bakkhali were flowing above the danger level. On the other hand,

Chittagong City got snapped from other cities due to flooding, irregular rainfall, flood, hill

erosion, swelling of river water, etc. Rail lines were suspended between Chittagong and other

parts of the country because a portion of the bridge between Bhatiari and Comilla collapsed.

During the flood in Chittagong city, crores of Taka was destroyed inside the godowns,

households, shops, educational institutions when flood waters entered up to 4 to 4-5 ft. high.

50 flood godowns were damaged. Thousands of taka worth of fish were washed away, both

inside and outside the city. In Chittagong city alone, every year about 10-12 lac people are

victimized due to occurrence of flood. The situation is getting worse day by day. Even on June

11 when the highest rainfall was recorded for any particular day, such horrifying flood did not

take place. While on 28 June, 2012, only 18 inch of rainfall caused flooding of the city.

Flood Situation in Different Districts

During beginning of March-April, 2012, there were some damage due to rainfall and swelling

of rivers and on-rush of waters from the hills. However, from June 22 onwards, continuous

and abnormal rainfall raised the water level of some rivers thereby causing flood. But in early

July flood waters receded and the water flow came down below the danger level. Again due to

Extent of damage

7 Upazilla, 12,125 households

and 47,077 people.

30,000 people and 5,000

households.

100,000 people.

8 union and hundreds acres

Aman crops.

20 unions.

16 unions, 10,000 households,

206 Primary Schools, 1

person died.

Several unions, disrupted

transport communication,

vegetables and 100 ponds

destroyed.

One died.

One died.

6 upazilla including town,

closed electricity supply,

affected 10,000.

8 upzillas, 1,000 households.

District/Sub-

district

Bandharban

Feni

Satkania

Lohagara

Dohajari

Fatikchari

Patia

Raojan

Bashkhali

Rangamati

Khagrachari

The scenario of flood of Chittgong and nearer sub-district of Chittagong

some cause, water level began to rise from around July 15 and 2nd spell of flooding began.

Some additional areas were inundated.

Finally, from September 15 onwards, due to monsoon winds, rainfall, on rush of water down

the hills- return flood started in the 3rd spell. So, the original areas were flooded for the third

time and some more and new areas were flooded too.

According to data gathered

from Bangladesh Relief and

Rehabilitation office, till 31

July 2012, 10,29,695 families

and 51,48,475 persons were

affected by flood in 76 upazilas

(out of 101 upazillas) of 14

districts. Floods destroyed

3,60,862 houses of which

88,070 were totally damaged.

Crops in 230,421 acres of land

were destroyed and 4,816 cattle

heads died due to flooding. And

a c c o r d i n g t o D i s a s t e r

Management Information

Centre (DMIC) total affected

households are 3,52,750 in 10

districts.

Flood affected area

Loss Due to Flood (According to data receives from DRRO)

District

Chittagong

Cox’s Bazar

Bandarban

Sylhet

Sunamganj

Sirajganj

Gaibandha

Bogra

Kurigram

Jamalpur

Total

Damaged

houses

(fully)

11139

16118

7102

3328

365

2050

10249

10000

22609

5110

88070

Affected

Families

347479

1546478

30384

118521

50595

55039

66015

27850

123806

55088

1029695

Affected

Upazila

15

8

7

11

3

9

4

3

9

7

76

Damaged

crops

(acre)

11410

28216

9695

25797

5140

54456

0

12170

52899

30638

230421

No. of

deaths

3

1

3

1

4

13

Damaged

source of

water

948

2455

389

50

10551

Damaged

cattle

head

1650

1430

850

261

15

481

129

4816

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Damages of Crops

In 2012, floods, specially flash floods have done lot of damage to farmers. According to Dept.

of Agriculture Extension (DAE) usually floods occur in our country between mid-July and

first week of August. This year, as there was less rainfall, farmers thought that there will be no

flood this year. So, they started to plant ‘Ropa’ Aman seedlings earlier than previous years.

Normally this is planted in the char areas. Thus, the farmers in the char areas and those near

the river banks suffered most during this year’s flood. In 16 districts, only ‘Ropa’ Aman crops

were damaged in 118, 339 hectares. According to data received from DAE, ‘Ropa’ Aman

crops were damaged in the districts as follows: Sylhet-31,000 hectares, Kurigram-29,865,

Sherpur-2,600, Jamalpur-21,235, Bogra-11,370, Rangpur-1,815, Sirajganj-5,871,

Nilphamari-600, Bhola-460, Tangail-3,404, Rajbari-530, Gaibandha-7,146. Beside these,

other crops and vegetables which were destroyed during flood are shown in the table below:

In 9 districts, different crops and vegetables were damaged or destroyed in 164,065 hectares of land worth Tk. 569 crore 489 lac.

Managing Floods in the Coastal Region

With the onset of monsoon, all the rivers start for to swell. This causes flooding in southern

region and coastal areas. Farmers face terrible problem saplings of Aman paddy due to rise in

the water levels in the rivers and river erosion, Flood situation easily turns severe in the

coastal belts for several reasons. It is learnt that after the devastating Sidr, Agriculture

department placed 8 point recommendation to contain flooding. But even after 5 years, no

effective steps have been taken till now. If these recommendations are implemented, these

Districts

Sylhet

Kurigram

Jamalpur

Sirajganj

Bogra

Gaibandha

Lalmonirhat

Faridpur

Financial loss

3.5 crore

7 crore 95 lac

200 crore

15 crore

107 crore 70 lac

8.5 crore

1 crore 60 lac

1 crore 80 lac

27 crore

84 lac

200 crore

Extent of damage

Aman crops in 31,000 hectares, Boro crops in

2,125 hectares.

Aman-29,865 hectare, vegetables-382 hectare,

nut 312 hectare, Mashkalai-465 hectare,

Masala-5 hectare, Banana-6 hectare, Jute-3000

hectare.

Aman-21,235 hectare

Lentil-3,130 hectare

Mashkalai-660 hectare

Vegetables-1,420 hectare.


Til-1,610 hectare, Kaun-490 hectare, Aus-760

hectare, Jute-1,055 hectare, Banana-10 hectare,

Lentil-15 hectare, Mashkalai-700 hectare.

Aman and vegetables-11,370 hectare


partial damage to crops in 1, 952 hectare.

Paddy in 38,655 hectares.

Aman crops in 400 hectares.

will help in reducing flooding in the southern region and also keep the agriculture

management system functioning well. Some of the recommendations are: construction of

‘berri-bundh’, culvert, and sluice gate-with a view to ensure that during flood or high tide,

river waters cannot cross the dams and damage crops in these regions.

How Far Modernization Regarding Flood Alertness has Progressed?

Flooding is not any unusual incident in plain land like Bangladesh. Every year, possibility of

flood begins during rainy season. But still now the flood alertness system is very back-dated.

For example, the water gauze scale was placed at Nunkhawa Point of Brahmaputra River in

1957 to measure the water level. At that time it was decided that danger level will be fixed at

27.89 metre after considering the average height from sea level and reduced level of the

rivers. At present the water gauze scale is no more in Nunkhawa. The gauze was removed

about 12 years ago from Nunkhawa and placed in a channel of Dudhkumar River beside

Jatrapur Bazar, approx. 4 kilometers downstream. The increase and decrease of river level is

still now being monitored based on the measurement at Nunkhawa point by Hydrological

Department of Water Development Board and Flood Forecasting and Alertness Centres are

announcing those water levels. So, at all points where water gauze and danger level statistics

are being announced there is anomaly. According to Water Development Board sources, there

are 310 rivers in Bangladesh. Of these, water level of 150 rivers are measured through 111

stations. Flood forecasting and Warning Centres collect data from 86 monitoring stations on

the water level in the major rivers but announces data of only 52 rivers. The first water gauze

to measure water level of rivers was installed in 1887 and the last one was installed in 1973 in

Baral River of Atgharia in Pabna district. Apart from this, during 1990-95, two types of

telemetering auto gauze was installed at 30 points of Buriganga, Turag Shitalakhya and

Dudhkumar rivers under the technical assistance programme of JICA. The water level could

be measured automatically and sent to the base station at Dhaka immediately. Beside this,

there are 70 important telecommunication stations to measure height of water level, record

the same and then transmit. 13 of these are lying out of order. Previously information was

gathered through wireless sets but since most of these have gone out of order, mobile phones

are being used to send data to base stations. Gauze readers collect information 5 times a day

between 6 a.m and 6 p.m everyday regarding water level-rise or fall. Of this, information

collected at 6 a.m only is being transmitted to the telecommunication station. The data

gathered during the 4 other times are sent to the stations the next day. So, data is not available

with the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centres regarding the rise and fall of water level

throughout the day.

Due to these limitations, people are not getting regular alert messages. Every year they are

suffering. There is no other alternative than to gather information and create alertness with

modern sophisticated equipment.

Disaster Forum


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92

Water Logging : The Greatest Disaster of Cities

Bangladesh is an example of fast and speedy

urbanization. Megacity Dhaka has expanded at

a fast rate. With the increase in population, this

city has developed in industrial, commercial

and health related sectors. However, due to

unplanned and uncontrolled growth of

population and unplanned urbanization, living

conditions in Dhaka is gradually becoming a

matter of great concern. One of the glaring

examples is the gradual diminishing of rivers

and water bodies around Dhaka. Previously

these rivers used to help in Dhaka’s sewerage

system, communication, and means of

transport and growth of business. But due to

grabbing of the rivers, filling up, pollution – the

rivers are nearing extinction. These filled up

lands are being grabbed by illegal owners and they are constructing slums, residential and

commercial buildings, factories, industries, brickfields, CNG station and other

infrastructures. Wastage materials from factories and residential buildings are directly falling

into the river and polluting the river water. The rivers and khals around Dhaka have become

dustbins due to industrial waste materials being dumped regularly. This has resulted in

blocking of water flow out of Dhaka and thereby has given rise to water logging in several

areas of Dhaka and this has become one of the most vexing problems at present. Even with

small rainfall, water becomes logged. Also there is flooding sometimes if rainfall is heavy.

The situation turns worse when several organizations start various renovation works during

the rainy season. The situation is constantly deteriorating due to waste products, dirt,

construction materials, unplanned construction works and lack of drainage. Water-logging is

becoming a social menace and is having detrimental effects on the social life, financial

condition and structural casualties.

Reasons of Water Logging

In 2012, a few incidents of rainfall before and after Baisakh have rise to water-logging in

different parts of Dhaka which created a sense of alarm among the city dwellers. The places

which would become water logged in the past several years, now has engulfed more areas and

gave rise to water logging. Experts have stated the following reasons for causing water

logging:

• Old and dilapidated condition of drainage system. In comparison to Dhaka during 1960s, population of Dhaka has increased manifold. The age old drainage system has collapsed due to unplanned development and construction of buildings as well as due to population boom.


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93

• The narrow pipes installed several years ago have mostly developed leaks and so waste materials mix up with water line and overflows through the drains. Besides, the suppliers who are responsible for laying pipes use narrow and less costly pipes unsuitable for sewerage disposal. Therefore, the flow of water faces obstacle and leaks are created in several places.

• The open drains are stuck and blocked with refuse, dirts. Even with slightest rainfall, drain water overflows and come up to the roads.

• At several places, Dhaka City Corporation has raised the road level. So, the adjacent areas have become lower compared to the road. During rainfall, water easily enters those houses along with water from the sewerage pipes.

• The rate at which rain waters flow is faster than the rate of discharge of drain waters. This creates water logging.

• At certain points, the surrounding areas are higher than the road level. So rain waters flow towards the areas where the slope is lower.

• Due to lack of coordination between Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and Dhaka Water & Sewerage Authority (WASA), the general public suffers terribly. Each agency suddenly starts digging the roads. Within few days, another agency starts digging at the same place for laying pipes, etc. So, even slight rainfall gives rise to water logging.

• The canals which previously flew through the capital have been mostly filled and buildings have been constructed thereon. So, smooth flow of water is hampered giving rise to water logging.

• The canals which are still flowing are gradually being filled-up with refuse and waste materials.

• Water logging also results in some places where the road is not connected to a drain pipe.

• DCC personnel do not regularly clean the drains. Even if they do clean the drains, they leave the refuse by the side of the drain. Later on, these refuse gradually re-enters the drain. Beside this, refuse and dirts from nearby houses are stacked beside the road. When transports ply, these refuse and dirts slowly fills up the drains nearby.

• Residents living within the DND embankment has no means of draining out stagnant water and results in water logging. Also, their waste products cannot be drained out due to absence of any drainage system there.

• If the roads are not maintained properly and not repaired in time, holes are created. During rainfall, water sips in and creates water logging.

Rivers and their Source of Dhaka Metropolitan Area

Central Dhaka is surrounded by three main rivers - Buriganga in the south, Turag in the west

and Balu in the east. Beside these, two other rivers help keep these rivers alive, namely,

Dhaleswari and Sitalkhya. These are known as life line of Dhaka.

Historically there are 54 canals surrounding Dhaka city. These canals help Dhaka in draining

out water and sewerage. At present, most of these canals have been filled-up with waste

materials and refuse, thus hampering drainage system in Dhaka. These canals flow through

several ‘mohollah’. For example, Segunbagicha-Jhirani-Dholai Khal meets up with Balu and


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94

Buriganga rivers, Ibrahimpur-Kallyanpur

canal meets with Turag river, Dhanmondi-

Gulshan-Ramna-Begunbari canal meets with

Balu river. The remarkable canals flowing

within Dhaka city are: Dhanmondi, Gulshan,

Ramna and Crescent Lake. Their total length

together is 17.4 km while the basin area covers

approx. 70 km. Apart from this, once upon a

time there were several water bodies, most of

which have been filled up. Water in these lakes

or canals have become polluted with waste and

sewerage materials dumped by residents living

around.

The source of water for Dhaka city at present

are- 61.31 sq km which is 20% of Dhaka

Metropolitan area and lie within three types of

water bodies (rivers, canals and lakes). Of this,

Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Tongi canals (including inside canals) covers 12.26 sq km or 4%

of the entire area. 26 sq km (9.44%) covers the age old canals and rivers of Dhaka

Metropolitan area. Also, there are some temporary source of water (shallow water in the low

lying areas) in East Dhaka. These cover an area of 23.07 sq km or 7.54%. Present source of

water is 12.5% which increases to 20% during rainy season (including 4 rivers, recognized

lake, canal and small ponds). Due to growth of population, even the water bodies in low lying

areas of Dhaka are becoming filled up and so giving rise to water logging even when there is

normal rainfall.

Steps Taken to Rectify the Faulty Water Drainage System and Eradicate Water Logging

Even before the start of the rainy season, many areas of Dhaka city become submerged. Even

with normal rainfall, one-thirds of Dhaka city becomes water logged. The stagnant water

becomes breeding place for mosquitoes

and other insects. Although there is a

common consensus regarding the cause of

water-logging, there are no major plans to

rectify the faulty drainage system of

Dhaka. Unplanned drainage system is the

major cause, according to experts. The

open drains and underground drains are

connected to one another. Water from the

roads flow through the narrow drains and

meets the big drains. These carry waste

water and rain water into the canals and the

canals carry those to the rivers. Except in

No. of

canals

19

7

2

17

11

Area/

Location

To the west

of Dhaka

Within the

city

Within the

city

To the East

of Dhaka

DND

Department

Dhaka WASA

National Housing

Directorate

Dhaka WASA

Office of the Deputy

Commissioner

Water Development

Board


Figure 1: River position around Dhaka city

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95

the East, Dhaka city is surrounded by flood

embankments on all the other three sides. The

prevailing 54 canals of Dhaka fall under

different Government departments as follows:

Along with Dhaka WASA, Dhaka City Corporation has constructed open drains as well as underground drains which carry a huge volume of household waste to the canals. RAJUK has constructed drainage system with the corporation and assistance from Dhaka WASA. On the other hand, Water Development Board is taking care of the canals in the DND region and maintaining the sluice gates placed in the flood protection embankments. The total area of greater Dhaka is 350 sq km. Within this, Dhaka WASA covers 150 sq km area including 10 km box culvert and 65 open channels. There are 145 km pipe drain having a drainage capacity of 54.4 cusec water and 3 pump stations which has a capacity to hold 140 cusec rain water. In 1968, Dhaka Water & Sewerage Authority (WASA) undertook a master plan to build separate drainage system (for rain water and sewerage). But till now, only 110 sq km. sewerage pipe line and 150 sq km water drainage line has been constructed. This is extremely inadequate. The only sewerage treatment plant of Dhaka WASA is in Pagla where only 0.12 million cubic water can be treated which is only 10% of total sewerage. But due to lack of separate and inadequate sewerage pipeline only one-thirds of the total capacity can be utilized. So, household and industrial wastes directly fall into the rivers and pollute the sources of water. With a view to combat water-logging, government has undertaken a project named Dhaka Water Supply and Sanitation Project with funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Its main objective is on drainage system and sewerage management. The project has five parts which are:

1) To reconstruct and strengthen the prevailing sewerage system: renovating lifting/pumping station, renovation and expansion of Pagla Sewerage Treatment Plant, renovation and re-installation of sewerage line and line trunk, and expansion of the lines which are connected to the Pagla basin.

2) To reconstruct rain water drainage system and strengthen the same: installation of two pumping stations in high risk areas lying towards the east of Dhaka, namely, Rampura and Kamalapur with a view to protect the city from floods.

3) To provide social and environmental security: This project will re-excavate selected canals and will assist in implementation of environment management programmes thereby assist in implementation of the work plan. The project is aimed at installation of pump station to drain out rain or flood water, draw up drainage master plan, reclamation of canals, compensate the affected persons and to raise the standard of organizational capability of Dhaka WASA, and to undertake and plan various developmental


Figure 2: The present drainage system of Dhaka city

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96

programmes. The project was approved in 2008 and was scheduled to be completed by 2013. However, during mid-term review of the project in 2012, the project completion period has been extended to 2015, that is, by additional 18 months.

Till now, the following activities have been completed under the project:

- re-excavation of canals, installation of two pumping stations to drain out water.

- to prepare master plan regarding management of polluted water of Dhaka city.

- to prepare design and tender documents on a priority basis for implementation of sewerage and polluted/waste water treatment plant under Dhaka extraction/drainage plan.

After evaluating the first phase activities, World Bank expressed dissatisfaction over the

progress of the project work. So, World Bank has during the middle stage pulled itself out of

the Dhaka Water Supply and Sanitation Project due to the slow rate of implementation and

due to lack of transparency in documentation of how money was being spent by the project

management. World Bank was supposed to fund 149 million US Dollars out of the total

project cost of 165.7 million USD. However, after making the first installment of only 51

million USD, World Bank has withdrawn its financial assistance worth Tk. 784 crore.

Policies/Techniques and Practical Solutions to Remove Water Logging

Experts have made the following recommendations to solve and reduce the problem of water-

logging in Dhaka city:

• To identify the entire area surrounding Dhaka into special zones by making practical and implementable land use programmes.

• While creating the land use zones, provision has to be kept for flow of water during natural floods.

• The areas where zoning will not be possible or feasible, plans has to be made keeping in mind the basic factors, for example, slope of the land, depth of water body, khal-beel, rivers- their natural identity must be given due importance.

• Rivers, canals and transportation management must be coordinated with the land use guidelines.

• An extensive study has to be undertaken of the present drainage system and then arrange for expansion and reconstruction and this needs to be done immediately.

• To separate the rain water drainage system from the waste water drainage system.

• To arrange for draining out waste products from the drainage lines and canals.

• Development of effective management of pumping stations.

• All interim flood control mechanism should be under sole supervision and management of Dhaka WASA.

• RAJUK must develop the eastern parts of Dhaka under a Master Plan and the Master Plan must incorporate provision of land use, rain water management, water supply and sewerage system.

• A high level Coordination Committee has to be formed which will be responsible to ensure coordination among all service oriented organizations and departments.


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Chittagong Devastated by Water Logging

Like other cities, Chittagong was also affected by water logging in 2012. Water logging has

now become one of the major problems of Chittagong due mainly to unplanned urbanization,

indiscriminate cutting of hills, illegal possession of canals-drains and natural water-bodies.

Water become stagnant even with normal high tide and rainfall. The main reasons for water

logging of Chittagong has been identified by Chittagong City Corporation to be:

1. Illegal grabbing of canals – drains

2. Throwing of rubbish in drains and pipelines

3. Establishment of slums beside canals

4. Filling up of canals drains due to cutting down of hills by unscrupulous people

5. Filling up of ponds, water-bodies and low-lying lands

6. Problem of removing earth from the side of the canals as there is mostly no specific road

7. Bottom of the Karnaphuli river being filled up with silts

8. Absence of sluice gate at the mouth of the canals

9. Absence of full-fledged town protection embankment

10. Inadequate capacity of the prevailing canals to hold water, etc.

A 15-year Master Plan was prepared in 1995 by spending 15 crore taka to make Chittagong a

planned city. Several experts spent 3 long years to formulate the Master Plan but neither the

Chittagong City Corporation nor Chittagong Development Authority follows its

recommendations to remove water-logging. The Master Plan recommended for excavation of

3 new canals and 20 secondary canals. The other recommendations were:

• Re-excavation of prevailing canals and secondary canals;

• Construction of reservoir;

• Construction of embankment at a higher level from Patenga to Dry Dock on both sides of Karnaphuli river;

• Construction of retaining wall from Dry Dock to Karnaphuli Bridge;

• Construction of embankment by using sheet piling method;

• Construction of bridge and highway from Karnaphuli to Kalurghat Bridge, construction of dam from Kalurghat to Halda;

• Construction of dam at the left bank of Karnaphuli river;

• Construction of tidal regulator in the canal adjacent to the dam/embankment;

• Construct navigation gate of Chaktai – Rajakhali canal.

