'Tk 1cr man' becomes broke in front of Tac

Younus Ali, a junior-level officer of Titas Gas, is one of 135 employees of the state-owned company found by National Coordination Committee (NCC) on corruption and serious crime to have amassed ill-gotten wealth worth at least Tk 1 crore each.

Interestingly, when NCC sent Younus' name to the Truth and Accountability Commission (Tac) for voluntary disclosure following his application, he rejected outright of having any ill-gotten wealth.

He rather alleges he was branded as a corruption-suspect because of his involvement in politics since he was an employees' union member in Titas. He claims he has been "honest" throughout his life.

The commission now has no other way to justify the claims of the graft-suspects and no alternative to listening and believing their tales as it doesn't have authority to conduct an investigation into these claims, sources in Tac and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) observe.

The Tac now believes every word of Younus, feels sympathy for him, and considers pardoning him and others like him out of sympathy, Tac sources add.

The NCC taskforce in February tracked huge anomalies in Titas and found 135 of its staffs are millionaires, each owning at last Tk 1 crore.

Among them, 107 applied through NGC to face Tac and Younus is one of them, the sources say.

Jalal Uddin, junior accounts assistant, is another on the list of 107 sent by NCC to Tac. However, Jalal also claimed before Tac he did not have any ill-gotten wealth to disclose or surrender. He claimed to have been "victimised" by politics, as he was a member of a pro-BNP trade union group.

At one stage of hearing, Jalal, however, confessed to having ill-gotten property worth Tk 25,000, the lowest willingly reported by the 49 corrupt-accused so far.

He had earlier confessed before NCC to having illegal wealth worth Tk 37,000, which he termed before Tac a forced confession under pressure.

The NCC did not send to Tac any investigation report along with the list of corruption-suspects and only mentioned what the corruption-suspects confessed.

Confirming that a number of government officials are claiming not to own any ill-gotten wealth, Tac Chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan told The Daily Star, "We'll not disclose what we think about disposal of our cases. We the commission members will decide about the matter after hearing from the corruption-suspects."

Justice Habibur denied giving any details regarding the matter.

The chairman has recently said, "Whether the graft-accused disclose full information about their ill-gotten wealth or not, it's clear to me that they feel repentant by depositing parts of their ill-gotten wealth. I have seen it. I have seen sign of repentance in their faces."

"What would I disclose before Tac when I don't own any such wealth? I told Tac I was branded as a corruption-suspect just because I was a member of Titas Gas employees' union," Younus told over phone.

"I asked the commission to initiate investigation into my case once again if they don't believe me. But the commission said they don't have the option to conduct an investigation and heard me kindly," Jalal said.

"It's interesting and frustrating at the same time that some of the corruption-suspects are likely to be free without confessing to their corruption," says a Tac official.

The NCC list to the Tac includes deputy director general, assistant manager, deputy manager, meter readers, account assistants, supervisors, junior technicians and junior development assistants of Titas.

The Tac has heard 89 corruption-accused, mostly government staffs, and primarily ordered them to deposit only about Tk 16.53 crore to the state. Over 30 Titas officials were heard who have so far confessed to having ill-gotten wealth worth about Tk 40 lakh only.(thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=55943
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No plan to hold DCC poll by December

Election Commissioner Brig (Rtd) Shakhwat Hossain yesterday said that EC had non plan to hold the mayoral election for the Dhaka City Corporation by December.
Asked whether the DCC election would be held during the present regime, he said that what he knew was that it would not be held by December this year but he did not elaborate.
The Election Commision earlier said that they would hold general election, upzila election and the city corporation election by December.
The last DCC election was held on April 28, 2002 and its tenure expired on May 14, 2007.

