Md.Nasir uddin (special correspondent): Air pollution remains critically severe throughout the year in our country, but it becomes unbearable during winter, causing immense public suffering. Brick kiln emissions, construction waste, vehicle smoke, and winter fog combined to escalate pollution to levels unsuitable for normal breathing. In response to this crisis, Asaduzzaman Fuaad, a barrister-at-law and Joint Member Secretary, has called for sustainable solutions to environmental pollution. He made this demand at a press conference held on Wednesday, (December18) afternoon at the central office of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) on public winter hardships.
Barrister Fuaad emphasized that despite various government and social efforts to distribute winter clothes to the needy, a lack of coordination deprives many deserving individuals and families. He urged the Ministry of Social Welfare to abandon ineffective methods of winter clothing distribution and instead provide winter cash incentives to marginalized populations, enabling them to purchase clothing based on their families’ needs.
Fuaad further pointed out that the country witnesses substantial production of winter fruits and vegetables, which often go to waste due to inadequate storage facilities. This situation leads to price fluctuations, where tomatoes, for instance, fluctuate between Tk. 100 per kg to Tk. 5. He proposed the establishment of cold storage facilities close to railway stations to ensure effective preservation and marketing, prevent syndicates, and secure fair prices for farmers. He also highlighted severe power shortages in rural areas during winter. Addressing the government, he remarked, “it is unacceptable for rural populations to suffer during winter.” He demanded the government immediately resolve the power crisis in rural areas to prevent further public hardship.
Regarding the rise in fog-related road accidents, Barrister Fuaad urged the government to take necessary preventive measures. He also advocated for promoting Bangladesh’s rich winter festival culture by organizing traditional pitha (rice cake) festivals in every city, university, school, and college to preserve this longstanding cultural heritage of this land