Government had also approved the 15 year Master Plan. But due to severe lack of cooperation

and coordination among Chittagong City Corporation, Chittagong Development Authority

and Chittagong WASA, it could not be implemented in even 15 years. After the death of 127

persons due to landslide in the hills in 2007, the then Caretaker Government took initiative to

prepare a Detailed Area Plan by formulation of a Committee having representatives from

CDA, City Corporation, WASA and Roads & Highway Department. But even after spending

nearly 1,000 crore taka, the Detailed Area Plan could still not be prepared.


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Minimum 6 projects were undertaken by Ministry of Local Government and Chittagong City Corporation in the last two decades, to remove water-logging. Chittagong City Corporation removed 45 lac sq ft. of earth from various canals in 2012-23 fiscal year. 7 crore taka was spent in this respect. In 2012, Chittagong City Corporation staged appeal to the government for implementation of Master Drainage Plan. In line with this, a new canal is being constructed at a project cost of 297 crore taka. If the project is approved, then the water-logging problem in western parts of Chittagong is likely to be removed by 60%.

Water Logging is Turning to be a Devastating Problem to Citizens of Khulna

Khulna is the third largest city in Bangladesh and lies to the East. River Bhairab flows in the

North, Pashur river flows in the South and Moyur river flows to the West of Khulna. These

rivers meet together in the Bay of Bengal. Also the population is rising at a speedy rate in

Khulna. According to Detailed Area Plan of Khulna City and experts, the major cause of

population boom in Khulna City is migration of people from adjoining villages or small

towns. Apart from this, the other causes which are encouraging people to reside in Khulna are:

1. The scope to get a job or opportunities of employment is much higher in the cities than in the villages. Everyday people migrate from the villages to the towns and cities. So, there is an enormous pressure of people migrating to Khulna hoping to get a job.

2. Destitute people from different areas are taking shelter in the towns.

3. Due to natural calamities, life is coming to a halt and so people are allured to migrate and come to Khulna.

4. People are also migrating to Khulna to avoid the followings- different types of fight, grabbing of land, attack by the pirates in and around the surroundings, communal fighting etc.

Along with the rise of population, change in the climate is also having its effect on the

residents of Khulna. Natural calamities have increased. Important amongst these are-

cyclone, flood, problem of drainage of rain water and water logging. Change in climatic

condition and population growth is adversely affecting the city’s drainage system resulting in

water-logging. Several areas are facing crisis of water-logging even with slight rainfall. Areas

adjacent to Mayur river in the west of Khulna and canals in the area are gradually being

illegally occupied by unscrupulous and influential people. The authorities are unable to free

those canals and lands from their clutches and so water logging is gradually turning into a

major problem for the people of Khulna. 25 out of 50 canals surrounding Khulna are illegally

occupied. So, when there is rainfall, the water-flow is blocked and cannot reach the river due

to obstacles on the way and thereby causing water logging. The major cause of water logging

is absence of adequate and appropriate drainage system- experts opine. In a survey report of

GIZ Bangladesh on Urban Governance and Development Expert, Good Urban Governance

Programme, the following graphical representation (comparison between 2010 and forecast

in 2050) of the situation of water logging of Khulna City has been shown.


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Thus, it can be seen that nearly one-thirds of the population is affected by water-logging. This

is having adverse effect on the social and financial condition. During rainy season, even with

slight rainfall, most of the roads are flooded with waist deep water.

Khulna City Corporation has undertaken a 3,000 crore taka project in 2012 titled

“Development of City Areas” to get rid of water-logging of Khulna city. The Project planning

has been made to address the problem of water-logging and development of roads. The

Project will be implemented by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and

Khulna City Corporation (KCC) with financial assistance of Asian Development Bank

(ADB). The project will run through 2012 to 2016. Under this project the major activities

which will be undertaken are- excavation of Moyur river and 22 canals adjacent to it by

concrete box, construction of footpath on both sides of the river and permanent sealing of the

lands occupied illegally.

Water Logging in Sylhet

Situated towards the North-East of Bangladesh, Sylhet has always been a place of tourist

attraction for its scenic beauty and natural resources. The city is growing rapidly. Sylhet City

Corporation is developing this city without any structural planning. Sylhet city is now facing

environmental problems due to rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization and regular

cutting down of hills. Beside this, under the disguise of urbanization, the drains, ponds and

canals are being filled up indiscriminately. Most of the canals are being occupied illegally and

buildings are being constructed on those.

Even a decade ago, there were 17 ponds in Sylhet city where rain waters were deposited. But

all these ponds have been filled up and being used as: Dhopa Dighi- for construction of

Figure 3: The Scenario of water loggingof Khulna city in 2010

Figure 4: The scenario of water loggingof Khulna city in 2050


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Usmani Shishu Park, Lal Dighi – for construction of hawker market and Mousu Dighi- for

construction of a commercial private building. Apart from this, some drains used to carry the

water from the upper layers and daily waste materials to Surma river. With fast urbanization,

importance of these rivers is diminishing. There were 9 big and 15 small canals surrounding

Sylhet City locally known as “Chhora”. These canals were 56 metre wide and 55 metre long

and were keeping the drainage system active. But during the last two decades, most of these

have been illegally occupied and there is no system of drainage. So, like other cities, Sylhet is

also facing regular water-logging.

In 2012, almost all areas of Sylhet were subjected to water logging. The main reason for this is

fragile drainage system. Rain waters cannot be removed because most of the drains have been

filled-up with rubbish and waste materials from houses. Water drainage system is blocked,

fragile drainage system and the drains have not been cleaned for many years- these are the

main causes of water logging in Sylhet, according to the experts. Many of the drains has not

been repaired for many years and so has gone out of order. Sylhet City Corporation has not

taken any step to repair the present drains or construct new drains. Also in many places slabs

have been constructed without raising the road level and so drainage of water is facing

obstacles. Dumping of polythene inside the drains and canals are also blocking smooth flow

of water.

Sylhet City Corporation and Urban Engineering Department of Shahjalal University of

Science & Technology have taken up joint ventures- both long-term and short-term plans

have been chalked out and are being implemented. Short-term plans include construction of

waterways to carry the water from the stagnant points to the larger source of water. Later on

there will be long-term plans to get rid of this problem when the main canals will be re-

excavated. Sylhet City Corporation has undertaken a project worth Taka 11 crore to remove

water-logging. The project shall undertake recovery of several canals surrounding Sylhet,

construction of 1,459 boundary pillar, 1,200 metre wall, 1,000 metre boundary wall and 4 box

culverts by renovation and re-construction with an objective to remove water logging.

There is a continuous growth of population in all the cities of Bangladesh. Rivers, canals,

water bodies surrounding most of the cities have been locked. This has resulted from

urbanization and lack of awareness has shattered dreams of the general public to see a city free

from curse of water logging.


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Nor’wester

One of the most common disasters in Bangladesh is nor wester or the storm occurring in the

month of Boishakh which hits Bangladesh every year with severe winds and devastation.

Nor' wester begins before the monsoon winds starts to set in. Usually it appears between

March and June. The reason is during summer as the day progresses, the air starts to get

warmer and flows upwards. Moisture also flows upwards and clouds form with lot of

moisture content. So, there is ‘up draft’ and ‘down draft’ inside the clouds. This is known as

thunder clouds. These thunder clouds give rise to rain with thunderstorm and when the

intensity is lighter, then it turns into nor’wester. These seasonal storms not only destroys

many houses and crops, these also takes away many lives and cattle, etc.

The following table shows a list of seasonal storms and Nor wester which hit Bangladesh in 2012.

’

’

S/No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11

12

Amount of loss

200 houses fully and 50 partially destroyed.

More than 400 houses including 5

educational institutions destroyed.

1 dead, 200 houses destroyed, more than

1,000 trees uprooted.

500 houses, 5 educational institutions, 1

BGB camp destroyed. 400 trees uprooted.

Class rooms of 9 schools destroyed.

500 houses destroyed. More than 1,000 trees

uprooted.

Famous Pogoldia High School destroyed.

More than 200 kucha houses, educational

institutions, mosque destroyed.

More than 300 kucha houses, educational

institutions, mosque destroyed. Damage to

Women’s College and mango garden.

Severe damage to more than 200 houses and

trees. 1 Madrasha, more than 400 kucha

houses, 2 educational institutions destroyed.

Hundreds of trees uprooted.

Severe damage to more than 200 houses, trees,

1 Madrasha, agriculture land, betel leaf ‘baroj’.

2 schools, more than 300 houses destroyed.

Place

Shyamnagar, Satkhira

Bhurungamari, Kurigram

Several villages of

Kadirjangal and Guzadia

union of Kurigram Upazilla

Bhurungamari &

Nageshwari Upazilla of

Comilla

Kazipur Upazilla of

Siranjganj

Netrokona sadar, Atpara &

Purba Dhala Upazilla

Sarishabari in Jamalpur

Nangolkot in Comilla

Gurudashpur in Natore

Noakhali Sadar Upazilla

Madaripur

Doulatpur, Comilla

Date

6-11-12

26-6-12

27-6-12

27-6-12

13-4-12

17-5-12

19-5-12

7-6-12

2-6-12

4-6-12

5-6-12

5-6-12

3-6-12

4-6-12

4-6-12


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S/No.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Amount of loss

More than 100 houses and more than 1,000

trees destroyed.

More than 500 houses and numerous trees

destroyed.

More than 200 houses destroyed.

More than 200 establishments including

houses, mosque, shops destroyed and

numerous trees damaged.

Severe damage to more than 100 houses,

more than 1,000 trees, shops, rice mill, etc.

2 persons died. Severe damage to crops. 500

houses, more than 1 educational institution

destroyed.

1 person died. More than 50 houses and trees

destroyed. Electrical poles were uprooted.

More than 200 houses and 2 educational

institutions damaged. More than 500 trees

uprooted.

More than 500 houses and 4 educational

institutions damaged. More than 1,000 trees

uprooted.

Severe damage to Boro paddy. More than 200

houses and educational institutions

destroyed.

Severe damage to more than 1,000 houses,

trees, markets, standing crops, educational

institutions, religious institutions.

Numerous houses and trees damaged

including 1 educational institution.

11 educational institutions destroyed. More

than 1,000 family became destitute and

homeless.

Gutiabor College destroyed.

Secondary School damaged.

500 houses destroyed. 2 persons struck by

lighting and died.

2 schools destroyed.

Severe damage to houses, trees and crops.

Place

Ramganj (Laxmipur)

Sirajganj

Nagarkandha, Faridpur

Nangolkot, Comilla

Muktagacha, Fulbaria,

Nandail in Mymensingh

Gabtoli Upazilla, Sadar

Upazilla, Bogra

Habiganj

Pabna

Sarishabari, Jamalpur

Dinajpur

Kishoreganj

Faridpur, Chandpur

Lalmonirhat Sadar

Gouripur, Mymensingh

Meherpur

Sarishabari, Jamalpur,

Bobindaganj, Gaibandha,

Rajarhat, Kurigram

Dhunot Upazilla, Bogra

Mirersharai

Date

4-6-12

5-6-12

5-6-12

4-6-12

3-6-12

4-6-12

4-6-12

2-6-12

2-6-12

2-6-12

2-6-12

2-6-12

May,

2012

13-5-12

15-5-12

May

2012

24-5-12

23-5-12

24-5-12


S/No.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

Amount of loss

2 persons died due to storm. More than 500

houses, factories, educational institutions

and shops destroyed.

1 police official died. More than 5,000 houses

and more than 50 educational institutions

destroyed.

More than 500 houses, educational

institutions destroyed. Severe damage to

trees and standing crops.

More than 200 houses and 1 Madrasha

destroyed. 1 child died.

3,000 houses and more than 1,000 trees

damaged.

More than 1,000 houses and trees damaged.

2 persons died. More than 300 houses and

several trees damaged.

Educational institutions, kucha houses and

trees damaged.

More than 100 houses, school, market,

madrasha, mosque destroyed. More than

1,000 houses and 50 establishments

damaged. High school building collapsed.

1 person died. Hundreds of houses and


Numerous trees damaged. More than 100

houses destroyed. Damage to crops and ripe

paddy.

More than 100 houses, trees and crops

damaged.

1 person died. More than 100 houses and


Houses, trees and crops damaged.

Houses, trees and crops damaged.

2 persons died. Trees and crops damaged.

More than 200 houses destroyed including 1

madrasha.

More than 100 houses, educational

institutions and trees damaged.

300 houses destroyed and trees uprooted.

1 educational institution, 50 houses

destroyed. 1 person died.

Place

Bogra

Sundarganj & Gaibandha

Peergachha Upazilla,

Rangpur

Rajarhat, Kurigram

Ulipur, Kurigram

Raiganj, Sirajganj

Lalmonirhat

Bhaluka, Mymensingh

Mothbaria, Dinajpur,

Gouripur, Mymensingh,

Gopalpur, Tangail

Netrokona

Damrai, Dhaka

Muktagachha of

Mymensingh, Gouripur,

Modhupur, Tangail

Kazipur, Sirajganj

Dewanganj, Jamalpur

Doulatpur, Kushtia

Kendua, Netrokona

Mithamain, Kishoreganj

Gouripur, Mymensingh

Netrokona

Bhedorganj, Shariatpur

Date

24-5-12

22-5-12

16-5-12

16-5-12

16-5-12

16-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

15-5-12

12-5-12

Disaster Forum


Disaster Forum

104

S/No.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

Amount of loss

More than 100 houses and numerous trees

damaged.

More than 200 houses, 1 educational

institution and numerous trees damaged.

More than 200 houses destroyed. Beside this,

several educational institutions and trees

damaged.

Hundreds of houses destroyed. Beside this,

Boro crops and mango plantation severely

damaged.

Hundreds of houses destroyed. Beside this,


damaged.


damaged.

1 person died.

2 persons died.

Severe damage to Kacha houses, trees and

standing crops.

More than 100 houses, 1 cold storage

destroyed.

More than 200 houses destroyed and 5,000

trees damaged.

More than 100 houses destroyed and

widespread damage to crops.

More than 50 houses and 1 mosque destroyed.

More than 1,000 houses and educational

institutions damaged.

Numerous trees and more than hundred houses

damaged. Severe damage to standing crops.

50 houses destroyed.

Widespread damage of Boro paddy, other

paddy, crops and houses. Beside this,

educational institutions, mosque and shops

damaged.

More than 500 houses destroyed.

13 houses destroyed.

More than 50 houses, trees and boro crops

severely damaged.

More than 50 houses, trees and boro crops

severely damaged.

Place

Khetlal, Joypurhat

Kazipur, Sirajganj

Doulatpur, Kushtia

Rajshahi

Doulatpur, Kushtia

Chapai Nawabganj

Comilla

Khulna

Pirojpur

Munshiganj

Narsingdi

Nasirnagar

Mirzaganj, Patuakhali

Jagannathpur, Sunamganj

Tangail

Bagerhat

Kalmakandha, Netrokona

Habiganj

Kamalganj, Moulvibazar

Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria

Mirersharai, Chittagong

Date

17-5-12

17-5-12

3-5-12

3-5-12

3-5-12

4-5-12

4-5-12

4-5-12

30-4-12

30-4-12

30-4-12

30-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12

21-4-12


Disaster Forum

105

S/No.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

Amount of loss

Widespread damage to Boro paddy and maize

fields.

More than 100 houses, educational institutions

and standing Boro damaged severely.

Widespread damage to houses and crops.

More than 500 houses, trees and commercial

establishments damaged.

More than 50 houses destroyed. Widespread

damage to crops and trees.

Damage to more than 100 houses, trees and

crops.

Damage to more than 100 houses, trees and

crops.

Damage to houses and 1 mosque.

4 schools destroyed.

2 persons destroyed. 5,000 houses, crops and

trees destroyed.

200 houses, crops, trees and electric poles were

destroyed.

2 persons died. 1,000 houses destroyed.

Educational institutions damaged.

3,000 houses destroyed. Widespread damage

to trees and crops.

Numerous houses, crops, trees damaged.

Houses were destroyed.

Damage to Boro crops.


2 houses and several trees damaged.

50 houses and numerous trees damaged.

2 houses and standing crops damaged.

Hundreds of houses and trees damaged.

More than 500 houses and trees damaged.

50 houses and trees damaged.

More than 100 houses, trees and Boro paddy

damaged.

300 houses and Boro crops damaged.


Damage to houses, standing crops.

Damage to houses and Boro paddy.

Houses destroyed and crops damaged.

Houses destroyed and trees damaged.

Place

Fulbaria, Dinajpur

Dhunat, Bogra

Sonargaon, Narayanganj

Jagannathpur, Sunamganj

Nawabganj, Dhaka

Mithamain, Kishoreganj

Mirzapur, Tangail

Munshiganj

Kazipur, Sirajganj

Thakurgaon

Jamalpur

Rangpur

Lalmonirhat

Dinajpur

Barisal

Sylhet

Rangpur

Patuakhali

Pirojpur

Barguna

Panchagarh

Kurigram

Pabna

Nilphamari

Patuakhali

Gaibandha

Hatia, Noakhali

Feni

Netrokona

Brahmanbaria

Date

21-4-12

21-4-12

19-4-12

19-4-12

19-4-12

19-4-12

19-4-12

19-4-12

April,

2012

15-4-12

April,

12

15-4-12

15-4-12

15-4-12

13-4-12

10-4-12

10-4-12


Disaster Forum

106

S/No.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

Amount of loss

More than 1,000 houses destroyed and crops

damaged.

Houses, educational institutions, madrasha

destroyed.

Numerous houses, trees destroyed and crops

damaged.

More than 2,000 houses, numerous trees

destroyed and crops severely damaged.

Houses, Boro paddy severely damaged.

Crops damaged. Numerous houses including

3 educational institutions destroyed.

Houses, educational institutions damaged.

Houses destroyed, electricity connection

snapped.


snapped.


snapped.

Houses destroyed, educational and commercial

establishments damaged.

Widespread damage to houses, crops, trees,

madrasha, educational institutions and

commercial establishments.

Numerous houses, trees destroyed. Educational

institutions, commercial establishments,

madrasha, religions institutions and standing

crops damaged.

More than 1,000 houses destroyed. Numerous

trees uprooted widespread damage to standing

crops.

Place

Hatia, Noakhali

Keshabpur, Jessore,

Monirampur, Bogra,

Moulvibazar

Dhaka, Gazipur, Sherpur,

Gopalganj, Jamalpur,

Barisal, Pirojpur, Bhola,

Brahmanbaria

Muladia, Barisal,

Chitolmari, Bagerhat,

Bhola, Netrokona, Sherpur,

Madaripur, Faridpur,

Kishoreganj, Mirersharai,

Chittagong, Patuakhali

Satkhira

Atoari, Panchagarh

Batiaghata, Khulna

Netrokona

Siranganj

Nilphamari, Parbatipur,

Dinajpur

Nilphamari, parbatipur,

Dinajpur

Saidpur, Bhaluka,

Kulaura

Gopalganj, Satkhira,

Khulna, Bhola,

Sunamganj

Jamalpur, Nilphamari,

Satkhira, Chittagong,

Laxmipur, Rajshahi,

Mymensingh,

Chuadanga, Chapai

Nawabganj, Narsingdi,

Brahmanbaria, Comilla,

Chandpur, Panchagarh

Date

8-4-12

9-4-12

7-4-12

7-4-12

7-4-12

April 6

& 7,

2012

5-4-12


Disaster Forum


In 2012, 37 nor wester hit Bangladesh of different intensity. Of these, nor wester struck 2

times in March, 13 times in April, 14 times in May, 7 times in June and 1 time in November.

Though the main damage was in Dhaka, Chittagong and Rangpur divisions, widespread

damage was also seen in other regions. The damage by the storm was comparatively less in

Sylhet division. In 2012, there were 59 storms which hit Dhaka, 26 hit Chittagong, 24 hit

Rangpur, 19 hit Barisal, 14 hit Rajshahi and 8 hit Sylhet divisions.

’ ’

Due to any nor wester, normal lifestyle is affected adversely, people are faced with hardship

and misery engulfs people’s lives. It is quite hard to measure losses incurred due to nor'

wester. Because it not only causes death to human being or cattle heads, it destroys partially or

fully several houses, educational institutions, religious institutions and commercial

establishments. Widespread damage to standing crops and trees also take place costing crores

of taka. Beside these, roads, culverts, dams, etc. are damaged and electrical disruption occurs

by uprooting of poles by the strong winds during a storm. There is no end to the suffering of

general people.

’

S/No.

88.

89.

90.

91.

Amount of loss

More than 100 houses, trees, crops severely

damaged.

Trees were damaged, electricity was snapped.

More than 100 houses destroyed. Trees and

crops damaged.

50 houses and numerous trees damaged.

Severe damage to standing crops.

Place

Munshiganj, Satkhira,

Doulatpur (Kushtia),

Kolapara

Dhaka Sadar

Brahmanbaria,

Patuakhali, Borguna

Bandarban

Date

7-4-12

17-3-12

1-3-12

1-3-12

Dhaka

26

59

Chittagong

24

Rangpur

19

Barisal

Khulna

8

Sylhet

21

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Division-wise storms in 2012

March

April

May

June

November

7

14

1 2

13

Month-wise storms in 2012

Disaster Forum


Thunder/Lightning

Recently a new disaster has been added in Bangladesh. This is known as thunder. On an

average, thunders hit Bangladesh between 80 and 120 days in a year. In a research paper

prepared by Professor Dr. Thomas W. Smidlin of Department of Geography of Kent State

University, USA, entitled “Risk factors and social vulnerability”, it is revealed that 40

thunders heat each sq. Km. in Bangladesh between March and May every year. He said that

although death of only 150 people is reported in the newspapers, but in reality the number of

deaths are between 500 to 1,000 every year. In his research findings Dr. Thomas says that

maximum number of people who die by being struck by thunder live in Bangladesh. Due to

high density of population in Bangladesh, number of deaths is also high.

What is Thunder?

It is most natural that lightning lie inside the

clouds in the atmosphere. This lightning occurs

in two ways positive and negative charges.