Bangladesh heading for a world-class tourist venue

You are looking for a hectic, active and chaotically lively vacation or an escapist relaxation, Bangladesh has something for you - be it in city of Dhaka or the dockyard of Chittagong or along the spectacular coastline of Cox's Bazar.
Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh is known as a city of mosques and muslin. Its main waterfront is Sadarghat and the bank of the river Buriganga is crowded with yachts, motor launches and fishing boats.
Taking off from Gulshan, one of the most expensive areas of Dhaka and driving through Baridhara and the Vasundhara residential areas, we came across a camp where people meet before taking off for the holy pilgrimage. After crossing the airport we moved towards Uttara and via Ashulia headed for Savar to see the National Martyr's Monument.
On the way we drove past the Turaag River where a big annual congregation takes place. People assemble for three days and on the last day community prayers are held. We had to drive past Fantasy Kingdom, an amusement park built on the lines of Disney World before we reached the National Martyr's Monument. It draws considerable crowds during weekends and school vacations. While some rides are sure to scare even the bravest of hearts, it is truly a fun place for the entire family. As we approached the National Martyr's Memorial we could see the monument with pointed spikes from a distance. It stands tall to speak of glorious victory and the subsequent triumph. The 45-metre tower tapers upwards on 7 isosceles triangles depicting positive stages of the national movement that finally led to independence.
The struggle for the honour of the National language - Bangla began in 1952 and went through mass upheavals in 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1969 and eventually in 1971. 30 lac (3 million) Bangladeshis died for their freedom.There are 10 graves in the 84-acre area. Within the boundaries are a well-maintained artificial lake, a garden, an open-air stage and a reception chamber.
Twin helipads add to the grandeur. The department of architecture has done all the construction and it cost 130 million Taka (CDN 3.6 million).
The foundation stone was laid on 16 December 1972 and renowned architect Saiyad Mainul Hossain designed the main tower. Bangladeshi cuisine rightly enjoys wide popularity. This is because of its fresh ingredients and subtle balance of flavours. The legendary kachhi biryani is a must-have, to be followed by Borhani - which is curd with different spices. Your meal is finally complete with dhaniabhaja (fried coriander seeds). In Dhaka fish is sold in pieces and not by their weight. One hot favourite is Rupchanda. A single large piece in delicious hot curry may set you back by 150 Taka (CDN 4). The mouth-watering hilsa is also found in abundance.
We returned via Ashulia to catch a glimpse of boats lined up in a row. However, another return route can be through the Gabtoli area. Our next stop was at the Mirpur Zoo where the chief attraction for foreign nationals is the majestic and now fast disappearing Royal Bengal Tiger. The nearby Botanical Gardens stretch for more than 200 acres and contribute to education, research, careful preservation of plants and recreation for people from all walks of life and diverse age groups. We drove towards the Parliament House and the car moved along Panthopath, the Press Club area, Rail Bhavan and the Secretariat. In the Gulistan area we saw the 60,000 seating National Stadium. We came to the General Post Office, the President's house and then were off to Motijheel - downtown Dhaka where traffic is really heavy. A trip to Dhaka would be incomplete without a tricycle rickshaw ride. A stop at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi was next. This was his residence, now transformed into a memorial. It has a big collection of photographs from his lifetime. Dhaka's top seat of learning is its University and we strolled in to see some students hurrying to their classes through the huge corridors while others lazing under the shades of the trees in the campus. A stop at the grave of famous poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was next.
From an appreciation of nature to wonderment at historical achievements and artistic delights the National Museum is an absolute must-visit. As you enter, a huge map of the country with light bulbs can pinpoint the places you are searching for. You come across the rich collection as you keep walking through the palatial building. Boulders from the Tista riverbed found at Dahlia, Patgram and Rangpur catch the eye. Fourth century BC punch-marked coins and silver coins of Mainamati from the eighth and ninth centuries are the envy of any numismatist. So are coins of the Delhi Sultanate (1175-1552) - (Md. Ghori, Iltutmish, Adil Shah) On the second floor is an impressive 12 ft 6 in eleventh century pillar in black stone from Dinajpur. Zircon from Kalatoli in Cox Bazaar, corals, plants, dahlia flowers, marigold, lemon grass and timber plants along with ingredients of earth quartz are well stored too.
Details of herbal medicine learnt and practiced through the method of trial and error can be found in the museum. It clearly states that on offer are some clear therapeutic values and some of dubious efficacy. But indeed these opened up new horizons in chemotherapy or the scientific study of chemistry of medicinal plants. Beautiful sea conch shells and butterflies are a delight to watch. Innumerable priceless porcelain vases and musical instruments grace the National Museum. Of great interest to most tourists from India is the carpet of Nawab Siraj -ud -Daulah as is a 94 inch ivory mat made in Sylhet. The mat was used in weddings and the bride and groom sat on it to receive guests. The ivory throne of the Maharaja of Dinajpur (18 century A.D.- 19 century A.D.) is a landmark in craftsmanship. (by Sam Mukherjee)

Dhaka Nagar Jadughar

Most of the city dwellers have no idea that there is a museum exclusively on the history of Dhaka. Even after two decades of its founding, the historical documents and artefacts preserved in the museum have failed to attract visitors.

The museum, Dhaka Nagar Jadughar, was established on the fifth floor of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) building in 1980s and formally opened on July 20, 1996.

Historical documents and artefacts from the Mughal era to the Liberation War of 1997 preserved at the museum feature the chronological development of Dhaka City.

Because of lack of attention and politicisation, the museum has been in a sorry state for years. Entering the museum, one can easily perceive that the city museum is one of the most neglected departments under the DCC.

Many captions of photographs and paintings portraying historic events and monuments are either destroyed or distorted, or unreadable.

The caretaker of the museum said the main problem in running the museum is fund constraints and manpower shortage. DCC does not allocate any budget or recruit manpower for the museum. As the museum is under Department of Social Welfare and Culture of DCC, three employees of the department take care of the museum.

The museum is run by a trust, which has not held any meeting for many years.

The caretaker said the only income source of the museum is ticket money collected from visitors but the turnover is not satisfactory.

Prof Muntasir Mamoon is the chairman of the trustee board. Prof Mamoon, artist Hashem Khan, architect-poet Rabiul Hossain, Prof Nazrul Islam and others took the initiative to set up the museum in mid 1980s.

When contacted, Prof Mamoon said, "The then mayor of DCC Mohammad Hanif allocated a space for the city museum and we handed over it to DCC in 1996. But the trustees do not have any communication with DCC since 1997.”

"I made an organogram for the museum headed by a curator and asked for a fixed budget. Initially Tk 10 lakh was allocated for the museum. But within a year after the official handover we observed that the mayor and the officials of DCC have no interest in it."

Disappointed at the negligence shown by the DCC, the trustees did not continue communication with the DCC, Prof Mamoon said.

On the genesis of the city museum, Prof Mamoon said, “Dhaka was declared as the capital of Bengal by Islam Khan in 1610. In mid 1980s I thought about celebrating the 400th anniversary of Dhaka City as the capital. I felt that we should establish a museum on Dhaka to celebrate the 400 years of the city.”

He said the idea of setting up the museum was to allow people to have a panoramic view of chronological history of Dhaka and its heritage.

"In fact the museum was the first of its kind in the South-east Asia and could be one of the most attractive sights of the city," said Prof Mamoon.

Initially Prof Mamoon and Hashem Khan donated Tk 50,000 to establish the museum. Besides, architect-poet Rabiul Hossain, urban expert Prof Nazrul Islam and others extended volunteer service to establish a quality city museum.

"Many philanthropists donated their rare collections. I donated the diaries of the British civilians, paintings and drawings by British artists featuring the landscape of Dhaka in 18th and 19th century and other important historical materials," said Prof Mamoon.

Artists through their imaginations have painted many historic moments for the museum.

Artist Hashem Khan said, "Artist Rafiqunnabi painted the historical moments such as the arrival of Subedar Islam Khan in Dhaka in 1610. With the captions Memory of Dhaka Rafiqunnabi and I also painted landscapes of old Dhaka in watercolour. Moreover, artist Abdur Razzaq donated his paintings on the landscape of Dhaka in 1950s."