When two clouds with different charge content

come near each other, lightning occur. The

lower portion of clouds contain negative charge

while the upper portion of the cloud contain

positive charge. When both charges meet, these

give rise to a upward lighting and moves

upwards very speedily. This upward lighting is

known as thunder. The temperature inside a

thunder may be 30,0000 to 60,0000 Fahrenheit. According to scientists, most thunder occurs

in the clouds which move between 25,000 to 75,000 ft. The speed with which thunder come

downwards is 60,000 metre per second. If anybody is struck by thunder, he dies instantly. The

duration of a thunder is one tenths of a second. The wind around a thunder becomes five times

more heated than the surface of the sun. Huge sound captures the surrounding areas. Since

speed of sound is less than the speed of light, so the sound is heard after a thunder strikes.

Thunder is more powerful than an earthquake. One thunder contains approx. 50,000 ampere

of light. Whereas in the households, light content is 15,000 ampere only. Sometimes, a

thunder may strike and hit the sky with 30 million volt of electricity.

Death at the Beginning of the Season

On April 06, 2012, 20 people died and 10 were injured throughout the country. On 7 April 10

people died while on 8 and 9 April 16 persons and another 16 persons died respectively being

struck by thunder. Information gathered from different sources and newspapers state than in

the month of April alone 103 persons had died all over the country of these, 18 were children,

18 were women and 67 were men. In May, out of 73 deaths, 20 were children, 13 were women

and 40 were men. It is worthwhile mentioning here than on 23 May, 2011, 58 persons died all

over Bangladesh due to thunder.

Disaster Forum

109

Although there are not many researches on thunder, several studies are being carried out in

Europe, Japan and America. Some of the presenters in International Conferences and

Seminars has shown that thunder is closely related to air pollution and environment pollution.

“Thunderstorm, lightning and Climate Change”, a research paper submitted by Collin Price,

Profession of Geography Department in Tel Aviv University at the 29th International

Conference on Lightning Protection held in Sweden in 2008, revealed the above statement. In

the research paper it is stated that while air pollution is increasing due to thunder, similarly air

pollution has increased the devastation and number of thunders all over the world. Scientist

David Edwards of National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has shown the

increase of thunderstorms in the world. In 2004, National Geographic has termed thunder to

be the second most dangerous killer (Samakal, April 26, 2012).

No. of deaths/injured by thunder in 2012 (based on reports published in different newspapers)

InjuredNo. of DeathsYear

2100

2012

Children

31

61

Women

28

50

Men

120

190

Total

179

301

Children

12

63

Women

27

32

Men

111

124

Total

150

219

InjuredNo. of deathsMonths

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

Total

Children

1

18

20

11

1

4

3

3

61

Children

1

15

15

15

0

1

3

9

63

Women

1

18

13

7

3

2

5

1

50

Women

13

9

5

4

1

32

Men

1

67

40

22

9

21

23

5

190

Men

1

38

29

17

4

9

21

5

124


Disaster Forum

110

River Erosion : A Natural Disaster

River erosion is a common disaster in riverine Bangladesh. Every year thousands of

Bangladesh is rendered homeless due to river erosion. Also educational institutions, medical

centres, roads, dams and other establishments are engulfed by the rivers and this brings in

disaster in the lives of the people affected.

Bangladesh is a deltaic plain land surrounded by rivers like the Padma, Ganges and Jamuna.

So, while these rivers carry alluvial soil they are also responsible for river erosion. Floods and

river erosion is regular phenomenon in Bangladesh and like in other years, in 2012, these

were the major form of disasters which hit Bangladesh.

In 2012, the following districts were affected by river erosion- Kurigram, Gaibandha,

Jamalpur, Bogra, Sirajganj, Tangail, Pabna, Manikganj, Rajshahi, Kushtia, Natore, Faridpur

and Dhaka.

Due to erosion of the three rivers, 3,694 hectare lands were affected. Beside this, following

were affected severally: houses in 587 hectare land, 5.6 km dam, 3.3 km roads in the districts,

2.1 km roads in the Upazilla and 3.3 km roads in the villages. Also 23 educational institutions,

20 mosques, 1 government office, 1 private office and 3 medical centres were affected by

river erosion.

Table showing damages caused due to river erosion

Affected district

Kurigram

Gaihandha

Jamalpur

Bogra

Sirajganj

Tangail

Pabna

Manikganj

Nawabganj

Natore

Rajshahi

Rajbari

Kushtgia

Faridpur

Shariatpur

Dhaka

Manikganj

Chandpur

Total

Land (hectares)

442

262

268

325

806

188

77

212

153

2

81

178

81

230

152

174

56

7

3694

Houses (Hectares)

51

15

74

38

102

26

14

49

25

2

9

25

28

3

40

65

20

1

578

Roads (Km)

502

110

1642

1659

371

452

381

961

0

0

0

166

235

0

200

5685

405

0

8769

Dam (Metre)

761

160

0

1727

3738

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6386


Disaster Forum

111

The infrastructural amenities required for prevention and rehabilitation of affected facilities,

for example, educational institutions, shops, medical centres, etc. is very costly. To curtail the

losses which may be incurred by possible river erosion the method is known as “Possibility of

erosion” and this can play a vital role in this respect. Bangladesh Water Development Board,

Bangladesh Water Resources Planning Agency and UNDP has been implementing projects

since 2004 to find out the possibilities of erosion of the major rivers.

According to data regarding possibility of erosion in the future, 2,200 hectares land, 338

hectare houses, 6 km dams, 2.9 km roads in the districts, 1.7 km roads in Upazilla and 2.9 km

roads in the villages are at risk of erosion. Beside these, lying in the vulnerable area of river

erosion is: 48 educational institutions, 35 mosques, 6 markets and haat, 1 government office,

3 private offices and 4 medical centres.

A comparative scenario depicting river erosion in 2010, 2012 and 2013 is shown below:

Source: CEGIS

2010 2012 2013

roadLand homestead embankment

3694 hectare

2199 hectare

1665 hectare

352 hectare

338 hectare

587 hectare

7650 meter

8473 meter

8769 meter

3850 meter

7684 meter

6386 meter


Disaster Forum

112

The Sundarban Facing Possible Threat

According to Prof. A K Fazlul Haque of

‘Centre for Study on the Sundarban’, the

organization involved in research and

study on the Sundarban, erosion and

reconstruction is a common

characteristic of the Sundarban. Erosion

of this mangrove forest created by alluvial soil from the river Ganges is a natural occurrence.

But this largest mangrove forest is gradually becoming smaller in size due to global warming

and climatic change. In addition, rise in water level in the sea, environment pollution,

indiscriminate cutting of trees in the Sundarban are having derogatory effects on this forest.

The erosion is more visible in the East than in the west. While 203 km forest have been eroded

(at a rate of approx. 6 km per year for last four decades) only 104 km forest has risen from the

seabed which is not even half of the eroded amount.

Possible scenario of erosion by river Jamuna

Period

1973-1989

1989-2001

2001-2010

Total

Erosion (km)

116

113

103

332

Construction (Km)

104

36

62

202


Disaster Forum

113

Coordinated Steps Taken to Stop Erosion

Ramgati Upazilla of Laximpur was threatened with erosion of river Meghna. The affected

included: 19 educational institutions, office of the Upazilla Parishad, Upazilla Health

Complex, Upazilla Sadar, Alexander Market, Ramgoti Haat, Bibir Haat, Ramdoyal Market

and four unions. the people living in the area made a coordinated effort and started to

construct a dam by themselves using geo bags filled with sand. With financial assistance from

the local people, work was undertaken to build six dams with geo bags and the construction of

dam in East Alexander was inaugurated. The project cost has been estimated at Taka 2.8 crore.

Of this, construction works of 2 dams has already started by collecting Taka 30 lac and 15,000

geo bags.

A dam was constructed by the villagers themselves on their own initiative in order to save

Charpara village of Birampur Upazilla in Dinajpur district, from erosion by river Korotoa.

They purchased bamboo, window and constructed the dam in 15 days of voluntary work. Due

to erosion by Korotoa river, every year agricultural land, houses, educational institutions and

roads in Binod Nagar Union was affected and Chandpara village was the most vulnerable

point of erosion. So, the first dam measuring 40 yards was constructed here at the initiative of

the villagers by providing voluntary efforts.

Local people constructed bamboo piling at the mouth of river Teesta on own initiative and by

providing voluntary services. Teesta River was threatening Lalchamar village of Sundarganj

Upazilla in Gaibandha district. The educational institutions, ‘beri bandh’, market were

threatened of erosion by the river. So, the bamboo piling works were undertaken to save the

above establishments as well as to force the river to change direction.

Conclusion

Flooding and river erosion is becoming a vexing problem in the South Asian countries. This is

becoming more acute due to weakness in disaster management and less use of scientific and

technologically advanced methods. Also flood related loss or damage is more here because of

weakness in management of dams. People living in the South Asian countries have earned

more practical experience of fighting natural disasters like flood and river erosion. But

climate change and global warming is making the situation critical day by day. Floods and

river erosion are potential threats to Bangladesh economy both financially and socially. As a

result of occurrence of these two phenomena general people are becoming homeless and

destitute. This is creating more destitute people clustering the slums in the cities. So, practical

programmes has to be taken in light of the social and political conditions of the country,

necessary work plans need to be chalked out accordingly depending again on practical

experience. Otherwise the economic and social problems facing the South Asian countries

will turn into massive disaster and will pose to be great challenge and threat to the

development of the countries of South Asia.


2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

No. of Death

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

127

60

82

171911

No. of Death

List of death people due to landslides in 2012

Total 85

Disaster Forum

114

Landslides

Landslides is now a common feature for the people of Chittagong. Even after so may people

have died due to landslides, the destitute people does not want to move away from the hills, as

they do not have any other place to go. Nobody bothers about their rehabilitation. Deputy

Commissioner of Chittagong says, “Knowing fully well about the dire consequences and risk

of death, these people do not move. Even if they are evicted, soon they come back”. Monjurul

Kibria, Associate Professor of Department of Zoology, University of Chittagong and a

renowned environmentalist said, “if government does not take initiative to rehabilitate these

people permanently, this problem will pursue. They

become homeless and penniless due to river erosion

and then come and take shelter in the hills. In

whichever hill they take shelter, that becomes a

death trap.”

On June 27, 2012, 102 people died: in Bandarban (46 persons), Cox’s Bazar (41 persons) and

Chittagong (31 persons) due to landslide. Of these, 7 died due to thunderstorm (Cox’s Bazar-

6, Chittagong-1), wall collapse-7 persons (Chittagong-3 children & 1 male and in Cox’s

Bazar-3 persons). 6 persons drowned in Cox’s Bazar during this time, the rest 82 persons died

due to landslide.

Total 120 hills were totally destroyed

in last 30 years. In Chittagong division

total 13,295 square miles hill areas are

going to annihilate gradually.

Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

No. Of Death

127

11

19

60

17

82

Date

June 13

June 27

November 27

No. of deaths

2 (Children)

82

1

Place

Sylhet, Jaintapur

Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar,

Bandarban

Comilla, Lalmai

Remarks

Due to torrential rain, houses

collapsed from the top of the hills.

Due to heavy rain, landslide

occurred.

While cutting the hills, landslide

killed 1 person.


Disaster Forum

115

June 27, 2012, Night of Destruction

It was raining heavily during the night of June 27, 2012. With the intensity of rain,

representatives of Chittagong City Corporation started miking (announcement) that the

people residing under the hills should move away to safer places. But as they had no other

place to go, these people refused to move and instead embraced death. On that night, 82

persons died due to landslide in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban. Of these, 24 died in

Chittagong (including 17 children, 5 women and 2 men). 22 died in Cox’s Bazar (including 12

children, 6 women and 4 men). 36 died in Bandarban (including 18 children, 10 women and 8

men). Due to collapse of hills vehicle movement became difficult and so rescue operation was

hampered. Torrential rain and landslide forced roads, railways and even airline services to be

disrupted. Electricity connections were snapped in many places. Thousands of people

became water logged.

Many areas in Chittagong City were water logged. Crores of taka worth of household goods

were destroyed due to on-rush of standing water. Hundreds of vehicles including bus, minibus,

auto rickshaw were drowned in water. More than one lac people in 7 unions of Lama Upazilla in

Bandarban was trapped by on-rush of water from hills. Upazilla sadar went under 14-15 ft. water

due to flood water. On the other hand, more than 10 lac people became trapped in water in 7

Upazillas of Cox’s Bazar sadar, Ukhiya, Kutubdia and Moheshkhali. 20,000 people took shelter

in different cyclone shelters. Shrimps worth nearly 300 crore taka from 500 enclosures were

washed away in Chokoria, Teknaf, Moheshkhali, Kutubdia and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazilla.

Assistance for the Affected People

Family members of each head person received Tk. 20,000 for the death of their relative from

the government. Beside this, Disaster Management and Relief wing of Ministry of Food and

Disaster management of Government of Bangladesh allocated the following relief: 20 lac

taka and 300 MT rice in Chittagong, 30 lac taka and 500 MT rice in Cox’s Bazar and 10 lac

taka in Bandarban.

Construction of House on Top of Hillock to combat Landslide!

The hillock is 70 ft. high. No one can

understand what lies at the top. If someone can

climb to the top, he will find that there are big

& deep holes where houses have been built. In

order to avoid disaster, seven families are

residing here. A few of these are tilting while

some others seem to be falling down any time.

Its name is Pathan Tilla. This Tilla belongs

jointly to Bangladesh Railway and private

ownership. It is situated to the North of

Maizgaon playground in South Fenchuganj of

Sylhet district. It covers an area of nearly 2 acre. 37 families have been residing there for

more than a decade. In 2011, Sylhet Zilla Parishad cut parts of the Tilla and constructed

gallery for the playground. As a result, with the onset of rainy season in 2012, it became very


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116

Construction of Road by Cutting Hills in Sylhet Division

A very influential land developer built a road by cutting through the highest hill in Jaflong, the

place of tourist attraction in Sylhet without taking any permission from the local

administration or Department of Environment (DoE). Almost 72% of the hilltop was

transformed into plain land and a long road of 1,100 ft. was constructed there. Director of

Sylhet Division of DoE said that this was one of the largest hills of Jaflong. On one side lies

India’s Dauki to Piain river estuary and on the other side lies Tamabil land port and Border

outpost of Bangladesh Border Guard. If this hill is destroyed, the natural environment of

Jaflong will be effected (Prothom Alo, December 12, 2012).

A case was filed and the land developer was fined 7,87,000 taka. Director of DoE passed this

order. At the same time he was ordered to bring back the look of the original landscape of the

hill. The convicted person paid the fine but could not bring back look of the original

landscape.

DoE also fined a teacher of a government college in Pathantula as he cut a hillock and made

his house. A fine of Tk. 1,02,000 was imposed on him. Director of DoE said that because of

cutting of hills and hillocks in Sylhet, the natural environment is being destroyed and the

animal species are being harmed severely. Huge amount of fine is being imposed but it is not

possible to bring back the original landscape, so preventive and strict measures must be taken

against the perpetrators.

Court Case, Imposing of Fine but Still Cutting of Hills has not Stopped

In Sylhet hills cover an area of approx.186 sq.km. Mostly the hills are cut for building

residential accommodation. In order to avoid the exaction provisions of Environment Act,

different unique techniques are taken to evade those provisions. Legal actions against hill

cutting began after the regional office of DoE was opened in Sylhet in 2005. 157 cases are

pending with DoE of similar nature. When hill cutting could not be stopped even after filling

suits, then with the help of Enforcement of mobile courts, fines started to be imposed and

realized. the following table illustrates the scenario.

vulnerable for the residents staying there. Since there was no other alternative, seven

families dug huge holes and constructed their houses and started to live there. Parul Begum,

one of the residents, told that a part of her house collapsed. They are forced to stay there as

they have no other alternative place to stay. A senior official of the Department of

Environment said that it is all the more risky to dig hole on top of the hillock. There is a

possibility that if there is a landslide, the whole house will collapse and be buried under

earth (Prothom Alo, June 23, 2012).

Place

Sylhet

Date

February

26, 2012

Name of

organization

Greenland

Housing

Company

Fines

imposed

Tk. 22,00,000

Remarks

The company was fined because it

had cut the top portion of the

hillock and built housing plots.


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117

Notification to Preserve all Hills in Chittagong Division

On August 23, 2011, a Writ Petition was filed by Bangladesh Environment Lawyers

Association (BELA) regarding preservation of all hills in Chittagong Division. The petition

wanted a stay order against indiscriminate and illegal cutting of hills. It also wanted directive

of the High Court against the people who had violated the guidelines and instructions of

Building Construction Act, 1952, Environment Protection Act, 1995 and Chittagong

Development Authority Ordinance, 1959. The Hon’ble High Court listened to the prayer

stated in the Writ Petition filed in 2011 and ordered for preservation of the environment and

animal life. Further, it also ordered that it would be made mandatory to obtain Environmental

Certificate and Environment Influence Association (EIA) if anyone wants to cut hills. Since

then DoE may either allow or not allow any application made towards cutting of hills.

Place

Sylhet

Molaitila

Sylhet

Sadar

(Debpur

Mouza)

Chittagong

Chittagong

Date

June 21,

2011

December

12, 2012

July 02,

2012

December

09, 2012

Name of

organization

Shalimar

Housing Ltd.

Lohani Tea

Garden

Abul Khair

Group

South Khulsi

Residential

Area

Fines

imposed

Tk. 10,00,000

Tk. 7,00,000

Tk. 40,23,000

Tk. 3,45,000

Remarks

Fine was imposed because a pond

was dig on top of the Molaitila.

According to DoE, a fine of nearly

1 crore taka was realized from 19

incidents where hills/hillocks were

cut (2011-2012).

Through a press release of DoE it

was announced that owner of

Lohani Tea Garden wanted to build

100 ft. long and 8ft. wide Bangalow

in Debpur Mouza of Sylhet sadar

upazilla. The hill was cut around

end of November, 2012. Upon

confirmation of the incident, DoE

imposed this fine against the owner

on December 12, 2012.

With a view to upgrade Dhaka

Chittagong highway into four

lanes, district administration gave

permission to cut approx. 13 acres

of hills owned by Abul Khair

Group. This press release was

given by DoE. But since they cut

1.85 acre additional hills, the fine

was imposed against them.

DoE imposed this fine against one

person as he indulged in cutting a

hill in south Khulsi Residential

Area.


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118

Earthquake & Collapse of Walls and Buildings

Among the natural disasters which are likely to increase due to climate change, earthquake is

a serious factor. During the last few years several light to wild tremors have jolted

Bangladesh. Whether these jolts are forecasting a major earthquake is becoming a concern to

most people as well as the experts. According to statistics of Earthquake Observation Centre

of BUET, between January 2006 and May, 2009, 86 earthquakes hit Bangladesh which

measured at more than 4 on the richter scale, while Meteorological Department says that 9 of

these measured at 5 on the richter scale. The region-wise seismic map, produced by BUET,

shows that 43% of Bangladesh are highlands, 41% are of medium height and 16% are low and

vulnerable. Experts opine that Dhaka and Chittagong are likely to be affected most if an

earthquake should hit because of the thick density of population, dilapidated buildings and

modern buildings made without following proper guidelines of Bangladesh Building Code.

Some Mentionable Incidents of Earthquake in 2012

At 8:56 am on March 18, 2012, Sunday,

capital Dhaka and its surrounding areas

were shaken by earthquake. Its epicenter

was at Dohar Upazilla of Dhaka.

Observation from Meteorological

Department pointed out that this was the

first time in 162 years that an epicenter of

an earthquake was so near to Dhaka. This

was a medium range earthquake. Data

since 1850 confirms this observation.

People from their houses came out in and

surrounding areas. Students started to run

around in the Halls of Dhaka University

and in the Dhaka University Library. One

building tilted at Savar. Observation from

US Geological Survey Department says

that the source of earthquake was 15.7 km deep inside the earth. Since the epicenter was 24

km from Dhaka, 34 km South-West from Tongi, 106 km. towards West and North-West of

Comilla, many Southern districts also were hit. It is worthwhile mentioning here that the

earthquake which hit on November 2, 2011 and measured at 4.1 on the richter scale had its

epicenter at Matlab of Chandpur.

Experts Opinion

According to Professor Dr. Mehedi Ahmed, Professor of BUET and the founder Secretary

General of Bangladesh Earthquake Society, by the nature and location of epicenter it seems

that there may be a crack near Dhaka. But the possibility of a major earthquake originating

from here is not very prominent. This crack may give rise to earthquake having light to

medium intensity. He also says that even a medium intensity can bring in huge destruction in


BANGLADESH

2012 03 1802.56:10 UTC 23.66N90.18E Depth: 15.7 km2

Peak Ground Acceleration(m/s ) with 10% Probability of Exceedance in 50 Years

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119

Dhaka. Because 47% residential area in the capital has been constructed by filling up water

bodies and built on soft soil. So, we should be much more careful regarding construction of

any building or structure. He further said that there is a trend of unplanned urbanization in

Dhaka, Narayanganj, Savar and Gazipur. But the buildings do not have necessary readiness to

face earthquake. On the other hand, nearly 50% lands of these places are quite soft. This has

been coupled with building of residential houses. He further said that government Building

Code is being implemented by RAJUK but the earthquake protection part still remains

neglected. RAJUK should ensure that while every building is being constructed, its

earthquake preparedness should be ensured. If this government owned organization wants, it

can ask the private entrepreneurs to monitor construction of buildings.

Prof. Mehedi also said that we have seen that building owners use low quality rod and cement

to save money. Therefore, a building may be constructed by following the structural drawing

but the risk of earthquake remains. It is necessary to ensure if the foundation laying has been

done correctly and also if the soil has become earthquake tolerant.

The recent trend of keeping the ground floor as parking space and free in the high rise

buildings is a positive aspect but there is also problem in this design. The columns in the

basement or parking area must be made stronger than the top floors. But owners do not follow

this while constructing a building. So, these types of buildings are risky buildings.