"We collected a lot traditional craftworks used by the aristocrats during the Nawabi era. We could even collect the first printing machine of Dhaka," Hashem Khan added.

"As part of the museum, we established the Centre for Dhaka Study featuring research, archive and library," said Prof Mamoon.

However, in the last 12 years after the handover of the museum, DCC has collected only 25 portraits of Sardars of old Dhaka and a picture portraying former president Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury celebrating the Eid day with the members of Dhakabashi.

Of the published 13 books featuring the poetry, culture and planning of Dhaka, eight are available at present. And no research work has been done in the last 12 years.

Prof Mamoon said, "What does DCC do with the money collected from sale of the books and entree tickets?"

The Social Welfare and Cultural Officer of DCC, who is the head of Dhaka Nagar Jadugar, could not make any satisfactory answer. "I'm newly appointed. I'll try to give better service consulting with the trust members," he said.
by Ershad Kamol (the Daily Star)

Dhaka Nagar Jadughar

Most of the city dwellers have no idea that there is a museum exclusively on the history of Dhaka. Even after two decades of its founding, the historical documents and artefacts preserved in the museum have failed to attract visitors.

The museum, Dhaka Nagar Jadughar, was established on the fifth floor of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) building in 1980s and formally opened on July 20, 1996.

Historical documents and artefacts from the Mughal era to the Liberation War of 1997 preserved at the museum feature the chronological development of Dhaka City.

Because of lack of attention and politicisation, the museum has been in a sorry state for years. Entering the museum, one can easily perceive that the city museum is one of the most neglected departments under the DCC.

Many captions of photographs and paintings portraying historic events and monuments are either destroyed or distorted, or unreadable.

The caretaker of the museum said the main problem in running the museum is fund constraints and manpower shortage. DCC does not allocate any budget or recruit manpower for the museum. As the museum is under Department of Social Welfare and Culture of DCC, three employees of the department take care of the museum.

The museum is run by a trust, which has not held any meeting for many years.

The caretaker said the only income source of the museum is ticket money collected from visitors but the turnover is not satisfactory.

Prof Muntasir Mamoon is the chairman of the trustee board. Prof Mamoon, artist Hashem Khan, architect-poet Rabiul Hossain, Prof Nazrul Islam and others took the initiative to set up the museum in mid 1980s.

When contacted, Prof Mamoon said, "The then mayor of DCC Mohammad Hanif allocated a space for the city museum and we handed over it to DCC in 1996. But the trustees do not have any communication with DCC since 1997.”

"I made an organogram for the museum headed by a curator and asked for a fixed budget. Initially Tk 10 lakh was allocated for the museum. But within a year after the official handover we observed that the mayor and the officials of DCC have no interest in it."

Disappointed at the negligence shown by the DCC, the trustees did not continue communication with the DCC, Prof Mamoon said.

On the genesis of the city museum, Prof Mamoon said, “Dhaka was declared as the capital of Bengal by Islam Khan in 1610. In mid 1980s I thought about celebrating the 400th anniversary of Dhaka City as the capital. I felt that we should establish a museum on Dhaka to celebrate the 400 years of the city.”

He said the idea of setting up the museum was to allow people to have a panoramic view of chronological history of Dhaka and its heritage.

"In fact the museum was the first of its kind in the South-east Asia and could be one of the most attractive sights of the city," said Prof Mamoon.

Initially Prof Mamoon and Hashem Khan donated Tk 50,000 to establish the museum. Besides, architect-poet Rabiul Hossain, urban expert Prof Nazrul Islam and others extended volunteer service to establish a quality city museum.

"Many philanthropists donated their rare collections. I donated the diaries of the British civilians, paintings and drawings by British artists featuring the landscape of Dhaka in 18th and 19th century and other important historical materials," said Prof Mamoon.

Artists through their imaginations have painted many historic moments for the museum.

Artist Hashem Khan said, "Artist Rafiqunnabi painted the historical moments such as the arrival of Subedar Islam Khan in Dhaka in 1610. With the captions Memory of Dhaka Rafiqunnabi and I also painted landscapes of old Dhaka in watercolour. Moreover, artist Abdur Razzaq donated his paintings on the landscape of Dhaka in 1950s."

"We collected a lot traditional craftworks used by the aristocrats during the Nawabi era. We could even collect the first printing machine of Dhaka," Hashem Khan added.

"As part of the museum, we established the Centre for Dhaka Study featuring research, archive and library," said Prof Mamoon.

However, in the last 12 years after the handover of the museum, DCC has collected only 25 portraits of Sardars of old Dhaka and a picture portraying former president Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury celebrating the Eid day with the members of Dhakabashi.

Of the published 13 books featuring the poetry, culture and planning of Dhaka, eight are available at present. And no research work has been done in the last 12 years.

Prof Mamoon said, "What does DCC do with the money collected from sale of the books and entree tickets?"

The Social Welfare and Cultural Officer of DCC, who is the head of Dhaka Nagar Jadugar, could not make any satisfactory answer. "I'm newly appointed. I'll try to give better service consulting with the trust members," he said.
by Ershad Kamol (the Daily Star)

Floods, rains and Dhaka city drainage

Dhaka city experiences a deluge every time it rains heavily
Every time major floods occur in the country and every time it rains, the city of Dhaka faces acute drainage problem. Parts of the city go under water. In the densely populated city, woes of people know no bounds.

In 1954, 1956, 1988, 1998 devastating floods occurred submerging 70 percent or more of the country. Along with the country most of the Dhaka city except pockets of high spots went under various depths of water. There was flood water in old city, eastern and western parts.

However in earlier years, as the eastern and western parts of the city were mostly agricultural lowlands with a few or no human habitation, flood damage remained confined to the city proper only. There was no huge and cry and suffering of people as it is today in the eastern part.

In spite of huge investment over the years, particularly after 1988 floods when almost whole city of Dhaka went under water, the 1998 floods appeared most devastating. About Dhaka city, drainage situation aggravated due to silted-up, blocked drainage channels. WASA's limited storm water drainage is too inadequate for a city of 850 sqkm (Greater Dhaka).

Causes and problems
Causes of floods and drainage problem vary in different zones (areas) of the city depending on topography (elevation, high, low), proximity to rivers, peculiar areas like housing estates etc. Two main causes of floods in the city are river floods and runoff from rainfall.

River floods: Rivers surrounding the city like the Sitalakhya, Buriganga, Turag, Tongi and Balu cause floods in the city. This year low lying areas in the eastern part of the greater Dhaka city was heavily flooded. One point is that for some reasons the proposed flood protection eastern embankment/bypass was yet to be constructed.

The western flood protection embankment protected Uttara, Airport, Nikunja and other areas from floods of Turag and Buriganga.

Rainfall: Due to bad drainage system in the city where most of the channels were encroached upon by the land grabbers or were choked up or filled up with illegal dumping of solid and construction wastes water logging occurs all around the city. Most of former flowing/living channels are now non-existent. Even the large ones like the Begunbari channel were either encroached upon or the outfall closed with consequence that runoff cannot flow as it used to in 50's, 60's and even 70's Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Uttara lakes are blocked at the outfall. Many other channels in the eastern Dhaka, South Badda, Khilgaon, Bashaboo, Shahjahanpur, Jatrabari etc. were partly or full occupied by unauthorised illegal structures. If channels are improved, heavy runoff will quickly flow outside the city.

Housing estates: Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Uttara and perhaps other satellite towns like Bashundhara, Asian City, Amin Group etc. are relatively on higher lands and runoff thus flows into the lakes which incidentally work as buffer flood control reservoirs. Except some pockets of transient water-logging in the above areas waters are quickly drained off.