Earthquake may strike any where any time. Many cities in the world are at the risk of

occurrence of earthquake. But the extent of damage depends on the readiness of a particular city

and the method used in construction of the buildings and infrastructural facilities. For example,

in the devastating earthquake which hit Chile in 2010 only 500 people had died although the

intensity was measured at 8.8 on the richter scale. Only a few building collapsed. This was

possible due to proper implementation of law and the preparedness of the government of Chile

regarding earthquake. On the other hand, when an earthquake with 7.2 intensity on the richter

scale hit Haiti around the same time, 2,20,000 people died. 60% of the buildings of capital Port

Au Prince collapsed due to the earthquake. Even the house of the President collapsed.

April 11, 2012

People became panic stricken throughout the country including Bangladesh around mid day on

April 11, 2012 due to shaking. Before people could be free from panic due to the earthquake at

2:43 p.m, another earthquake hit at 4:48 p.m. This was felt in many places of the country and in

many places in the water bodies, river and sea shaking started. The epicenter was in Sumatra,

Indonesia. Tsunami alert was sounded in the countries lying along the Indian Ocean including

Indonesia. Bangladesh also sounded Tsunami alert. Later on the alert was withdrawn.

Survey by BUET

Civil Engineering Department of BUET conducted a research on “Determining the danger of

buildings of Dhaka city in the case of an earthquake”. The result reveals that nearly 50%

buildings constructed in the posh residential areas of the city and not being constructed as

being free from the danger of destruction by earthquake and so these will not withstand if an

earthquake strikes. During the course of survey, they inspected 150 buildings constructed

between 2008 and 2011. Engineers of the Civil Engineering Department found out that there


Disaster Forum

120

is no preparedness programme in 60 mosque and educational buildings in old Dhaka. These

buildings will be severely damaged or even destroyed if there is an earthquake with intensity

ranging between 6 and 7 on the richter scale. These 150 buildings were selected on a random

basis. Under the same study, in 2005, BUET checked the earthquake resistance capacity of all

residential halls of Dhaka University and in 2007, 46 buildings of BUET were checked for

identifying earthquake resistance capacity. It was found that except Ekushey Hall of Dhaka

University, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, new staff Quarter for teachers

and Accident Research Institute (ARI) – none of the rest 43 buildings had earthquake

preventive measures. It has been observed that approx. 5-10 taka per sq. ft. is additionally

required to make a building earthquake preventive. But the construction companies are not

keeping these provisions as it would become costly for them. Also, in some cases, earthquake

preventive measures are not installed on the plea that these might diminish the beauty of a

particular house or buildings.

During the survey, 150 building constructed by real estate companies in Banani, Mirpur,

Ibrahimpur, Lalmatia and Uttara were examined thoroughly. The major emphasis was placed

on three subjects. Firstly, whether the building will shake at the same rate that the soil

underground will shake. If the building shakes in the same manner, then it is likely to be

damaged. Secondly, to make a building earthquake resistant, rights made of rod has to be

placed at the intersection of each beam and column at an interval of every 4 inch. But after

examination it was found that in more than half of the buildings, rights of rod were place at 7

to 8 inches interval. So, the foundation of the building is not strong. Thirdly, most of the

building had free space in the ground floor as parking space for cars. In such buildings the

beams at the ground floor must be more heavy and thick. But in 90% cases, the beams on the

ground floor has the same circumference like the other floors. Since there is no wall

constructed in the ground floor (except the boundary wall demarcating two buildings) and the

space is mostly empty, it becomes weak. If the above three conditions are not adhered to, then

an earthquake measuring between 6 and 8 on the richter scale will be enough to destroy these

buildings, conceited Prof. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari (Prothom Alo, March 24, 2013).

There is no system to prevent earthquake in 25 mosques and educational institutions in Ward

No. 68 of old Dhaka. Most of these buildings are 50 to 100 years old.

Crack on the Ground at Modhupur

A huge crack occurred beside the pucca road on April 07, 2012.

This crack developed by the side of Kakraid-Barabazar Pucca

road near Bokarbaid of Aushnara Union of Modhupur district.

The local residents became panic stricken when they saw this 500

yards long and half an inch wide crack. Commenting on this, Md.

Emdadul Haque, Associate Prof. of Soil Science Department of

Jahangirnagar University said that Modhupur Garh is comprised

of many faults. Due to natural reasons, these faults may become

separated from one another. A new fault has developed where the

crack has developed. As a result an earthquake may occur

measuring 4 to 5 on the richter scale. But there is nothing to worry.

He also said that due to occurrence of this crack, soil in some areas

may go down or may also rise in some places.


The Statistics of Earthquake in 2012

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121

Epicenter

Kuchb i h a r i n

Wes t Benga l ,

border region of

Lalmonirhat

24 km. West-

South West of

D h a k a n e a r

Dohar

West coast of

North Sumatra,

434 km South

East of Banda

A c h e h o f

Indonesia. The

epicenter was

2,426 k. away

from office of

Meteorological

Department

Richter scale

3.8 to 4.2

4.6

8.7 But in

Bangladesh, the

intensify in most

places was 3.8

Duration

8-10 seconds

10 seconds

0

Remarks

Shaking was felt in

L a l m o n i r h a t ,

Ni lphamari and

Rangpur

One building tilled

i n S a v a r . T h e

earthquake could be

felt in Dhaka, Tongi,

N o r s h i n g d i ,

Gop a l g o n j a n d

Comilla

Tsunami alert was

sanded in the coastal

areas. In the coastal

areas at 2:43 pm and

a t 4 : 4 8 o n

ea r thquake h i t .

Beside this water

started to shake at

2:55 pm. The whole

country felt the

shock.

Date

February 25

March 18

April 11

Collapse of Building/wall

In 2012, 12 children 1 man and 1 woman died. Beside this, 60 persons were hurt or injured.

The Statistics of Collapse Building are given below:

Women Men

Injured

3

Remarks

The wall of a tin shed semi

pucca building 50 years old

collapsed at 3 am.

A number of pil lars

collapsed with big sound

on the Circuit House Road

in Shantinagar. A privately

owned building was being

constructed. While piling, a

Place

Dhaka,

Hazaribag

Dhaka,

Shantinagar

Date

December

30, 2011

January

16, 2012

Children

1

Dead


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122

Women Men

1

Injured

12

1

4

children

2

1 child

Remarks

Portion of the piling and

adjacent road caved in. The

house was being built on a

one bigha plot. 50 ft. long

pillars were being put into

the earth by piling within

30 area.

Sultanpur Govt. Primary

School building’s floor and

verandah caved in. It

occurred in Fenchuganj

Upazila’s Sultanpur.

While walking with mother

through the narrow way,

t h e wa l l o f Wa j d i a

Madrasha collapsed. The

child died and mother was

injured.

While playing beside the

u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n

building on Chandnari

Road, 4 children were

in ju r ed a s the wa l l

collapsed all of a sudden.

Due to collapse of a wall of

the Puja Mondop.

the boundary wall of an

influential person who

illegally grabbed khas land

in Gayabari village and was

constructing a building,

collapsed and fell on the

roof of the tin sheds

adjacent to it. One child

was injured.

A semi pucca building

caved in at Madhya

Kuripara in Dhaka. One

part of the building was

Place

Sylhet,

Fenchuganj

Chittagong,

Bayzid

Police

Station road

Chittagong,

Lal Khan

Bazar

Tangail,

Baruria

Village

Nilphamari,

Dimla

Dhaka,

Tejgaon,

Madhya

Kunipara

Date

January

29, 2012

March 15,

2012

March

30,2012

April 06,

2012

April 06,

2012

May 06,

2012

Children

1

Dead


Dead

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123

Women Men

Injured

8

labourers

3

3

Remarks

Made of bamboo and tin. It

was built on bamboo polls

on the jheel. It can be

termed a wooden ‘tong’. It

was built on 2 kathas of one

of. In one side, pucca

rooms were also built.

Ceiling of a godown (under

construction) collapsed

and 8 labourers were

injured. It was being

constructed with funding

from the government.

The inmates were sitting on

the verrandah of their

house. Suddenly the wall

made of earth collapsed

and fell on the three

c h i l d r e n w h o d i e d

instantaneously.

Due to collapse of a wall of

a high rise building a

school teacher was killed.

3 students were injured

when plaster of roof top

beam of a non-govt.

primary school building

fell down accidently.

A child died when a

abandoned wall of Nilkuthi

of the European era

collapsed & fell on the child.

The girl died when a wall

collapsed of a room.

A child was injured when a

wall fell on him while he

was passing by the adjacent

road. He was taken to the

hospital in a critical

condition where he was

declared dead.

Place

Chittagong,

Halishahor

Jessor Sadar

Upazilla

Brahmanbaria

Comilla,

Debidwar

Chandpur,

Faridganj

Jessore,

Keshabpur

Brahmanbaria

Sadar

Date

May 26,

2012

May 09,

2012

June 04,

2012

June 30,

2012

July 14,

2012

July 16,

2012

July 16,

2012

Children

3

1

1

1


Dead

Women

1

1

Men

1

Injured

17

3

Children

2

59

Remarks

The roof above the

verandah of Debidwar

poura Auditorium collapse

before inauguration. This

was being built at a cost of

Tk 1.25 crore with funding

from the World Bank.

3 teachers and 14 students

of Kadampur union college

were injured when the wall

collapse due to storm.

3 students of class III were

hurt when roof of a govt.

primary school collapsed.

An abandoned 6 storey

building titled and fell on

two buildings adjacent to it

in Shakari Bazar, Dhaka.

While working inside the

house in Tutorbir village of

Rajapalong Union, a

mother and her child were

trapped under a wall which

suddenly collapsed and fell

on them.

Place

Comilla,

Debidwar

Madaripur,

Rajoir

Manikganj,

Saturia

Dhaka

Shakari

Bazar

Cox’s

Bazar,

Ukhiya

Total

Date

August

05, 2012

September

08, 2012

September

24, 2012

October

01,2012

November

01, 2012

Children

1

9

Disaster Forum


Source: Daily Newspapers

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125

Heat Wave : A New Shape of Nature

Heat wave started from the last week of March, 2012. Even before it started to get warm,

capital Dhaka took a devastating look. Before advent of summer season and towards the last

part of spring, the temperature and humidity all over Bangladesh start to rise. An analysis of

last 10 years weather condition shows that temperature is rising in continuous manners. This

is accompanied by increasing number of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. According to

Meteorological Department (MD), during previous years, temperature varies between 32 to 0 0

34 degree celsius towards the end of spring season but last year it varied between 37 to 39

celsius. According to the Storm Warning Centre of Meteorological Department, last year

there was 51.2% less rainfall in March than is usually the case. This resulted in uneasy hit and

the temperature went high. Meteorologists feel that this unfriendly weather condition may

increase in the future. Executive Director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies and

Member of United Nations Climate Change Inter-regional Panel (IPCC), Dr Atiq Rahman

said, this heat is not a natural one. Usually temperature comes down in the evening but the

situation was otherwise, during night too the temperature remained warm. With this new

shape of nature, some regions of Bangladesh including Dhaka is becoming a warm city.

According to Meteorological Department, there is a 0.00390 celsius general rise of

temperature in Bangladesh. Earlier Rajshahi was termed as a warm city. But now, Jessore,

Ishwardi and Bogra are becoming warm city. Temperature in the South-Eastern region is 0

fluctuating around 40 celsius. In 2009, the highest temperature recorded in the country in the 0

last 10 years was recorded in Jessore as 43.2 celsius (Samakal, April 05, 2012).

May is usually considered to be the month of heat wave. During May, the average temperature 0 0

varies between 34 celsius and 38 celsius in different regions. But if we analyze the record for

the last 12 years, it can be seen except in 5 years (2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 & 2011), highest 0

temperature recorded was more than 40 celsius. Reduction in the number of trees has

affected amount of rainfall. In May, normal rainfall is 339 mm in Dhaka, but in 2012, the

amount of rainfall recorded in Dhaka was 137 mm. although 298 mm in Chittagong is usual

rainfall, in 2012 it was only 114 mm in Patenga and 188 mm in Ambagan. In Rajshahi normal

rainfall is 136 mm but rainfall recorded in 2012 was only 17 mm. In Rangpur while normal

rainfall is 294 mm, maximum recorded was 212 mm. In Khulna rainfall recorded was only

63mm. while normally it is 200 mm. In Barisal, only 104 mm rainfall was recorded in May,

2012 while normally it is 232 mm of rainfall.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Date

May 08

May 14

May 20

May 28

May 13

May 13

May 12

0Temperature ( C)

39.5

38.2

43.4

41.4

42.2

40.0

39.9

Place

Ishwardi

Sylhet

Satkhira

Rajshahi

Rajshahi

Ishwardi

Chuadanga


Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Date

May 31

April 23

May 09

April 10

May 09

May

0Temperature ( C)

40.5

40.4

43.2

42.5

37.8

42.2

Place

Bogra

Ishwardi

Jessore

Ishwardi

Jessore

Ishwardi & Chuadang

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Warm City Dhaka : A Survey by BUET

Architectural Department of BUET started conducting a survey since 1995 on condition of

“climate in the cities and use of electricity”. It was supervised by Professor Shabbir Ahmed of

Architecture Department. It was found that the maximum rate of increase of temperature is in

Dhaka. In eight locations the temperature accumulated during the day is remaining the same 0

at night. The average temperature of these eight locations is 3-4 C higher than at other points

or locations. It was also observed that Motijheel and Tejgaon turned into heat islands in 1995

when the number of trees became less due to cutting down and number of water bodies

became less due to filling up. Since high rise buildings were constructed there without

keeping adequate provision of free movement of air, the temperature has risen as there was no

provision of cross-ventilation. These eight locations are: Motijheel, Tejgaon, Banani, DOHS,

Gulshan, Uttara, Mohakhali, Panthapath and from Karwan Bazar to Farmgate. The use of air-

conditioners is much more in these posh residential areas and commercial areas. So, the

temperature is naturally higher in the open places in these locations. Experts are blaming the

unplanned construction of high rise buildings without keeping provision of cross-ventilation

and free flow of air. Temperature is being stored in these buildings made of brick, sand and

cement. Because these are tall and as there is no open place, the temperature cannot go out

(Prothom Alo, March 30, 2012).

Reduction in Number of Water Bodies is Another Cause of Rise in Temperature

In the Ph.D thesis of Ishrat Islam, Associate Professor, Urban Area Planning Department of

BUET, it has been observed that the major reason for rise of temperature is the reduction in the

number of water bodies. Quoting photographs taken by satellites, she has shown that if the

water bodies are filled up at the present rate, then after 2035 there will be no water body in

Dhaka. In her thesis it is observed that in 1989, water bodies in Dhaka was 28.5% of the total

area of Dhaka city. In 1999, it accounted for 25% and in 2005 only 16.9% water body remains

in Dhaka of the total area of Dhaka city, that is, between 1989 and 1999, every year 502 acres

of water bodies have vanished. From 1999 to 2005, the reduction has been 1,922 hectares. In

2012, 2,500 hectares of water bodies have been covered up. Only 10% water bodies now

remain in Dhaka city out of the total area (Prothom Alo, March 30, 2012).

Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) conducted a study on the transformation of

agriculture and water bodies in Dhaka. In this research work, the transformation of the city’s

landscape were identified covering the period from 1600 to 2011. The findings point out that

till the 1980’s capital Dhaka was expanding on the East and North of the Buriganga. Most of

Source: Meteorological Department


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the areas covering North-Western Dhaka, namely, Badda, Satarkul, Khilkhet, Rampura,

Uttarkhan and Dakshinkhan were once water bodies. Of these, 90% area have been covered

and filled up with sand and transformed into residential areas.

Prof. Shabbir Ahmed told that the way warm lands are expanding, soon the whole capital city

will be turned into a heat island. To combat that, government should immediately take

necessary measures to preserve the water bodies and greeneries of Dhaka as laid down in the

DAP (Detailed Action Plan). Instead, many satellite towns after being constructed all around

Dhaka. Due to this rapid urbanization, once Dhaka will be so much heated that it will become

unfit for human habitation (Prothom Alo, March 30,2012).

Paribesh Bachao Andolon (PABA) has revealed through a survey that there are about 200

species of foreign plants including Eucalyptus, Kekaranda, Long u, Royal Palm, Mehogoni,

African Tulip, Ipilipil but they are not able to cool the city from effects of global warming. In

this regard, Prof. Dr. Jashim Uddin, a Botanist told that in all places of Dhaka on the roads,

avenue, park we find foreign plants. In a study conducted by Arboriculture Department of

Ministry of Housing, it is seen that 80% of the trees in Chandrima Udyan is Ekashia trees.

Trees which affect the environment, even local birds and animals do not live on those. So, the

environment imbalance is evident. On the other hand, Dhaka has not become urbanized in

such a way by keeping in mind the enormous amount of air pollution from the innumerable

number of vehicles plying on the city roads and the number of vehicles being added to the list

everyday. If urbanization is not done in a planned and coordinated way, soon Dhaka will be

turned into a place unfit for human habitation.

Living Becoming Intolerable Due to Heat wave

Normal living is becoming intolerable due to heat wave. Throughout Dhaka, people are

suffering from heat stroke, diarrhoea, typhoid, cough, cold fever. Frequent load shedding

aggravates the situation further. It starts from 7 a.m and continues with 1 hour duration per

load shedding till late at night. People suffer tremendous in this heat coupled with non-

availability of electricity. Load shedding also hits hard the small and middle income

entrepreneurs. Water pumps cannot be operated normally and so water crisis looms, specially

the scarcity of water. The underground water level goes down at a maximum in Bogra,

Jaypurhat, Natore, Noagaon, Pabna, Sirajganj, Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabganj districts.

According to Public Health Engineering Department, the water level goes down by 45 to 50 ft.

at times.

Women

1

1

Men

1

1

Children Remarks

1.After returning home

from work in the field,

died from heatstroke.

2.A lady died of heatstroke

while working at home.

Another 10 persons felt

ill.

Date

April 17, 2012

April 19, 2012

Place

Rangpur,

Narayanganj

Chatmohar,

Pabna


Disaster Forum

128

Disaster in Agriculture Due to Extreme Heat & Drought

The production of lentils, mug pulse, water melon, ‘futi’ and ground nut faced disaster due to

drought and heat wave in 11 Southern districts, namely, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi,

Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Faridpur and Rajbari. If there

is no rain at the time of harvesting of rabi crops and due to drought, the rabi crops are

adversely hit and production goes down. Due to lack of adequate rain, rabi crops shrinks and

does not grow to its full length. The terrible heat and drought damaged many rabi crops. On

the other hand, the lichi fruit also suffered in Ishwardi due to continuous terrible heat as those

could not survive the temperature. So, lichi production was hampered.

Even till middle of Srabon, there was not much rainfall in the districts towards West of

Bangladesh. So, canals, ponds, bill, rivers did not fill up adequately. Thus, the farmers could

not give the required ‘jug’ or proper warmth for ripping of the jute plants. In many instances,

farmers had to take lease of ponds to do the necessary activities.

For leasing a pond for ‘jug’ of 1 bigha jute, the farmers had to pay 500 Taka at the minimum.

According to data provided by Department of Agriculture, Jessore Regional office, jute is

cultivated in : 21,446 hectares in Jessore, 21,065 hectares in Jhenaidah, 30,455 hectares in

Magura, 22,302 hectares in Meherpur and 34,900 hectares in Meherpur and 34,900 hectares

in Kushtia. But due to scarcity of water farmers could not give ‘jug’ properly.

Production of Young Fish (Renu Pona) Hampered

Due to excessive heat in Jessore, fisheries production specially production of ‘renu pona’ was

hit terrible and was reduced by 42%. The outside temperature increased the temperature

inside the hatcheries and as a result many ‘renu pona’ died. During May, production goes

down by 70%. According to semi scientific officer of Jessore sweet water sub-centre, 0

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, if water temperature goes beyond 28 to 31 C, then

production of ‘renu pona’ is hampered. Due to climate change, during summer season, for the 0

last 5 years, the temperature remains more than 35 C. As a result, the sperms of the fish are

getting weaker and their reproductive ability is curtailed by 30 to 40 percent. Statistics from

Women

1

Men

1

2

1

1

3

Children Remarks

Died of heatstroke.

Died while he came to buy

goods.

Fell while working.

a. 2 Persons died due to

heatstroke while working

in a betel leaf garden.

b. 1 person died at night.

Date

May 13, 2012

May 14, 2012

May 17, 2012

May 23, 2012

June 15, 2012

Place

Chatmohor,

Pabna

Jibonnagar,

Chuadanga

Nitiganj,

Narayanganj

Faridganj,

Chuadanga

Doulatpur,

Kushtia


Disaster Forum

129

Jessore branch office of Meteorological Department, the highest average temperature in April 0

over the last 10 years was 34 to 36 C, and in May and June it was recorded 36 C. Statistics

also reveal that temperature starts to rise from March-April and starts, to full from second

week of June. For the last 5 years, the temperature in Jessore is constantly recorded to be near

the highest level. The District Fisheries officer says that the Jessore there are 825 hectares of

salt water shrimp ‘gher’. Since amount of sweet water supply is becoming less, so in many

areas salt water is infiltrating. This is helping the temperature to rise. If adequate sweet water

cannot be supplied by dredging of the rivers, fish production is likely to be hit adversely

(Prothom Alo, June 06, 2012). According to Report of Meteorological Department, summer

season in 2012 has come in the form of terrible heat wave. This has been further aggravated by

humidity. The most affected areas are Rajshahi and Chuadanga. A comparative statement

shows the amount of rainfall in Bangladesh in the month of June from 2000 to 2012 in the

following table.