Eastern part: The eastern area of the city is heavily affected by river floods and also by runoff. Flood water ... standing as river levels remain high. It strongly suggests pumping of flood/runoff waters when the eastern embankment would be constructed. Similar pumping is necessary in western embankment area.

Old city: The old city is affected by runoff form rainfall. Numerous low pockets remain water-logged. If drainage channels are built or water flows through improved channels this flood situation will improve. WASA may also be of help with storm water drains. It is necessary as open drains may be difficult to run because of congestion in the area and its unique situation/location.

Water-logging in DND Project: One of the earliest irrigation projects, the DND (Dhaka-Demra-Narayanganj) project was built by the then EPWAPDA (now BWDB). The project was meant for producing rice crops by irrigation. In recent years agricultural low lands were purchased or illegally acquired for residential use. Canals were encroached upon, both irrigation and drainage channels were encroached upon by influential people. Due to heavy downpour on June 15, 2007 the whole Dhaka city and adjoining areas were flooded. With drainage channels closed here and there, DND project area was fully water-logged.

Another reason is that due to low level of the outfall of the drainage channels, natural drainage is not possible due to higher level of water of the river Sitalakhya. As a result the water of the DND needed to be pumped out. But sometimes some of the pumps remain out of order. BWDB should keep the pumps in good working condition at all times.

Some unconventional causes: Though the unconventional causes like the slow subsidence of ground surface in general can occur over a long period of time, they deserve serious consideration. For gradual subsidence over many years might turn out to be serious in magnitude and dimension. This may happen for both natural and man-made causes.

Natural process soil erosion: Anytime heavy rainfall occurs, it erodes some soil in the city area. Ceaselessly the rainfall has caused erosion and sediment was transported away by runoff to the adjoining rivers bounding the city, through rills, small channels. Only a proper contour survey available for 50's or 60's or later years may be compared to see the magnitude of erosion, consequently lowering the ground surface level (subsidence)

Man-made causes: There are two such causes of land susbidence --

Subsidence due to pumping: Due to continuous pumping by hundreds of deep tubewells, ground water level below Dhaka city is falling. It may be mentioned that for continuous pumping in Tamil Nadu and Gujrat States in India, ground water dried up in millions of tubewells. There is no irrigation now, only low-yielding rain-fed agriculture is in practice. Drinking water is brought to the large affected area with hundreds/thousands of trucks daily! One may ascertain difference between ground level now and that some 30 or 40 years ago and estimate the evidence and extent of subsidence.

Groundwater aquifer (aquifer is water holding stratum/layer of soils) consists of trillions of water-filled voids. As pumping continues over the years, voids are depleted of water and as a result due to overhead soil pressure empty voids may get contracted which may accentuate subsidence. Though a very long term process, it may happen. It is worth investigation and studies.

High rise buildings: For the last 25 years or so thousands of high rise buildings were constructed all over Dhaka. Though developers generally take good care in foundation design considering bearing capacity versus subsidence, there are thousands of multi-storied buildings which were privately constructed. I have doubt whether they took care of foundation design adequately. In the years to come there may be a global effect of millions of tons of imposed weight on the surface which may cause subsidence in the soft alluvial sedimentary soils underlying the city. A six-storey residential building on 5 katha (3600 sft) may weigh 5000-7000 tons. Our learned geologists and foundation engineers might have answer to this. If the answer is an emphatic yes, it may be of concern to all of us.

All the above three causes particularly the man-made ones might look speculative at the moment. But after serious investigations, comprehensive relevant surveys and intensive studies, we might obtain a suitable answer.

June 15, 2007 rainfall: Let us analyse the rainfall of June 15, 2007 that occurred for a duration 6 hours (6 pm to 12 midnight) with a total rainfall of abut 100mm.