0 0

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Amount of rainfull (mm)

14,881

24,708

20,135

23,244

16,778

12,224

12,270

18,839

15,251

9,704

17,857

16,684

17,640


Source: Daily Newspapers

No. of deaths No. of deaths

Disaster Forum

130

Cold Wave

In 2012, from the beginning of January, the whole country was gripped by cold wave. Again

cloudy sky accompanied by drizzles in December added to the intensity of cold wave. Normal

life became disrupted. Specially people belonging to the low income group, deprived from

social privileges and amenities, old and the children are most hit by cold wave. Due to heavy

and dense fog, it becomes difficult to travel by rivers, air and also on the roads.

In many districts lying in the North, cold

wave becomes very biting and intense.

being, animals as well as crops

are affected . Boro seed

beds also are affected.

Death Due to Cold

According to reports published in various newspapers, 121 persons died in 2012 due to cold

weather. Of these, 45 were children, 25 were women and 51 were men. With the intensity of

cold, number of patients affected by pneumonia, diarrhoea and breathing problem increases.

Children admitted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital were mostly suffering from cold-

related diseases. Due to cold, mothers do not want to feed their baby with breast milk. It is

observed that usually children and old aged people die more due to cold. The table below

shows the number of deaths in different parts of the country in 2012:

Human

due to cold wave

Date

14 January

29 December

Place

Jessore

Jessore

Lowest temperature

7.2 C0

7.8 C

0

Lowest temperatures in 2012

Place

Kurigram

Gaibandha

Mymensingh

Chuadanga

Netrokona

Brahmanbaria

Pabna

Sherpur

Satkhira

Faridpur

Jessore

Total

Place

Borguna

Naogaon

Barisal

Kishoreganj

Lalmonirhat

Jamalpur

Pirojpur

Agailjhara

Sirajganj

Patuakhali

Dinajpur

Total

Men

1

1

1

5

2

3

3

1

1

0

2

20

Women

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

1

3

1

8

Children

0

0

0

1

3

0

2

1

0

0

0

7

Men

12

1

1

6

0

1

5

1

0

1

3

31

Women

6

1

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

5

17

Children

18

18

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

38

Cause of Dense Fog

According to experts, apart from the cold wave, the main reason for severe cold is dust

pollution due to unplanned urbanization, moisture in the air is surviving along with dusts.

Movement of free air is restricted by the construction of several buildings one after the other.


Source: Daily newspapers

Disaster Forum

131

So, it takes time for the fog to clear and cold season gets longer. In a recent research finding it

has been revealed that due to continuous production of different crops in the agricultural

lands, the cloud above the Asian countries is containing increased dust particles. The study

was carried out by India and World Environment Science Association jointly. This dust-filled

cloud starts to move eastwardly from mid-December and again takes a u-turn towards the end

of February. So, sunrays cannot come down due to the dust. Therefore, in a few days due to

lack of proper sunlight, cold wave is formed. During this time in spite of becoming cloudy,

there is minimal rainfal 9 December, 2012).

Bee Farming Affected

It becomes difficult to collect honey due to severe cold and dense fog. The honey traders faced

hardship in Tangail and Gazipur areas due to severe cold in 2012. Fogs damages mustard

flowers and bees cannot collect honey. So, the total honey collection was much lower than

anticipated. The bee farming was affected adversely.

Disaster in Agriculture

Like the past years, there was loss in 2012 to winter vegetables. Due to severe cold, several

crops including IRRI, Boro seed beds, potato, mustard, maize, tomato were affected. Winter

vegetables were most affected in Rangpur, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Jhenaidah,

Sirajganj, Chalan Beel and Narayanganj. Due to dense fog and cold wave, the paddy seed

beds were attacked by cold injury. The seed beds turned yellow and pale and ultimately died.

During this time, in Rangpur alone, seed beds in 15,000 hectare lands were totally destroyed.

I ize seeding and Boro seed beds in hundreds of acres were damaged.

Winter vegetables were damaged in Araihazar of Narayanganj. Farmers did not get due price

for their vegetables because mostly those were damaged even with high demand for winter

vegetables. So, they increased financial loss.

ication

Due to severe cold and dense fog, entire transportation system is affected adversely. Dense

fog forcibly shut down ferry services in Mawa-Kawrakandi route for 10-12 hours on several

occasions. This resulted in huge traffic congestion on both sides of the ferry. On the other

hand, ferry services were suspended for 8-10 hours in Paturia-Doulatdia route and as a result

huge traffic congestion was experienced. Thus, the bus drivers, helpers, passengers were

stranded for a long time. Road transports were also affected due to fog. With the nightfall,

roads were gripped by heavy and dense fog. Fog lights also were not sufficient for driving. So,

number of accidents rise during such condition.

Thin Cold Wave

Regarding Health

In order to develop preventive capacity of the body, lot of fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits

must be taken regularly. For the growth of children, foods should be cooked with two

spoonful additional oil. Foods must be warmed properly before eating. Usually people of old

age, children and sick people have less capacity to fight diseases and their preventive capacity

l (Samakal, 2

n Chalan Beel, ma

Disruption in Commun

gs to Do during


Disaster Forum

132

is also less. So, additional care has to be taken towards them. To increase body temperature,

carbohydrate and protein should be taken in more quantity.

If possible, necessary repair to houses should be made before the onset of winter so that bitter

cold cannot hurt much. To prevent diarrhoea following measures has to be taken:

1. Oral rehydration salt (ORS) or saline must be started immedia

3. Apart from saline, tea without milk but mixed with sugar and salt, lemon ‘surbat’ with hot water, flattened rice, etc. may be given to the patient.

Regarding Agriculture

The Boro seedlings should be submerged throughout the night and then in the morning should

be brought out from water. This way the normal temperature can be maintained in the land. To

safeguard seed beds from dew or fog, those may be covered properly. In case of paddy, if 1%

seed bed can be saved then 8% seeds can be planted. It is also advisable to keep some seed

beds as reserve so that once cold wave passes, new seed beds may be planted.

Regarding Livestock

Proper attention must be given towards three aspects to reduce financial loss due to cold wave

regarding livestock:

1. food management, 2. animal health management and 3. general management.

If there is effective coordination among the above three components, then the death rate of

livestock can be reduced and also their diseases. We have to take pragmatic measures to deal

with cold wave.

(Source: Practicable steps to preserve health and livelihood, a publication of Disaster Forum).

tely when diarrhoea attacks;

2. Children who are breast fed should continue to be breast fed, it must not be stopped;


Disaster Forum

133

Food Security

Food security was defined clearly in the World Food Conference in 1996. Food security may

be defined as a state of affairs when people of all walks of life can physically and

economically ensure adequate supply of safe and nutritious food which will keep them

healthy and active.

Although all food items are classified into 11 categories, most important are crops (rice,

wheat), vegetables, fish, meat, milk and egg for good health and normal living. In Bangladesh

context, the most important is rice, because 23% of a man’s demand is met by rice. 75% of the

calorie comes from intake of rice. Survey conducted by International Food Policy and

Research Institute (IFPRI) reveals that cost price of rice has come down in the last 25 years

and since cost of other food items have almost gone out of buying capacity of general public,

people have become more dependent on rice. As rice has become their main staple food, rate

of malnutrition amongst the poor people have increased.

According to statistics of Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations, in

2010, the number of hungry people was 925 million. But every year one third of the food

produced in the world is either damaged or wasted, the total quantity being 1.3 billion ton.

According to World Food Safety Index 2012, Bangladesh’s position is 81 out of 105 member

states. According to IPC, Bangladesh will lose its productivity by 2050 – by 8% in rice and

32% in wheat. That is, production of rice and wheat will decrease by 8% and 32%

respectively. This is very alarming for Bangladesh. Another study of FAO reveals that till

2008 the rate of malnutrition was lower while from 2012 rate of malnutrition has started to

rise.

Table showing food security status of Bangladesh according to FAO statistics.

1998-2000

20.70%

29.60%

47.50%

2002-2004

15.70%

23.80%

57.10%

2006-2008

15.50%

24.60%

64.50%

2010-2012

16.80%

26.80%

66.70%

Description

Trend of malnutrition

Trend of want of food

Cultivable land under irrigation

facilities

From the table it may be seen that since 1998-2000, the quantity of cultivable land has

increase t environmentalists think this as a negative influence. Because

the additional cultivable land must have come either from cutting of trees in the forests or by

filling up the available water bodies. So, this is going to be a great threat to the environment in

the future.

Main Reasons for Food Insecurity

According to National Food Policy, there are three recognized regulating elements:

availability of food, ability to get food and organic use of food. In order to ensure food safety it

is imperative to keep the market stable and food should be within buying capacity of the

general people. If prices rise, it goes beyond the purchasing capacity of general public. So,

d in Bangladesh. Bu


November 2010 November 2012January 2012

Rice Wheat

Wholesale price of foodgrains

November 2011

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Disaster Forum

134

malnutrition becomes prominent due to inadequate food intake. According to Bangladesh

Bureau of Statistics, in 2012, the prices of milk, fish and meat were beyond the purchasing

capacity of general public. On the other hand, according to statistics of Trading Corporation

of Bangladesh, between 2011 and 2012, there was increase in price of different commodities,

for example, price of egg increased by 55.56%, ‘ruhi’ fish- 25%, broiler chicken- 18.37% and

milk powder Tk. 50-85 per kg. and cost price of salt increased by 44%. Since some firms were

shut down for infection of bird flu, cost of farm chicken and egg marked significant increase.

Cost of milk powder and packed foodstuff increased too. However, cost hike of electricity and

fuel affected the market adversely on all products. Because, as a result of this hike, cost of

transportation, preservation and processing of foodstuff has also increased significantly.

Although the wholesale price of rice was stable during November, 2011 and November, 2012,

price of wheat increased by Tk. 8 per kg.

According to a report published in Banik Barta , it has forecast that in 2013, there will be a

shortfall of 17 lac 80 thousand tons of meat, 146 crore 30 lac egg, shortfall of milk will be 15

lac 90 thousand ton and shortfall in fish production will be 6 lac 30 thousand ton.

thAvailability alone cannot ensure food security. According to 6 5 year plan of 2010 the

number of poor people is 31.5% of the total population. The poor people cannot afford to

always buy safe and nutritious food which is needed to keep people active, healthy and

productive. This is not possible to buy such high cost food items on the part of the poor people.

So, they stay out of the food security.

Even within the same family, women and children do not get the same food like a man. So,

they are subject to malnutrition. Also, nutrition content in food diminishes, if those are not cut

properly, are washed too much and also due to excessive heating.

In the villages, nowadays there is a tendency to use chemical fertilizer than the manure of the

cows. This results in reduced fertility of the cultivable land and productivity also goes down.

According to Agricultural Department, cow dung contains chemical, organic and physical

ingredients. If the use of this fertilizer goes down, then there will be dearth of oxygen in the

‘ ’


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135

soil, salinity increases and the soil becomes more acidic. All these results decrease

productivity of the soil and ultimately leads to deficit of food.

Another major cause of food deficit is the spraying of harmful and poisonous pesticides by

rival group and thereby damaging the standing crops. This type of incident has increased at an

alarming rate in the Barind area. Being one of most productive agricultural lands in the

country, it has detrimental and negative effect on the overall food production in the country.

Due to personnel feud and rivalry, yields in hundred of acres are being destroyed by spraying

harmful and poisonous insecticides and pesticides. Overall food production decreases and

food security is jeopardized. FAO sources state that in 2012, 1.3 million agricultural workers

were hit by flood. The agricultural infrastructure was damaged and production reduced.

Measures Taken

During 2011-12, 34.88 MT crops were produced in Bangladesh which is 1% more than 2010-

11. The crops included Aus, Aman, Boro paddy and wheat production. But target fixed by

Bangladesh Agriculture Directorate shows that while production of other crops will increase

in 2012-13, production of Aus paddy will decrease. On the other hand, it is planned to produce

2.04 million MT maize and 60 MT potato. If this plan is implemented, it will greatly

contribute to attain food security.

A comparative chart shows the crops production between 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.

One of the main pre-requisites to ensure food security is to maintain the purity of the food.

With this in mind, a laboratory was established in the Institute of Public Health in Dhaka. This

laboratory will check genuinity of the food and will ultimately assist in maintaining quality of

the crops produced in the country.

Rubber dam will be constructed at two points, namely, Bampura and Baghguzara in

Matamuhuri river of Chokoria Upazilla in Cox’s Bazar district at an estimated cost of 52 crore

2011-2012

3%

6%

54%37%

Boro Aman Aus Wheat

3%

6%

54%37%

Boro Aman Aus Wheat

2012-2013


Disaster Forum

136

taka. If the rubber dam is constructed, then farmers will be able to irrigate their agricultural

lands every year by storing the sweet water. Nearly 6 lac agricultural workers of Chokoria and

Pekua Upazilla will be benefitted due to uninterrupted possibility of cultivation and irrigation

facilities. Food deficit of the area will be ensured and food security will also be ensured in the

area. Bangladesh Government and FAO have signed a Project Proposal in this regard. Under

the Project Proposal, the Netherlands Government will provide assistance of US Dollars

25,00,000 to ensure food security in the Southern coastal regions of Bangladesh.

The major commitment of the Bangladesh Government to ensure food security was the

formulation of National Food Policy-2006. The Policy was formulated with three objectives:

• to ensure adequate and well-coordinated, secure and nutritious foo

In light of the National Food Policy, other Ministries, NGOs and development partners of

Bangladesh will ensure appropriate and effective food security programme for all levels of

people.

Necessary Measures to be Taken in the Future

According to Professor Abul Barakat, for success of modern agriculture methods, finance,

risk and intellect of the entrepreneurs is needed coupled with a people oriented agriculture

based cooperative system. He feels that for agricultural emancipation, there is no other

alternative than to ensure food security and alleviate the property of 15 crore people in the

country.

At a Workshop conducted by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), the speakers said that

side by side with supply of adequate food to the people, it is necessary to create employment

opportunities. By providing relief alone it is not possible to ensure food security. Instead of

food relief, we should try to create resources, to make poor people be able to undertake

challenges and to develop appropriate infrastructural facilities.

Bangladesh agriculture is now becoming dependent on hybrid technology. Due to mass scale

use of hybrid seeds to earn profit quickly, farmers are being allured and as a result our local

seeds and crops are becoming extinct. Our scientists have found out through research several

methods to combat food deficiency without using high breed technology as follows:

e out from the root of many crops after those

d supply;

• to ensure availability of adequate food crops and to increase standard nutrition for all, especially for women and children;

• to ensure standard nutrition for all, especially for women and children.

i) Invent new variety: capable of high yield, drought tolerant, flood tolerant, salinity tolerant, short life span, insect tolerant species to be invented. Some of the species invented by Bangladeshi scientists include: flood tolerant paddy BRRI 51, BRRI 52, IR 64, drought tolerant paddy Narico 1, Narico 10, BRRI 56, BRRI 57, etc.

ii) Inter-crops cultivation: cultivation of more than one crop in the same land simultaneously is known as inter-crops cultivation. For example, sugarcane production can take place simultaneously with cultivation of onion, ginger, garlic, pulse, vegetables, oil seeds, wheat.

iii) Cultivation of mixed crops: Buds com


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137

are cut. From these buds, crops can be cultivated without further cultivation or addit

ganic methods of cultivation, crop yield can be increased by additional 3 crore MT, says the agricultural scientists who attended

st in ensuring food security in the country. Some of these are: crop diversification, proper utilization of natural resources, use of agricultural lands on the basis of National Agricultural Policy, introduction of crop insurance, use of modern techniques of agricultural production, provide technical and financial assistance to poor and marginal level farmers on zero interest rate basis, introduce a system of forecasting weather and let those be known to the farmers, to make the agricultural advisory centers more effective, to ensure processing, preservation and marketing of the crops and finally ensure payment of fair price to the farmers against their crops, etc.

ional expense. For example, sugarcane, banana.

iv) Increase density of crops: the present density of crops in our country is 100% which was 165% in 20 years ago. On lands where only crop is grown now, the yield should be doubled by doing two or three crops each year. So, it is desirable to invent crops requiring short harvest period. Beside this, efforts should be made to irrigate more lands, layout of crops and vertical use of lands.

v) Cultivation in fallow lands: The amount of fallow lands in Bangladesh is 7.3 lac hectares, of these 3.23 lac hectares are cultivable fallow lands. These should be cultivated by taking lease from the government or by own initiative in privately owned lands and also in consultation with various agricultural developmental agencies.

vi) Modernized cultivation methods: Production of crops may be increased by following various modernized methods of cultivation, namely, plant crops at a particular distance from each other, controlling of weeds, use of balanced fertilizer, seasonal cultivation, use of good quality seeds, ‘guti’ urea, cultivation by ‘tray’ method, etc. More crops can be cultivated within short time by using organic technology.

vii) Use of organic methods: By only using or

the International Organic Technology Conference. By using organic technology, more crops can be produced in short period of time.

viii) Providing irrigation: By using proper irrigation methods, crop yield can be increased by 3 to 4 times. Only 58% cultivable land is under irrigation network in Bangladesh. The crop production in the country can be increased to a great extent if the balance 42% cultivable lands can be brought under the country’s irrigation network.

ix) Other methods: In addition to cultivation in the houses, in the hills in saline areas, in char areas, efforts should be made to undertake project on agricultural forestry. Beside these, other efforts should be undertaken to increase yield of the available agriculture lands which will in turn assi


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138

Brickfield : Aiding Modernization or Threat to Environment

Infrastructural development is a must in this era of globalization. Development of any

country depends mostly on the transportation network and infrastructural facilities available

to the general public. As a developing country, the main aim of Bangladesh is to reach the

stage by 2020 where it can be called a middle income country. For these, bricks play an

important role. Abundant establishment of brickfields in and around the major cities and also

in the rural areas have made life easy for the general mass.

At present nearly 8,000 brickfields are there in the country. Most of these are permanent

establishment having a chimney as high as 120 ft. Nearly 1 lac 8 thousand sq.ft. land is

required to build one unit of brickfield of this type. Beside this, for each brick field nearly 5-6

acres of land is needed to: store earth, place of burning, making the kutcha bricks and drying

those, keeping the produced bricks in stacks and arrange for transportation of the bricks.

Normally, coal and wood is the main fuel for brickfields. In each brickfield, approx 250

labourers work in each season and 30-32 lac bricks are made in each brickfield. Based on the

degree of burning, bricks are classed into first, second and third class respectively.

Brickfields not only Aids in Develo ental Effects to

• The main raw material to prepare bricks is earth. Usually earth from around the brickfield is used as the main raw material in brick production. The main agricultural soil lies within 8 to 12 inches from the surface. Due to the use of top soil for brick production, it loses its natural fertility for nearly 20 to 25 years. In each brickfield every year 10 to 15 lac cft. of top soil is used for brick production (Prothom Alo, 15/11/12). Big holes are created because of cutting soil indiscriminately. So, disaster looms in the lives of the residents living near these brickfields and also farmers are hit hard.

• The smoke that is emitted from the brickfields contain fluorine gas, nitrous oxide, carbon di-oxide, carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gas, which is harmful to human body as well as crops. Even these may create breathing problem and may lead to heart problems. Usually each brickfield emits nearly 30 metric ton of carbon each year.

• Date trees are cut in huge quantity for use in brickfields. So, the production of molasses from date has gone down significantly in the whole country.

• Brickfields are constructed without approval from Department of Environment. In many instances, brickfields are constructed on agricultural lands, banned drum chimneys are used and huge quantity of wood is used as fuel. Normally 2,500 maunds of wood is required to produce 1 lac bricks. According to sources from Forest Directorate, every year 2.4 crore trees are cut for making brick which is very destructive to environment.

• 144 out of 179 brickfields constructed in 2012 in Chittagong Sadar district were constructed illegally. 116 out of 119 in Meherpur, 45 out of 115 in Pabna, 103 out of 246 brickfields in Barisal were constructed illegally. On the other hand, although it is mandatory to use 120 ft. pucca chimney, most of the chimneys are made of tin and also

pment, It has Detrim


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the height is less than

ry School in Bandarban and the brickfield built by cutting hills in Faitong in lama.

• In some brickfields child labourers are being used which is extremely dangerous and inhuman.

• In some instances, labourers receive injury due to accidents and may even die. 3 labourers received burnt injury while working in an explosion in a brickfield in Nandail in Mymensingh. Also, there are instances where labourers are confined within the brickfields (Ittefaq, 7/3/12, 17/12/12).

• Smoke and chips of coal which are emitted from the brickfields makes the houses and water bodies around it dirty and polluted. Due to smoke, bees and butterflies cannot come near the plants and so fertilization cannot take place, also fruits cannot be produced

m the brickfields in Manda of Naogan, Shahjahanpur of Bogra, Nandail of Mymensingh and Khansama Upazilla of Dinajpur districts.

• In the brickfields of Paikgachha, in Khulna, trees from the Sundarbans were cut illegally and used as fuel. Earth was excavated from river Padma in Chapai Nawabganj and from river Kobadak in Jessore for use in the brickfields. As a result navigation in those places was hampered. Brick fields have also posed threat to natural beauty and heritage as some of those have been constructed adjacent to reserve forests in Bandarban, Rangpur, Tangail and near Garo villages in Mymensingh.

Measures Taken in 2012 Against Some Brickfields which were Illegally Built and were Dangerous to Public Health

• Department of Environment imposed a fine of Tk. 5 lac against a brick field and asked the owner to shut it down totally in Mediashulai of Kaliakoir Upazilla as it was built on an agricultural land.

• A mobile court imposed fine of Tk. 80,000 against two brick field owners.

• Department of Environment imposed a fine of Tk. 14 lac on 2 brickfield owners in Bogra.

• In Singair, Manikganj, a brickfield was evicted as it was constructed on an agricultural land. Beside this, 8 brickfields were fined to the tune of Tk. 32 lac.

• 5 brickfields were declared as illegal by mobile court in Jagannathpur village of Sadar Upazilla in Thakurgaon district.

120 ft. So, the emission of black smoke is higher and has bad effect on the environment (Samakal, 18/12/12).

• Control of Burning Bricks (Amendment) Act 2012, sub-clause clearly states that nobody can construct or burn bricks without obtaining necessary license. Brick fields cannot be built within 3 kms. of residential or commercial region, fruit garden or agricultural land. But no action has been taken against the persons who have constructed brickfields in Monirumpur of Jessore, Amtoli in Barguna by the side of Gungurupara Government Prima

there. So, production of vegetables, fruits is reduced gradually. In 2012, glaring example could be seen in Natore, Paba Upazilla of Puthia in Rajshahi. The mangoes there were affected and diseased due to a nearby brickfield. Its scientific name is ‘blacktip’. Due to this virus, the seed inside the mango dries up and dies.

• The standing crops in various fields were burnt by hot black smoke fro


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140

• License of 6 brickfields were canceled because those had expired in Damurhuda Upazilla of Chuadanga.

• 2 brickfield owners were fined Tk. 8.75 lac because these were illegally built by grabbing Bishkhali river and also obstructing the flow of river water.

• Department of Environment ordered shut down of 4 brickfields in Gazipur Sadar Upazilla and fined the owners Tk. 25 lac.

• Department of Environment fined Tk. 4 lac against a brickfield for environment pollution in Boalmari Upazilla in Faridpur district.

By a notification of the Bangladesh Government, licenses of brickfields having old chimneys

will no longer be renewed with effect from September, 2012.

Development of Brickfield Industry & Use of Environment Friendly Technology

Bangladesh Government has taken many steps to develop the brickfield industry. It has

created a US Dollars 5 crore fund to build environment friendly brickfields. This is being

funded by Asian Development Bank and the objective will be to increase the efficiency of the

brickfields and proper use of fuel vis-a-vis reduce the emission of carbon into the atmosphere.

To transform from fixed chimney klin to improved Zigzag klin US Dollars 3 crore will be

spent. US Dollars 2 crore will be spent to construct new vertical shaft brick klin, hybrid

Hoffman klin and tunnel klin.

One of the main methods to reduce loss due to brickfields is to build Zigzag brickfields. The

bricks in this system are laid down in a Zigzag fashion; these are separated from each other by

thin paper and a coating of mud. Holes are kept in the same position on both sides of a

chamber so that fire air from one chamber can flow. Thus, fire flows in a Zigzag fashion and

burns all bricks on its way in a synchronized manner. That is why it is called Zigzag field.

Since air is blown through blower fans it is also known as ‘air field’. The motor in the middle

of the brickfield is rectangular. There is no system of burning of bricks in this method and less

coal is required. So, it is an environment friendly technology developed by Germany and

Australia.

In the last few years, 7 brickfields have been built by using fuel efficient technology and

hyb echnology through a project funded by UNDP with assistance from

Global Environment Facilitator Fund. Some more projects are in the pipeline. Under this

method, fuel is being utilized to its maximum capacity and so only 13-14 ton coal is needed to

produce 1 lac bricks. Everyday 45-50,000 bricks can be produced in a smoke and dust-free

environment. Bricks can be built in these types of plants round the year in an uninterrupted

fashion and so it can produce 5-7 times more bricks than a normal brickfield. These pilot

projects are proving to be very fuel efficient and environment friendly.

Through a widely published circular in 2010, Department of Environment stated that with a

view to contain the environment pollution and diminishing soil fertility by the brickfields,

henceforth brickfields may be built only by using hybrid Hoffman kiln, Zigzag klin and

vertical shaft klin methods. No new brickfields with chimney can be constructed any more.

Licenses for the 120 ft. chimney brickfields may be built only one more year. On the other

rid Hoffman klin t


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141

hand, Ministry of Forests & Environment through a circular (sub-section 4 and 5) has made it

mandatory to obtain No Objection Certificate from Department of Environment before

license for a new brickfield can be issued.

Conclusion

The developed world has reduced its dependency on natural resources for production of

bricks. In many countries, bricks are not used in constructing houses and buildings. Small

houses are constructed with environment friendly materials while large buildings are

constructed with steel, iron modified from steel, etc. Electric furnaces or ovens may be used

with a view to reduce the loss of natural resources. Bangladesh, being an earthquake prone

country, can be much benefitted if these technologies are used in production of bricks.

Already there have been changes in technology of brick production in Dhaka and other large

cities. The brick manufacturing can be made an environment friendly industry by proper

implementation of prevalent laws, government’s financial assistance in setting up brickfields

and awareness of the general public.


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142

Death by Drowning

In a Report published by UNICEF in 2011, it is stated that in comparison to children’s death by

ng cough, tetanus, diphtheria, etc. more children die by drowning in countries

like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Of the number of deaths by drowning in

Bangladesh every year, out of 4 every 1 is a child less than 5 years old. By analyzing

newspaper reports, it is seen that out of 253 drowning cases in 2012 in Bangladesh, 65 were

children between 0-4 years and 122 were children aged between 5-12. Due to lack of

awareness and observation, most children die in water bodies within 20 metres of their houses.

Of the 187 children who died in 2012, 73 died while playing or by slipping accidentally into

the water. Sometimes death occurs while trying to pick up something from the water, for

example, ball or toy. But, if children are kept continuously under observation and if the main

entrance gate is kept closed, then the number of incidents can be reduced by 70%.

No. of deaths in 2012 due to drowning

polio, whoopi

Maximum number of deaths by drowning in 2012 occurred in ponds. Since the ponds are

situated near the houses, many try to take

bath in the ponds even without knowing how

to swim. In the cities, 7 persons died in

reserve tank, reservoir. 5 of these were

children who died in the water while playing.

The table shows that out of 253 deaths by

drowning 124 died in ponds.

38 persons died by drowning while they went for holidays. Most of them died when they went

to visit relatives and then drowned accidentally. 3 students from Dhaka went to see the

waterfall in Moulvibazar and died by drowning. Besides, 1 person from Dhaka and 2 persons

from Cox’s Bazar drowned at the sea and these were published in the newspapers.

During rainy season, water bodies like rivers, ponds are usually flooded with rain water. Even

courtyard, walking path becomes submerged with water. Since the number of pond or river is

Time and Location of Death

Girls

Boys

Total

96

157

253

Death list according to age

Age

0-4

5-12

13-18

19-59

60

Total

No.of death

65

122

34

27

5

253

No. of death

11%

26%14%

49%

0-4

5-12

13-18

19-59


Place PlaceDeath Death

Flood water

Beel

Reserve tank

Others

10

9

8

16

124

61

14

11

Ponds

Rivers

Canals

Marshy Lands

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more and since weather is warmer during rainy season, there is a natural tendency to go near

the water bodies. So, maximum number of deaths occurs during rainy season (June-

September). In 2012, 182 persons died during rainy season (June-August).

In comparison to the number of deaths reported in the newspapers actual number is much

higher. In most cases, the deaths are not publicized or reported. These children are not

registered in the Register Book. Beside, these deaths are not due to health reasons and are

merely accidental, their records is not maintained in the MIS. Recently a random survey was

conducted on the number of persons who died during last one year, it is seen that the number

of deaths on an average is between 5 and 7.

Monthwise death list by drowning in 2012

Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Total

No. of deaths

3

0

25

21

18

23

70

52

37

0

4

0

253

In Dhaka, most of the accidents occurred during this year. Due to construction of buildings

ponds are being grabbed and also there are not many places to go for swimming lessons. So

most accidents occur when people get down into the ponds. Out of 109 who died in Dhaka

division, most died because they did not know how to swim.

Division wise death list by drowning in 2012

Dhaka

Rangpur

Khulna

Chittagong

Rajshahi

Barisal

Sylhet

109

36

31

25

20

18

14

80706050403020100

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Monthwise death list


Rajshahi

20

Dhaka

109

Sylhet

14

Khulna

31

Barisal

18

Chittagong

25

Rangpur

36

141820253136109

144

In 2012, 53 persons died in the major cities. Most of these were caused due to lack of

knowledge on h n they were visiting relatives. Because of lack of adequate

number of water bodies, most residents of the cities do not know how to swim. So, they have

to accept death by drowning.

Practical Solutions

• By merely learning how to swim, the number of deaths can be significantly reduced.

• Many children die even before attaining the age to learn swimming. If arrangements could be made to keep these children in localized day care centres between 9 am and 1 pm, then the number of deaths could come down.

• It is possible to reduce a child’s chance of falling while he learns to walk. Playing pan can also become an easy solution.

ow to swim or whe


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New Technology : A New Way to Reduce Misfortune

A. Agriculture

1. System to lower expenses in Agriculture

For cultivating paddy, the use of ‘guti’ urea, alternative dry and humid system, pipes buried

under earth, etc. have been going on for many years in our country. Through use of these

methods, cost of cultivation can be reduced by one fourth. Also, according to agricultural

scientists, coordinated use of these methods can increase production of paddy by 10-25%.

Furthermore use of area fertilizer can be reduced up to 40%. Alternative dry and humid

system will help reduce the use of water in the agricultural land by 40%. But if these methods

are used at all levels, it requires huge funding. Also the people should be made aware of the

benefits of all these methods.

• ‘Guti’ urea

International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC), USA, with the assistance of Bangladesh

Directorate of Agricultural Extension introduced the ‘guti’ urea technology in Bangladesh in

1980. This is planted once every year and seeds are planted in a straight line. While it reduces

the quality of weeds agricultural productivity is increased and the use of urea in the cultivable

lands can be reduced.

• Alternative dry and humid system

According to experiments conduct by Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), it has been

observed that by using the above system, cost of production is reduced by 15%, 25% less cost

of irrigation while productivity increases by 10%. In this process, a perforated pipe is inserted

into the earth to measure the depth of water level. Once the pipe reaches the water level, then

cultivation is done. In this method, water requirement for irrigation can be reduced by 50%.

• Burying pipe into earth technology

Bangladesh Agricultural Development Directorate introduced this system in 1980. Under

this method, a concrete pipe is laid down on the ground and on it there are some open places as

required. This method reduces requirement of water for irrigation by 50% and overall costs of

production is also reduced by 10 to 15%. This method is widely need is Rajshahi and Rangpur

region.

2. Fertilizer and insecticide from shell of sugarcane

Five scientists of BCSIR (Bangladesh Centre for Scientific & Industrial Research) has

invented liquid natural fertilizer and insecticide from shells of sugarcane. According to them,

if these are used in the earth no additional chemical fertilizer is required. After conducting

experiments, productivity has increased by 21% and there is less attack of pests. Also

production cost is decreased. Although the method seems to be encouraging but its success

will depend on mass scale production and distribution of the liquid natural fertilizer and

insecticide.


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3. Possibility of crops production in soil with high salinity

Soil Research Institute, situated in Batiaghata upazilla of Khulna, has invented a technique of

crop production in soil with high degree of salinity. According to Institute’s sources,

approx.10,56,000 hectares of cultivable land in 93 Upazilla of 18 districts in Bangladesh are

contaminated with high salinity. The level of salinity is 15-20 DS milligram. In some research

lands, this has been kept under control at 8-9 DS milligram by using soil management

techniques. Through use of this method, production of til, mug, spinach, ladies fingers, sweet

gourd a n possible.

4. Possibility of cultivation of Kenaf

Research work is being undertaken by Agro Technology Discipline of Khulna University

regarding cultivation of salinity resistant Kenaf and its diversified use. Kenaf is a kind of jute

crop which can withstand 17-22 DS salinity. These are 12-15 ft high and yields twice than

jute. Its leaves may be used for producing green fertilizer and animal feed. It is more resistant

to diseases and it is tolerant uction of Kenaf can also lead to re-opening

of the Khulna Newsprint Mills. If this is successful, then dependency on ‘gewa’ wood for

producing paper will no longer be needed. Kenaf can not only feed Newsprint Mills with raw

materials, it can also be exported to India, China, Thailand, Nigeria, Malaysia and foreign

exchange will be earned by such export.

5. Durable method of paddy cultivation

• Drought resistant paddy and food safety

Huge area of cultivable land in Bangladesh is turning into drought prone areas. In

Bangladesh, right now more than 1 million hectares have become hit with drought. If the

drought continues for long, then standing crops may be totally damaged. In order to continue

to produce the desired crops Bangladesh Rice Research Institute has invented BRRI 56 and

BRRI 57, which are drought resistant. The crops of these types can be cut within 110-120 days

of planting. This type of paddy got recognition in 2009 as Shehbagi paddy in India and in 2010

as Suka paddy – 3 in Nepal. These are being cultivated in the drought hit areas of India and

Nepal extensively. These breeds can endure up to 27 days of drought. Another major

advantage is that before insect can attack the plants these are ready to be cut. So, insecticide is

not needed, is environment friendly and irrigation is not needed and farmers do not need any

additional expense.

Besides this, drought resistant

g even up to 8 days without being

damaged. So, if such variety of paddy is used in flood prone Bangladesh, then it will be easy to

face the food crisis.

nd korolla has bee

to water logging. Prod

paddy Narika 10, imported from Africa, was cultivated in

Madarganj and found that the yield can go as high as 3.5 ton per hectare. This plant can gather

water from 1-1.5 metre beneath the ground.

• Flood resistant paddy

The Department of Agriculture Extension has supplied flood resistant paddy BRRI 51, BRRI

52, IR 64, Sambamasuri, Chiarang Sub-1 to farmers of Kaliganj in Moulvi Bazar. Newly

invented Chiarang Sub-1 plants can endure floodin


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• Three rice from one paddy seed

A new variety of paddy is being experimented in B

rred then there is possibility of huge

production.

• Cultivation of paddy by tray method

Through experimentation conducted by Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation it

has been found that productivity may be doubled by following Tray method. A research

conducted jointly by BADC and Golden Burn Kingdom (GBK) has revealed that by cultivating

Boro and Aman paddy following Tray method in various regions, the productivity has increased

by 45%. Under this method, seeds are planted on special types of trays made from polythene

where fertilizer is mixed. After administering specific amount of chemical fertilizer, the plants

are preserved for 15 days. Then the plants are packed in bundles and planted in the fields. In this

way, a farmer can sow paddy plants in 15 bighas in 1 day. Since the plants do not need to be

pulled up, the roots are not torn and so long roots easily and quickly gets into the soil and the

plants stand upright soon. The plants also grows quickly and healthy. Since these take small

place, even can be placed inside the houses. Even during rain, storm or hailstorm these can be

saved by bringing those inside the rooms and cultivate. Japan is the pioneer of such type of

cultivation. This was followed by Taiwan, China and recently Bangladesh has started to follow

this type of cultivation. In their reports on crop cutting, BADC, BRAC, GBK and Directorate of

Agricultural Extension has found that a comparative analysis of normal cultivation versus tray

cultivation of BRRI 49 paddy, the yield is 45 to 47% more in tray method.

Since there is a rapid growth of population and decrease in amount of cultivable land, this type

of cultivation is appropriate and timely. This will address the crisis of reduction of agricultural

land and also cost of production will be much less. If this variety or method of cultivation can

be made popular through demonstration plots to farmers, they will be very much interested

and ultimately we will become self-sufficient and also may become one of the major

exporters of rice.

B. New

With a view to revive the cultivation of 52 species of local fruits which were almost extinct, a

fruit garden has been established in Kaptai Agriculture Research Centre on a two acre land.

Cherry is one of the major fruits. Cherry is quite popular in many parts of Bangladesh and

since its cost is high, it can be considered as one of the potential fruits.

2. Nalim

In Magura, a new type of fruit Nalim is being produced. While the cost of production on 1

bigha land is 8,000 taka, the produced fruit is sold at taka 35,000. Also the quantity of

production is quite high. Since Nalim is in great demand, 40-50 families has become self-

sufficient by cultivating this fruit.

irampur of Dinajpur where from each

paddy seed 2 to 3 rice is being produced. The height of the plants is 4.5 to 6 ft. The rice is like

Kataribhog and the smell is like polao. However, its per acre yield is comparatively lower. But

if further research is carried on this unnamed ba

Variety of Fruits & Vegetables

1. Cherry


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3. Seeta bottl

ara Upazilla in Jessore district. If someone produces tomato in

15 decimal land, it will cost Tk 1 lac while the produce will be sold at Tk. 2 lac. This explosion of

tomato cultivation has spread in the adjacent villages too. This is how the economic condition of

the landless farmers and day laborers is changing fast. In 1995, Dr. Shahabuddin, an Agriculture

Scientist, was the first person to motivate farmers towards tomato cultivation. Salinity resistant

tomato cultivation has proven to be economically viable in Tala Upazilla of Satkhira district.

Many farmers have become financially solvent through cultivation of tomatos.

5. Cultivation of vegetable by ‘Dhap’ method

The inhabitants of Deulbari Dobba, Kolar Doania, Boldia of

by hundreds of local villagers. It

was constructed in Bumka village of Mogolhat union in Sadar Upazilla. Alongside the men,

women of five villages also spontaneously came and joined this modest venture. Their main

aim was to construct a road by constructing a dam on the river. So, they went to all homes and

collected polythene bag to be filled in by sand and bamboos to aid in construction of the dam.

2. Construction of Bridge throug

at Purbadhala Upazilla in

Gouripur of Mymensingh under the social empowerment programme of BRAC and was lead

by a women development organization named Palli Samaj.

e-gourd

Scientists of Raikhali Agriculture Research Centre of Kaptai Upazilla have invented a new

variety of bottle-gourd. Once planted, bottle-gourd will be available from the same plant for

10 years round of the year. If a platform is constructed for the plant to spread and if it is

properly nurtured, bottle-gourd will be produced almost every day.

4. Revolution by tomato cultivation

By cultivating tomato during summer season, the poor farmers are now well off financially in

Balarampur village of Bagharp

Pirojpur district and Kidarkandi

union of Barisal district who live near the water bodies are practising the local ‘dhap’ method

of cultivation. During rainy season, in the flooded lands, different types of plants are forcibly

rotten and after three weeks of nursing, seedlings are grown like in any nursery or garden. A

5ft. wide and 100-180 ft. long floating bed is created. Usually bottle-gourd, papaya, brinjals,

banana, balsam apple, spinach, beans are grown on these beds.

Coordinated Effort

1. Bumka village dam

A dam was constructed on the Dharala river in Lalmonirhat

h voluntary labour

A bamboo bridge over Shalta River was constructed voluntarily by inhabitants at Baitahara of

Magurkhali Union, 20 kms. away from Dumuria Upazilla Sadar in Khulna.

3. Bamboo bridge

A 90ft long and 6ft wide bamboo bridge has been constructed over Dholai river to help

movement of people on both sides voluntarily. This is located


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4. Wood

A 50ft long wooden bridge was constructed voluntarily by women of Shiali village of

Patuakhali Sadar Upazilla. Under the auspices of Shiali Women Village Samaj, 64 women

took part in construction of the wooden bridge. This ended their long time peril.

1. Food Bank

Livelihood of people of Barind area mainly depends on agriculture. Since there is absence of

any factory or industrial establishment, people are fully dependent on agriculture. Since they

are very poor and landless, the farmers are mostly terminal farmers and lease farmers. Since

the main crops include amon and boro paddy and so the farmers do not have much to do after

Ashwin-Kartik and Falgun-Choitro months. So, to lead their life during the other months,

they have to take loan from the ‘M

is is

registered against each of their names. To maintain the accounts, a committee is set up with

50% female members. Now, the number of members is 28. Because of the establishment of

the Food Bank, nobody had to go to the money lenders during ‘monga’ and now they are

financially in a better condition.

2. New Venture

of misery.

Unemployment and absence of crops made their lives miserable. About 50 families of that

village are now fighting monga and are becoming financially solvent by mere selling of

brooms. Both men and women are involved in this trade. Women make those brooms and men

sell those by going to different villages. Many

ts 15,000 taka and

8,000 brooms can be made from those.

3. Designed caps changes destiny of women

There is a great demand of designed caps from Bangladesh in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

and some countries of South Africa. About 10,000 women of Bhola has become financially

solvent by producing the designed caps. Oman is a big market for Bangladeshi products, one

cap sometimes cost 3,000 to 4,000 taka even. Female workers of Bata, Kachia, Dhania, Ilisha

and West Ilisha union of Bhola Sadar Upazilla are earning 2,000 taka per month by producing

these caps. Usually every village has one agent under whose guidance these caps are

manufactured and sold.

en bridge

ohajans’ at very high rate of interest (almost 1.5 times more

than the original amount), the local name of this system is ‘dera’ or 1.5 times. If the farmer

fails to return the money on time, they have to surrender their crops to the money lenders.

With a view to overcome the situation the villagers of Sonadighi village of Mahadebpur

Upazilla in Naogaon, have set up ‘Food Bank’. During crisis period, they take loan from this

bank and while returning they return the original quantity plus 5 kgs. More paddy and th

• Win over Monga by broom: varied use of bamboo of the char land

Many families of Paikan Hajipara village of Alam biditor union of Gangachhara Upazilla of

Rangpur district were victims of river erosion and lived in a great state

use ‘Kashia’ which come in the trolleys from

India instead of 'Kash' that is Produce Testa char. One trolley Kashia cos


Disaster Forum


The Disaster Management Act 2012

Disaster Forum


Bangladesh Gazette

Supplementary Issue

Published by the Authority

Monday, September 24, 2012

Bangladesh Jatiyo Sangshad

Dhaka, 24 September, 2012 / 09 Ashwin, 1419

The following Act, adopted by the Parliament, and consented by the President on 24

September, 2012 / 09 Ashwin, 1419 is hereby published for the information of the public.

Act 34 of 2012

Whereas it is expedient and necessary to have in place an effective disaster

management system which is more coordinated, objective driven and

capable of handling all kinds of disasters

To reduce the disaster risk of the vulnerable population arising from different hazards

including climate change to a manageable and acceptable humanitarian level by reducing

overall risks through disaster risk reduction programmes, to provide moral support and

emergency humanitarian assistance, to undertake rehabilitation programmes more

effectively for the disaster stricken community, and to develop an effective disaster

management structure to respond to large disasters in a more efficient manner through

coordinated, objective driven and robust disaster management practices and programmes,

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Now therefore it is enacted as follows:

Part-1: Preliminary

1. Short title, extent and commencement:

(1) This Act shall be called The Disaster Management Act 2012.

(2) It shall take immediate action.

2. Definition: In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context

otherwise requires:

(1) Department: means Disaster Management Department as mentioned in Section (7)

(2) Hazard: means an abnormal event which has the potential to cause colossal loss to human life and livelihood and which can be either natural, human induced, biological or technological in nature.

(3) Committee: means a body, group, platform or taskforce formed under Sections (14), (17) and (18) of this Act

(4) Council: means the National Disaster Management Council as contemplated under Section (4) of this Act.

(5) Climate Change: means a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

(6) Water Vessel: means any type of ship, boat, tug-boat, ferry, launch, speed-boat, fishing boat or other vessel either mechanically or manually propelled that is used for transportation of passengers or cargo and goods or for any other purpose.

(7) Risk: means the measure of the likelihood of harmful consequences arising from the interaction of hazards, vulnerable elements and the environment and level of capacity to cope with such consequences.

(8) Schedule: means schedule(s) under this Act.

(9) Relief: means food, clothing including blankets and winter clothes, shelter, medicine, baby food, safe drinking water, cash, fuel, seeds, agriculture inputs, cattle, fish fries, CI sheets and other building materials or any other assistance from public or private sources provided to people and communities to overcome the effects of a disaster event.

(10) Disaster Area: means an area declared as such under Section (22) of this Act.

(11) Disaster: means natural, environmental and human induced hazards as listed below the consequential impact of which requires a significant coordinated response by the Government and other entities to help the community recover with external assistance as it is not able to do so with its own resources and capabilities:

a. Cyclone, nor’wester, tornado, tidal surge, abnormal high tide, earthquake, tsunami, excessive rain, drought, flood, river erosion, coastal erosion,


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excessive salinity, excessive arsenic pollution, building collapse, landslide, hill-slide, thunderstorm, flash flood, heat wave, cold wave, prolonged water logging etc.;

b. Explosion, fire, water vessel capsize, major train and road accident, chemical and atomic radiation, oil and gas leakage or any other act of mass destruction;

c. Pandemic influenza, bird flu, anthrax, diarrhea, cholera etc.;

d. Harmful microorganisms, toxic substances, biological wastes contaminated with live microorganisms and contamination with/by contaminants;

e. Damage of essential services or inactivity of disaster resistance infrastructure and;

f. Massive damage and destruction of assets and loss of life by an unnatural event or act of nature.

(12) Standing Orders on Disaster: means Standing Orders on Disasters issued by the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (then Ministry of Food and Disaster Management currently converted into a new Ministry named Disaster Management and Relief Ministry), the Government of Bangladesh.

(13) Disaster Management: means the procedural institutional framework for undertaking disaster risk reduction and other post-disaster activities including the following:

a. determination of the duration, magnitude and vulnerability of a disaster;

b. planning, implementing and coordinating disaster management activities;

c. disseminating alert messages and warning signals, danger and great danger signals and evacuating vulnerable people and their belongings to safer places;

d. undertaking post disaster search and rescue operation, carrying out damage and need assessment and initiating relief, response, recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development measures; and

e. carrying out any other relevant and related activities.

(14) Disaster Management Plan: means National Disaster Management Plan or local disaster management plans as contemplated under Section (20) of this Act.

(15) Rehabilitation: means measures taken to:

a. restore the condition of the damaged infrastructure to its original state or build back better;

b. bring back normalcy into the life of the affected people by restoring their physical , mental and economic well-being;

c. if required, relocate the affected people elsewhere enabling them to return to normal life;

d. ensure proper medical treatment for the affected livestock, fisheries and if possible restore them to original condition;


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e. ensure safe drinking water for human beings as well as for livestock by removing dead bodies, animals and purifying contaminated water;

f. undertake any other necessary measures for removing debris and other contaminations.

(16) Preparedness: means measures that are designed and undertaken to increase awareness and capacity of the people to better cope with possible impact of hazards through enhancing their knowledge and understanding of risk environment and reducing the probable damage caused by disaster.

(17) Rules: means rules framed under this Act.

(18) Vulnerability: means measurement of elements at risk that are exposed to specific hazards both natural and human induced, and that have a low level of resilience to cope with the impacts or characteristics of that hazard.

(19) Person: means and includes company, society, association and organization as applicable.

(20) Armed forces: means Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force.

(21) Response: means activities undertaken for saving lives and properties and meeting the basic needs of the affected community in the event of an impending disaster, during disaster and immediately after the disaster event

(22) Service: means services that are provided for disaster management programme which include shelter, food, safe drinking water, clothing, medical treatment, electricity, gas, telecommunication, sanitation, energy and transportation, fire service, security, search and rescue and other services prescribed by the Government.

3. Preference of this Act:

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the provisions of this Act will get preference over those of the other laws.

Part -2

Institutional Framework for Disaster Management

4. National Disaster Management Council:

(1) There will be a National Disaster Management Council to fulfill the objective of this act in guiding the relevant authority and personnel towards formulating disaster management principles, plans, programmes and other relevant aspects.

(2) The Council will comprise of the following members:

1) Prime Minister who will also be the Chair of the Council

2) Minister, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives

3) Minister, Ministry of Agriculture

4) Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs

5) Minister, Ministry of Communication


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6) Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Planning

7) Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief)

8) Minister, Ministry of Water Resources

9) Minister, Ministry of Water Transport

10) Minister, Ministry of Housing and Public works

11) Cabinet Secretary who will also be the member secretary of the council

12) Chief of Army

13) Chief of Navy

14) Chief of Air Force

15) Principal Secretary of Prime Minister’s Office

16) Principal Staff Officer of Army

17) Secretary, Finance Division

18) Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

19) Secretary, Local Government Division

20) Secretary, Health and Family welfare

21) Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs

22) Secretary, Ministry of Defense

23) Inspector General of Bangladesh Police

24) Secretary, Ministry of Education

25) Secretary, Primary and Mass Education

26) Secretary, Road Division

27) Secretary, Railways

28) Secretary, Water Resources

29) Secretary, Ministry of Water Transportation

30) Secretary, Ministry of Information

31) Secretary, Bridge Division

32) Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief

33) Secretary, Ministry of Food

34) Secretary, Ministry of Land

35) Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works

36) Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock

37) Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh

38) Director General, Bangladesh Rapid Action Battalion

39) Director General, Ansar and VDP

40) Director General, Bangladesh Coast Guard

41) Chairman of the National Disaster Management Advisory Committee


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(3) If there is no minister available as contemplated at subsection (2), the State Minister or the Deputy Minister in charge will be designated as the Council member.

(4) If necessary, the Council can co-opt anyone as the member of the Council.

(5) The Government may increase or decrease the number of the Council member by issuing a gazette by notification.

5. Meeting of the Council:

(1) Subject to the other provision of this Act, the Council can frame rules and procedures for its meetings.

(2) The meeting place and time will be decided by the Chair of the Council.

(3) There must be at least one meeting of the Council every year.

(4) The Chairman will chair all the meetings of the Council.

(5) In absence of the Chair, a member of the Council nominated by the Chair will preside over the meeting.

(6) Presence of at least two-third of the members will required to fulfill the requirement of the quorum.

(7) Decisions will be taken on the basis of majority votes of the Council members and the Chair will have the power to cast the decisive vote.

(8) No action of the committee will be void merely due to the absence of a Council member or anomalies relating to its formulation.

6. Roles and responsibilities of the Council:

(1) Roles and responsibilities of the Council will be as follows:

A. To provide strategic direction in connection to formulation of disaster management rules and planning;

B. To provide implementation related guidance related to disaster management laws, regulation and planning;

C. To ensure strategic guidance over existing disaster risk reduction and emergency response and subsequent review and evaluation;

D. To evaluate emergency preparedness and provide guidance to the relevant authorities and stakeholders v. To recommend post disaster recovery and rehabilitation related development to relevant quarters;

E. To review the progress of Government projects/programmes on disaster rehabilitation;

F. To advise the relevant authorities in connection to creating awareness, arranging seminars, workshops regarding the rules, regulation, principles of disaster management and

G. To take other related measures to fulfill the objectives of this Act.

(2) Disaster Management and Relief Division will act as the Secretariat in carrying out the functions of the Council and will be responsible for implementations of its decisions.


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7. Establishment of the Department:

1. There will be a department called, “Disaster Management Department” with a view to fulfilling the objective of this Act.

2. Existing Relief and Rehabilitation Department under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will turn into Department of Disaster Management to fulfill the objective of subsection (1) as soon as this Act comes into effect.

8. Headquarter of the Department, etc:

1. Headquarter of the department will be located at Dhaka.

2. The Government may establish branch or sub-office under this Department anywhere outside of Dhaka.

9. Roles and responsibilities of the Department: To fulfill the requirements of this Act, the responsibilities and functions of the Department of Disaster Management will be as under:

A. To reduce the overall vulnerability from different impacts of disasters by undertaking risk reduction activities;

B. To administer emergency humanitarian assistance, early recovery and rehabilitation programmes for the disaster affected community effectively and efficiently;

C. To strengthen and ensure coordinated and target oriented risk reduction and emergency response programmes undertaken by various government and non- government organizations;

D. To execute and implement government directives and recommendations concerning disaster management;

E. To execute the national disaster management policy and national disaster management plan and

F. To undertake any programme as may be considered necessary for instituting an effective disaster management infrastructure pertaining to all kinds of disaster.

10.Director General:

(1) There will be one Director General of the Department who will also act as its Chief Executive.

(2) Director General will be appointed by the Government and the conditions of his service will be determined by the Government.

(3) Director General will -

A. perform all administrative and financial responsibilities;

B. supervise and guide the officers and staffs of the Department;

C. execute and exercise power as per this Act in accordance with the directives of the Government or the Council from time to time;

D. take necessary action on the basis of fax, letter, email communication regarding Disaster Management sent to him/her by any member of public; and

E. undertake all other activities as may be considered expedient and necessary.


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(4) In the event of any vacancy occurring in the position of Director General due to absence, illness, or any other reason, the Government can entrust any officer to carry out the functions of the Director General temporarily for the interim period till a new incumbent is appointed or the existing incumbent resumes his/her duties.

11. Recruitment of officers and officials: For the smooth functioning of the Department, the Government can appoint the required number of officers/officials as it may deem fit and their service conditions will be determined in accordance with the applicable rules.

12.Establishment of National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute:

(1) To fulfill the requirements of this Act, the Government may set up a National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute which will undertake research on the impacts of disaster and climate change, capacity building of disaster management processes and other related functionaries.

(2) The Institute established under subsection (1) will be functional and operational as per the applicable rules and regulation.

13.Formation of National Body of Volunteers for Disaster:

(1) The Government can form a body of national volunteers involving different stakeholders and determine their functions to provide speedy and effective emergency response applicable to pre-disaster, during disaster and post- disaster phases.

(2) The responsibilities and related matters like, training, attire, facilities, functions and operational procedures of the national volunteer body formed under subsection (1) will be determined by the rules and the regulations.

(3) Irrespective of what has been provided for under subsection (1), any volunteer body formed earlier before this Act came into force for purposes of undertaking identical functions and responsibilities it will be deemed to have been formed under this Act and they will be liable to comply with the duties and the responsibilities as per the directives of the Government.

14.National Disaster Response Coordination Group:

(1) In order to carry out the response activities in an effective and efficient manner following a large scale disaster, a National Disaster Response Coordination Group will be formed comprising the following members:

1. Minister, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief who will act as its Chairman

2. Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives

3. Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division

4. Secretary, Finance Division

5. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs

6. Secretary, Ministry of Information

7. Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

8. Secretary, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications

9. Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources


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10. Secretary, Ministry of Education

11. Secretary, Ministry of Water Transportation

12. Secretary, Ministry of Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division

13. Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief who will also be its Member Secretary

(2) National Disaster Coordination Group may co-opt any one if necessary in the Group.

(3) Through gazette notification the Government may increase or decrease the number of members of this Group.

(4) National Disaster Coordination Group may invite any individual or organization in its meeting for the effective operation of national disaster response and once invited the respective individual or organization will be obligated to attend such meetings and assist the Group.

15.National Disaster Response Coordination Groups meeting:

(1) Subject to other provision of this section, the National Disaster Coordination Group will be able to determine the working procedures of its meeting.

(2) The Chairperson of the Coordination Group will chair all the meetings and will decide the venue and time, provided that in the absence of the Chairperson any member designated by the Chair will preside over the meeting as needed.

(3) As necessary, the Coordination Group can meet on any prescribed date and time: provided, however, that presence of at least two-third of the members will be necessary to fulfill the requirement of the quorum.

(4) Decisions at any meeting will be finalized on the basis of majority votes and the Chairperson will have the right to cast a decisive vote.

(5) No action or decision of the Group will be void merely on the ground of absence of any member or any deficiency in the formation of the Group and no question is to be raised in this regard in any court of law or any other quarter.

(6) Disaster Management and Relief Division will provide the Secretarial support to the National Disaster Coordination Group.

16.Duties and responsibilities of the National Disaster Coordination Group: The responsibilities and duties of the National Disaster Coordination Group will be as under:

1. To evaluate the state and extent of disaster and activate the response and recovery mechanism speedily;

2. To ensure availability of resources to the disaster affected areas for response;

3. To ensure dissemination of relevant warning signals;

4. To coordinate response and rehabilitation activities speedily;

5. To supervise post disaster rescue and search activities;

6. To coordinate post- disaster relief activities;

7. To ensure immediate dispatch of equipment and accessories in the telecommunication disrupted areas;


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8. To determine priorities and issue directives for mobilization of relief, fund and vehicles;

9. To coordinate deployment of armed forces and communication facilities as well as additional manpower and resources in the disaster affected areas;

10. To maintain and establish uninterrupted communication during the disaster;

11. To implement the decisions of the Council and keep the Council informed about the progress from time to time;

12. To prepare and update guidelines for the Multi-agency Disaster Incident Management System;

13. To recommend measures on matters related to disaster preparedness and risk reduction;

14. To issue directives in matters related to requisitioning of assets, services, buildings identified as emergency shelters, vehicles and other amenities needed;

15. To recommend the involvement of armed forces in coping with a severe ongoing disaster or a potential disaster and

16. To recommend for obtaining advance clearance from the ECNEC for procurement of goods and services for one year or more to cope with an imminent disaster scenario.

17.National Disaster Management Committee, etc:

(1) The following Committee, Board, and Platform will be in place at the National level to fulfill the objectives of this Act:

A. Inter- Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee;

B. National Disaster Management Advisory Committee;

C. Policy Committee of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme;

D. Implementation Board of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme

E. Earthquake Preparedness and Awareness Raising Committee;

F. National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and

G. Disaster Warning Signal Dissemination and Strategy Formulation and Implementation Committee.

(2) Composition, functions and responsibilities of the Committee, Board and Platform formed under subsection (1) will be determined by rules and regulations.

(3) The Government may, if necessary, form any Committee, Board or Platform through gazette notification in addition to the ones mentioned in subsection (1) and prescribes their roles and responsibilities.

(4) Responsibilities and functions of the Committee, Board, Platform, Group or Taskforce formed earlier under the Standing Orders on Disaster will be deemed to have been formed under this Act and they will continue to perform the duties and the responsibilities under the said Standing Order until new rules and regulations are framed under subsection (2) for fulfilling the requirements of subsection (3) through gazette notification.


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18.Local Disaster Management Committee and Group:

1. In order to fulfill the objectives of this Act, the following Disaster Management Committee or Disaster Health Management Committee, as applicable, may be formed:

A. City Corporation Disaster Management Committee

B. District Disaster Management Committee

C. Upazilla Disaster Management Committee

D. Pouroshava Disaster management committee

E. Union Disaster Management Committee, and

F. If necessary, District or Upazilla Disaster Health Management Committee

2. To fulfill the objectives of this Act, the following Disaster Response Coordination Group will be formed:

A. City Corporation Disaster Response Coordination Group

B. District Disaster Response Coordination Group

C. Upazilla Disaster Response Coordination Group

D. Pouroshova Disaster Response Coordination Group

3. Responsibilities and functions of the Committees and Groups mentioned under subsections (1) and (2) will be determined by the rules and regulation

4. Government can form one or more Committees and Groups at the local level in addition of those mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) and determine their functions and responsibilities through gazette notification.

5. Responsibilities and functions of the Committee, Board, Platform, Group or Taskforce formed earlier under the Standing Orders on Disaster will be deemed to have been formed under this Act and they will continue to perform their duties and responsibilities under the said Standing Order until new rules and regulations are framed under subsection (3) for fulfilling the requirements of subsection (4) through gazette notification.

19.Formulation of National Disaster Management Policy: With a view to fulfilling the objectives of this Act, Government can formulate National Disaster Management Policy considering the need of different community, geographical location, hazards and sectors in conformity with international and regional disaster management frameworks.

20.Formulation National and Local Disaster Management Plan:

1. In order to fulfill the objectives of this Act, Government can formulate National Disaster Management Plan

2. In keeping with the National Disaster Management Plan mentioned at subsection (1), the Local Disaster Management Committees will formulate their own Local Disaster Management Plan in the context of prevailing hazards in their respective constituency.

3. Irrespective of what has been stated at subsection (1), National Plan for Disaster Management 2010-2015 formulated by the then Ministry of Food and Disaster Management will continue to be in force with necessary amendments and


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modifications until the National Disaster Management Plan has been formulated in compliance with the provisions of this Act.

21.Roles and responsibilities of different Ministries, Departments and Organizations: The Government can determine the roles and responsibilities of different Ministries, Department, Directorates, Offices, Non-Government Organizations on matters relating to disaster management through issuance of Government orders.

Provided that till such orders issued in terms of the provision of Section (21), roles and responsibilities of different Ministries, Department, Directorates, Offices, Non-Government Organizations enumerated in the Standing Orders on Disaster will hold good and remain effective as if they have been prescribed under this Act.

Explanation: For the purposes of fulfilling the requirement of this section, ‘Resource’ will mean and include, among others, relief goods, man power, transports, water vessels, machineries, land, establishments, materials and equipments used for removal of debris and conduction of search and rescue operation, air craft, medical and construction materials, shelter and housing materials, services and technical knowhow which are made use of in undertaking disaster management activities effectively and carrying out livelihood options by the disaster affected community.

Part-3Declaration of Distressed Area, participation of different forces

22.Declaration of Distressed Area:

(1) If the President in the exercise of his own judgment or upon receipt of recommendation as per subsection (3) is satisfied that a disaster striking in any part of the country is so grave that it calls for additional measures to cope with the situation and to prevent the damage and disruption and for which application of special power is absolutely necessary then he can declare relevant area as the distressed area through gazette notification.

(2) Local Disaster Management Committee, Group or Organization through District Commissioner can make recommendation to the government to declare an area as distressed area if it calls for additional measures to cope with the damage and disruption and exercise of special power by the President is considered absolutely necessary.

(3) The District Commissioner after receiving any recommendation under subsection (2) will review and justify the same and forward the proposal to the Government with his/her recommendation and the Government in its turn, subject to endorsement by the Disaster Response Coordination Group, will recommend to the President to declare a particular area as distressed area.

(4) If any notification is made declaring a particular area to be a distressed area, the duration of such declaration will be two months unless the time limit is reduced or extended or the notification is recalled by the President before expiry of the two months period.


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23.Directives concerning the Distressed Area:

(1) Government can direct the relevant Ministries, Departments, Directorates, Government, Non-government Organizations and Committees formed under this Act to execute the following tasks whenever any area is declared as distressed area as per Section (22) subsection (1) namely:

A. To ensure the availability of resources under Government and Non- government custody in the disaster affected area to cope with the disaster situation in the distressed area;

B. To ensure availability of additional resources, if needed;

C. To ensure the safety and security of common people and maintain law and order;

D. To undertake appropriate measures for reducing damage of properties , environmental degradation and loss of lives and

E. To undertake necessary actions as needed as per the Local Disaster Management Plan.

(2) Officers from relevant Government Ministry, Department, Directorate as well as Non-government Organizations are obliged to execute the directives under subsection (1).

24.Delegation of authority for execution of special functions in distressed area: The Government can authorize and direct the concerned District Commissioner instantly in writing or if necessary through fax, phone, mobile or other means to execute and monitor the special functions referred to under section 23 in the distressed area.

25. Involving of non-government organization and individuals in the distressed area:

(1) The Government, where necessary, can issue directives to involve any non-government organization or individuals to participate in disaster management activities in the distressed area.

(2) The Government can avail of the services offered by any autonomous body, non-government organization as well as medical facilities operated by non- government organizations as part of the disaster management and all the officers, staffs and nurses of those hospitals and clinics shall be obliged to provide their assistance as per the demand of the Government or local authorities.

(3) All expenses relating to services provided under subsection (2) will be paid by the Government as per the applicable rules.

26.Requisition:

(1) The Deputy Commissioner, in accordance with directives of the National Disaster Management Coordination Group, may place requisition with any authority or person for resources, services, buildings identified as emergency shelter, vehicles and other facilities.

(2) The relevant authority or individuals shall be obliged to comply with the requisition made under subsection (1).

(3) Appropriate rules and regulations pertaining to requisition will be made by the Government to fulfill the objectives of subsection (1).


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27.Assistance to disaster affected and vulnerable individuals:

(1) The Government can take appropriate measures to rehabilitate the vulnerable and affected community and for reducing the risks resulting from a disaster as per the applicable rules and procedures. Provided that while extending such assistance and support priority will be given to the people who are extremely needy and who are deprived of any kind of facilities especially: elderly people, women, children and person with disability.

(2) As per the rules, the Government can provide necessary assistance and support to officers, officials or individuals affected by disaster while carrying out disaster response activities for their rehabilitation and risk reduction under the coverage approved by rules and regulation.

Explanation: For meeting the objectives of this section, disadvantaged community will mean those sections of the population who are deprived from socio-economic benefits, members of the tribal community and other disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

28.Measures to be undertaken concerning disaster related information: The Chairman or a member of any national or local committee, being informed by any individual or organization and being satisfied that a disaster situation is imminent, will inform the matter to the relevant committee immediately for taking appropriate measures.

29. Irregularities, negligence, mismanagement, appeal etc.

(1) Any disaster affected individual, family, community can lodge complains with the National or Local level Committee about any irregularity, negligence or mismanagement and the relevant Committee will be obliged to resolve such allegation within 30 days after proper probe into the matter.

(2) If any individual is aggrieved by the decision of any National or Local level Committee in terms of subsection (1), he/she can prefer an appeal with the Government, District Commissioner or Divisional Commissioner respectively and in both cases the decision given by the Government or the Divisional Commissioner/District Commissioners will be treated as final.

30.Participation of Armed Forces in emergency response:

(1) National Disaster Response Coordination Group can recommend to the Government to obtain the assistance of Armed Forces in case of a severe imminent disaster or during any ongoing disaster of higher magnitude.

(2) After receiving the recommendation from the National Disaster Response Coordination Group in terms of the provisions under subsection (1), the Government can direct the Armed Forces Division to provide necessary assistance to Civil Administration.

(3) District Disaster Response Group can recommend to the District Commissioner to obtain assistance from Armed Forces regardless of what is mentioned in the subsection (1) when there is a possibility of a major disaster or during the ongoing disaster.

(4) District Commissioner after receiving the recommendation from the District Disaster Response Coordination Group can submit a requisition to Armed Forces


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Division through Disaster Management and Relief Division. Provided that in case of emergency situation District Commissioner can seek assistance from the local Armed Forces authority directly. However, in such circumstances, the matter should be taken up with the Disaster Management and Relief Division and the Armed Forces Division in writing or through other means of communication i.e. fax, email etc as soon as possible.

(5) The Armed Forces Division or the local Armed Forces authority after getting instruction or requisition as appropriate will act on priority basis and come forward to assist the relevant requisitioning authority.

31.Participation of law enforcing agencies in emergency response operation:

District Commissioner can directly ask for the assistance of the law enforcing agencies in case of an imminent disaster or ongoing disaster and the local law enforcing agency will be obliged to provide the required assistance on priority basis.

Explanations: For purposes of this section, Law Enforcing Agencies will mean and include, Bangladesh Police including Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP including semi-armed and non-armed forces.

Part-4

Disaster Management Fund, Relief Depot etc.

32.Constitution of Disaster Management Fund, Relief Depot:

(1) To materialize the objectives of this Act, the Government will constitute two separate funds namely ‘National Disaster Management Fund’ and ‘District Disaster Management Fund.’

(2) Money collected from sources, mentioned below, will be deposited to the funds, for instance:

A. Government donation

B. Donation from any foreign government, organization or any International Organization with Government approval

C. Donation from any local authority

D. Donation from any respected individual locally

E. Receipts from any other legal sources.

(3) The proceeds of the National Disaster Management Fund and the District Disaster Management Fund shall be deposited to any state owned commercial bank approved by the Government.

(4) The National Disaster Management Fund shall be operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; and the bank account shall be operated by the Secretary and Joint Secretary (Relief) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief as joint signatories.

(5) The District Disaster Management Fund shall be operated under the supervision of the District Disaster Management Committee; and the bank account shall be


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operated by the Deputy Commissioner and District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer as joint signatories.

(6) Management process of ‘National Disaster Management Fund’ and ‘District Disaster Management Fund’ shall be determined by the rules made under this Act. Provided until rules are framed, these funds shall be managed and utilized in accordance to the Government’s financial rules and regulations.

(7) During a disaster or immediately following a disaster event, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief shall be authorized to accept foreign donation or other assistance directly. Provided that the matter shall be intimated to the relevant Ministry.

(8) To attain the objective of this Act, the Government will set up and manage Central Relief Depot and District Relief Depot in addition to constituting funds under subsection (1).

(9) Irrespective of the provisions of subsection (8) and until the Central Relief Depot is established, the existing Central Relief Depot and warehouses at district level, will be used and managed in such a way that these infrastructures have been established and managed under the provisions of this Act.

33.Urgent procurement for disaster response:

(1) The National Disaster Response Coordination Group can request the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to take approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for advance procurement for one year or more in order to ensure supply, delivery and utilization of goods and services required during and/or post disaster situations.

(2) Subject to approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in term of subsection (1), the Director General, the District Commissioner and the UNO can make advance procurement for one year or more in compliance of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2006 and Public Procurement Rules 2008.

34.Directives to Mass Media and Broadcasting Centers: With a view to fulfilling the objectives of this Act, the Government can ask the controlling authority or the person responsible for administering the affairs of any radio, television, satellite television channel, print media or any electronic media, telecommunication, cable network or any other telecasting agency to broadcast/telecast any information, footage, news and visuals aimed at creating public awareness in early warning, disaster preparedness and the relevant authority/individual will be obligated to adhere to such directives.

35. Immediate tasks in Disaster Management:

(1) Everybody is bound to follow the directives concerning disaster management mentioned in the schedule of this Act and, where necessary, appropriate measures must also be taken as per the directives. Provided the Government will be required to issue public notification with a view to informing the directives to the concerned quarters.

(2) Necessary steps will be taken by the Government and the local administration to encourage individuals, institutions, organizations, owners or authorities of any organization to follow the directives mentioned in the notification; and the same


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bodies will also monitor regularly the implementation of the activities and initiatives taken in this regard.

Part-5Offences, Penalties etc

36.Penalty for creating hindrance or obstruction in the discharge of duties:

(1) Any act by an individual like intimidation, undue influence, abuse, insult or any kind of hindrance in the way of performing the assigned tasks by any designated official/individual related to disaster management will be treated as an offence and the person committing such offence will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or with a fine of maximum of BDT 100,000 or both.

(2) Any attempt by an individual like intimidation, undue influence, abuse, insult or any kind of hindrance in the way of performing the assigned tasks by the designated official/individual related to disaster management will be treated as an offence and the person committing such offence will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or with a fine not over BDT 50,000 or both.

37.Penalty for defying or negligence in obeying directives: If an individual disrespects the directives issued by the Government or the National Disaster Coordination Group deliberately or does not carry out such directives willfully, then he/she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act and will be liable to punishment with rigorous imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine up to BDT 100,000 or both.

38.Penalty for raising false or baseless claim:

If an individual or organization raises any false or baseless claim with a motive of deriving personal benefits or gains out of any disaster management programme or initiative implemented under this Act, such an act on the part of the individual or the organization will be treated as an offence under this Act which will be liable to punishment with rigorous imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine up to BDT 100,000 or both.

39.Penalty for misuse of resources and fulfilling self-interest:

If an individual, vested with responsibility of managing and controlling the resources meant for purposes of disaster management, misuses such resources or utilizes the same for personal gains or instigates someone to do so then he or she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act for which he/she will be liable to punishment with rigorous imprisonment for a period of not exceeding one year or a fine of maximum amount of BDT 100,000 or both.

40.Penalty for increasing of price of essential commodities in the distressed area:

If an individual increases the price of essential commodities or creates a conditions for price hike illegally in order to gain personally, then he/she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act for which he/she will be liable to punishment with rigorous imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine of maximum amount of BDT 100,000 or both.


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41.Penalty for creating salinity or flood or obstructing flow of water or damage of embankment etc:

If an individual willfully for own interest gets himself/ herself involved in the conduct of certain acts that results in salinity or flood in a particular area or cause obstruction in the normal functioning of sluice gate, obstruction to the flow of water, cut or cause any damage to an embankment leading to disaster like situation and loss of lives and properties, then he/she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act and will be liable to punishment with rigorous imprisonment for a period of maximum of 3 years/ minimum of one year or a fine not over BDT 200,000 or both.

42.Penalty for mass media or broadcasting centers for non-compliance of the provisions of Section (34):

If an individual defies the directives stipulated under section 34 or encourages others to defy the directives then he/she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act and will be liable to pay a penalty up to BDT 500,000 for committing such an offence.

43.Penalty for disobeying of directives concerning Disaster Management:

If an individual disobeys the directives mentioned in Section (35) or does not take any initiative to act in accordance the directives then he/she will be treated to have committed an offence under this Act for which a penalty up to BDT 500,000 could be imposed and in the event of non-realization of the penalty he/she will be liable to suffer simple imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months.

44.Failure of the Government officials in discharging duties:

(1) A Government Official will be held liable if he/she fails to discharge the assigned duties under the provisions of this Act or rules made there unless he/she can prove that such a failure was without his/her knowledge and beyond his/her control and could not be avoided despite best endeavors.

(2) If a Government Official is held liable as per the provisions of subsection (1), then disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him/her under the Government Employees’ Disciplinary and Appeal Rules.

45.Taking cognizance of an offence:

No courts will take into cognizance any case for trial unless the District Commissioner or his/her representative submits written allegation to that effect under this Act.

46.Non cognizably, bail ability, non -arbitral of offence:

All offences under this Act will be treated as cognizable, bailable and non-arbitral.

47.Exercise of Act V of 1898 :

Provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898) will be applicable for purposes of filing a case, inquiry, trial and appeal of offences under this Act.

48.Exercise of Act 59 of 2009:

Regardless of what is provided for in this Act, offences committed under Section (43) will be subject to trial under the provisions of Mobile Court Act, 2009(Act 59 of 2009).

49.Compensation for human induced disaster:

(1) If an individual by his/her willful act or due to negligence causes any harm to the environment which may become the cause of any disaster and ultimately cause loss


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and damage to life, property resource, infrastructure and business establishments of some other person then the aggrieved person or the affected organization will be eligible to file a suit in the appropriate court of law claiming compensation from individual or organization responsible for causing such loss or damage.

(2) For purposes of dealing with the compensation suit under this section, the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act no. V of 1908) will be applicable.

(3) If a compensation suit is filed in terms of the provision under subsection(1) , the court, after taking into account the proof of evidence, may order the award of compensation which is either equal to the value of the damaged property or any other amount which is considered to be just and fit by the court.

50.Photograph, recorded conversation etc. as evidence:

Regardless of whatever is provided in Evidence Act, 1872 (Act No I of 1872), video footage, still photograph, recorded tape or discs or will be accepted as evidence for the purposes of considering any offence committed or attempts made for committing any offence by any individual responsible for disaster management or any member of law enforcing agencies or any other person as the case may be during the examination or cross examination in the trial.

51.Offence committed by Company:

If any offence is committed under this Act or under rules framed there under by a company or an organization under this Act or rules framed there under , then the concerned director, partner, executive, manager, secretary or any other officer or staff of that company or organization who are directly involved in committing such offence will be treated as offender unless they can prove that such an offence was committed without their knowledge and it could not be avoided despite their best endeavors.

Explanation: In this section

a. “Company or Organization” will mean an establishment or organization including company, organization, partnership business, society or organization comprising more than a person and

b. Director means partner or member of the Board of Directors.

Part-6

Miscellaneous

52.Award, Recognition of Service and Honorarium, etc:

(1) The Government could avail of this opportunity to award any persons or any organization to recognize his/her/ their outstanding contribution towards disaster management in Bangladesh.

(2) An official who has actively participated in the whole range of activities beginning from observation and monitoring of disaster situation as well as dissemination of early warning in the pre-disaster phase and carrying out


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response and recovery measures in the post-disaster phase could be granted with special allowance / honorarium by the Government.

(3) The procedure and formalities for grant of award, recognition of service and financial benefits under subsections (1) and (2) will be prescribed by the relevant rules and procedures.

53.Authority for conducting International and Regional Accord:

(1) In order to fulfill the objectives of this Act, the Government for conducting relief operation during disasters can seek cooperation from or extend possible support to foreign country, government and international and regional organizations in the areas of disaster management related information, analysis, research and usage of satellite station.

(2) In an attempt to accomplish the objective of subsection (1), the country/government can direct its efforts towards conclusion of any accord, MoU, contract, convention, treaty, or sign other legal document with any state, government and regional and international organizations.

54.Protection for action taken in good faith:

No suit or legal proceedings could be brought under the Code of Criminal Procedure or the Code of Civil Procedure against any Government/Government official or member of the council, committee, group or platform for any action taken by them under this Act or rules framed there under in good faith and without negligence.

55.Application of Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) etc:

(1) Till such time rules are framed as per stipulation of this Act, the regulations and stipulation prescribed in the SOD published by the Government will be enforced with necessary modifications to fulfill the requirements of this Act.

(2) Pending formation of any council, national volunteer organization, disaster response coordination group, committee, platform and taskforce under this Act, the committee, national volunteer organization, disaster response coordination group, platform and taskforce formed earlier under auspicious of the SOD will remain in force and will be deemed to have in force under this Act .

56.Authority of the Government in resolution of anomalies and complications:

In the event of any difficulty in enforcing any provision of this Act due to ambiguity and lack of clarity, the Government through gazette notification can issue necessary directives clarifying and explaining the provision.

57. Responsibilities of the Government in execution of the Act:

The Government will take all measures and issue necessary directives for effective execution of this Act.

58.Authority for formulation of rules and regulations:

The Government through issuance of gazette notification could make rules and regulations to realize the objectives of this Act.

59.Publication of English version of the Act:

(1) With the passage of this Act, the Government thorough gazette notification could bring out an authentic English text following the Bengali text of the Act.


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(2) If any question arises with regard to interpretation of any provision of the Act, the Bangla version will get preference over the English version.

60.Dissolution, Transformation and Preservation of Department of Relief & Rehabilitation (DoRR) and Disaster Management Bureau (DMB), etc.:

1. Consequent upon the enforcement of this Act, the erstwhile Executive Orders bearing number RRD-Sec-Admin-i/67/82/35 and sec-Admin-II/5/84-3 dated 9.01.1983 and 29.01.1994 respectively will be treated as repealed and the existing Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will stand abolished.

2. The Department since abolished under subsection (1), will be converted into the Department of Disaster Management under Section (7) and the abolished Department 's :

A. all assets, authority, privileges, moveable and immovable property, cash in hand and in bank, projects, rights and obligation of the defunct Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will stand transferred to and vested with Department of Disaster Management.

B. All cases filed against or cases filed by the erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will be deemed to have been filed against or filed by the Department of Disaster Management.

C. All kinds’ of loans and liabilities and agreements concluded by or made on behalf of erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will be treated as the loan and liabilities of Department of Disaster Management.

D. All records files, papers and documents maintained by erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will be transferred to the Department of Disaster Management and the later will preserve such records and documents as per the Government rules and procedures.

E. Subordinate and branch offices set up under the Department of Relief and Rehabilitation in whatever name they may be called and wherever they may be located will continue to function as subordinate and branch offices under the Department of Disaster Management till such time new subordinate and branch offices are set up under this Act as if they have been established and set up under this Act.

F. All orders and directives issued by and rules and instruments made by the erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will remain in force till such time new orders and directives are issued and new rules and regulations are made by the Department of Disaster Management and such orders and directives as well as rules and regulations will be deemed to have been issued and made by the Department of Disaster Management.

G. All actions, decisions, trainings and any other programmes initiated by the erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will be continued and executed in such a manner as though these programmes and initiatives were initiated by the Department of Disaster Management.

H. Officers and staff appointed by the erstwhile Department of Relief and Rehabilitation will be treated to have been transferred to Department of


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Disaster Management under the same terms and conditions and they will been entitled to receive pay, allowances and other benefits as before as officers and staffs of Department of Disaster Management; and

I. Existing service rules and other terms of appointment of the officers and staffs since transferred from Department of Relief and Rehabilitation to Department of Disaster Management will remain valid until further orders and till such time their service rules and terms and conditions are repealed or amended subject to the condition that these officers and staffs will continue to be guided by their respective service rules as if these rules and terms and conditions were framed under this Act.

3. Once this Act comes into force, the office memo number–relief/admin- 1/27/13/260 (65) dated 08/05/93 of the erstwhile Ministry of Relief will stand repealed and the Disaster Management Bureau constituted under the said office memo will consequently stand abolished.

4. With the repealed office memo and abolition of the Disaster Management Bureau under clause (3):

A. All resources, authorities, privileges, movable and immovable properties, cash in hand and in bank, projects, rights and obligations of the Disaster Management Bureau since abolished will stand transferred to and vested in Department of Disaster Management.

B. All cases filed against or cases filed by the erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will be deemed to have been filed against or filed by the Department of Disaster Management.

C. All kinds of loans and liabilities and agreements concluded by or made on behalf of erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will be transferred to the Department of Disaster Management.

D. All records, files, papers and documents maintained by erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will be transferred to the Department of Disaster Management and the latter will preserve such records and documents as per the Government rules and procedures.

E. Subordinate and branch offices set up under the Disaster Management Bureau in whatever name they may be called and wherever they may be located will continue to function as subordinate and branch offices under the Department of Disaster Management till such time new subordinate and branch offices are set up under this Act as if they have been established and set up under this Act.

F. All orders and directives issued by and rules and instruments made by the erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will remain in force till such time new orders and directives are issued and new rules and regulations are made by the Department of Disaster Management and such orders and directives as well as rules and regulations will be deemed to have been issued and made by the Department of Disaster Management.

G. All actions, decisions, trainings and any other programmes initiated by the erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will be continued and executed in


Disaster Forum

such a manner as though these programmes and initiatives were initiated by the Department of Disaster Management.

H. Officers and staffs appointed by the erstwhile Disaster Management Bureau will be treated to have been transferred to Department of Disaster Management under the same terms and conditions and they will be entitled to receive pay, allowances and other benefits as before as officers and staffs of Department of Disaster Management; and

I. The existing service rules and other terms of appointment of the officers and staffs since transferred from Disaster Management Bureau to Department of Disaster Management will remain valid until further orders and till such time their service rules and terms and conditions are repealed or amended subject to the condition that these officers and staffs will continue to be guided by their respective service rules as if these rules and terms and conditions were framed under this Act.

5. The Department will prepare and maintain a combined gradation list as early as possible for the officers and staffs transferred from the abolished Department as per subsection (1) and abolished Bureau as per Section (3) after determining their inter-se-seniority taking into consideration the following:

A. The seniority will be counted from the date of joining in the relevant post;

B. If more than one officer or staff are appointed at a time, the inter-se-seniority will be determined on the basis of their merit list prepared by the relevant selection committee or the appointing authority;

C. In respect of promotion, seniority in the promotion post will be counted from the date the promotion order or the date of notification.

D. If more than one officer/staff are promoted on a particular date, the seniority in the promotion post will be counted on the basis of their respective seniority in the feeder post.

E. If on a particular date certain appointments are made by direct recruitment while others by promotion, the incumbent appointed on promotion will take seniority over the incumbent appointed on direct recruitment;

F. For determining seniority on the basis of principles enumerated above, if on a particular date more than one officer or staff is to be considered with the same service tenure, the date of birth would be the determining factor implying that one who is senior in terms of age will get seniority over the others.

Schedule

(See Section (35) and (43))

Emergency actions and responsibilities called for saving lives and properties in managing disasters

1. Providing for firefighting, search and rescue equipment and keeping those equipment operational in all hospitals, clinics, community centers, shopping


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malls, cinema halls, restaurants, factories, workshops, go down, etc according to the risk of fire hazards.

2. Providing for the emergency exits for all hospitals, clinics community centers, shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurants, factories, workshops, warehouses, etc. keeping in view the occupant load and the location of the emergency exit which shall be properly indicated by floor marking.

3. No hindrance/ obstacle shall be created to ensure uninterrupted movement of fire extinguishing transports and rescue vehicles.

4. Adequate number of life buoy, transistor, whistles, and torch light and other disaster preparedness tools shall be kept in all riverine transports, sea going fishing boats and trawlers.

5. With the broadcast of warning signal #4, all water transports below 150 feet length which are not capable to withstand wind speed of 61 km/h shall immediately return to a safer shelter.

6. No obstacle or hindrance shall be created in the matter of free flow of water or no development initiatives shall be undertaken which would cause water logging or sufferings to the general public.

7. Danger signals shall be inscribed on the electric poles and establishments with high risk and sensitivity.

8. No highly inflammable chemical or dangerous chemical shall be stored or sold in any residential premises or common market place without making adequate arrangements for safe keeping and proper storage.

9. No sand or trees shall be lifted of felled from the coastal areas.

10. Any unnatural situation which is likely to give rise to a disaster event shall be reported immediately to the Chairman or the Member of a local Disaster Management Committee or to the nearest Police Station.

11. No hurdle shall be created in carrying out directives in the matter of shifting the residents and establishments including dwelling houses, shops and business firms from the foothills to any safer places in pre-disaster, during disaster or post-disaster situation.

Vim Charan Roy

Additional Secretary (HR)


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International Federationof Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

R CDE ESR CH ES NE TD

SA OL

CG

IENA T

YB

B D R CS

Urban Hazard

Climate Change : Doha Conference & Bangladesh

Air Pollution

Sound Pollution

Radiation from Mobile Phones

Industrialization vs. Death of Rivers

Waste Disposal : Unhygienic Future

Sufferings from Tannery

City Life and Junk Food

Road Accident

Fire Accident

Insecurity at Workplace

Flood in City

Water logging : The Greatest Disaster for Cities

Nor’wester

Thunder/Lightning

River Erosion : A Natural Disaster

Landslides

Earthquake and Collapse of Walls and Buildings

Heat Wave : A New Face of Nature

Cold Wave

Food Safety

Brickfield : Aiding Modernization or Threat to Environment

Death by Drowning

New Technology : A New Way to Reduce Misfortune

Bangladesh Disaster Management Act 2012 (Full Text)

The views expressed herein should not be taken, in anyway, to reflect the official of

the BDRCS, IFRC and WaterAid.

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