Greater Dhaka has on area of 850 km2. Preliminary estimate shows that a flow (discharge) of 3,000 m3/s was generated in the greater Dhaka and 2,000m3/s in the metropolitan area. Both the figures are designed discharge. Canals of 200m bottom width x 1.5 deep x side slope 1.5:1 x bed slope 1/1000 and other canals of 150m, 100m, 50m and 30m bottom width can be designed for the drainage of the greater Dhaka city. About 35 trapezoidal channels of various capacities are required to achieve drainage of the city.

Begunbari channel takes off from Dhanmondi lake but Mirpur road blocked it near Panthapath crossing. It is again perhaps blocked by roads notable Nazrul Islam Avenue before Sonargaon Hotel. It resurfaced behind the hotel. On its way a lot of illegal structures, some multi-storey buildings were constructed between Sonargaon Hotel and its crossing at Shahid Tajuddin Road (Tejgaon Road). The channel then veers north-eastward meeting the combined drainage channels from Gulshan-Banani lake and Mohakhali drainage channel at a point 5 km south of Gulshan Lake (E). Then it moves east-southeastwards meeting a north-south channel in low areas south of Badda and moves eastward to the proposed Eastern Bypass.

Begunbari channel is the main drainage channel of the city, both larger in dimension and longer in stretch, and moves west to east draining the crowded parts of the city: Tejgaon, Mohakhali, Kawran Bazar, Panthapath, Banani-Gulshan and open areas in the east and Green Road, Farmgate area. With 200m width and proper designed dimensions, it can carry a discharge of 400-500m3/s i.e. 1/7th to 1/6th (15%) of the total runoff generated by June 15 rainfall. Begunbari appears to have large catchments. It also drains entire Badda, Rampura and Khilgaon areas, open areas in the east on both sides of Begunbari. The feeder channels, Mohakhali-Banani-Gulshan lake, north-south canal meeting Bagunbari should be excavated and improved. Begunbari channel acts like a drainage divide between the north and south of the metropolitan area. Another divide existed in old city, now filled up Dholai Khal channel which ran west to east dividing the old city drainage to the canal from the north and south.

From contour plan of the Begunbari and catchment and characteristics of channel catchment plan, synthetic unit hydrograph may be drawn by using maximum daily rainfall data for 20 to 30 years. From unit hydrograph peak flood of 25 years, 50 years or 100 years frequency versus depths can be determined for the design of channels. Similar methods can be used for other channels in other zones/areas.

Some recommendations
Master Plan: Master plan of Dhaka City Drainage should be prepared by an experienced consulting engineering firm. A national committee composed of experts from relevant organisations may guide and oversee the activities of the firm. The whole city may be divided into drainage zones according to topography and location.

Eastern Bypass: An embankment by the east of the city (Eastern Bypass) may be constructed as quickly as possible. If the Eastern Bypass is delayed for the Master Plan, the city will continue to suffer. Western embankment was not delayed for the Master Plan.

Cleaning of canals: All silted up and choked up channels large, medium or small, should be excavated and made efficient for drainage of rain water. These moribund channels should be cleared and designed to carry runoff in 25 or 35 channels as outlined earlier.

Open area drainage: Drainage channels in the open areas between the city and the existing west and the proposed eastern Bypass will be designed to carry flow and evacuate in the embankment sluices. In some points pumping may be required. We are to design pumps, pump houses etc.

Embankment: Embankment along the Buriganga in the southern side should be strengthened in order to prevent river floods. Drains should carry runoff from rainfall.

Protection from future grabbing: Excavated/cleared existing closed or blocked channels should be protected from future grabbing by enacting strict laws, if necessary.

DND drainage: Drainage channels in DND project area should be cleared and made efficient to carry runoff. Pump house should be made efficient and repaired when necessary. Water-logging in DND area is man-made artificial creation.

Multi-disciplinary national committee: A multi-disciplinary national committee composed of experts from relevant organisations may be formed to find causes and effects of floods and drainage problems in the city (Greater Dhaka and Metropolitan area), and outline preventive and regulation measures. The committee will assist in the selection of an experienced consulting company. The Committee will prepare its own TOR and draft TOR for the consultants. The committee will continue to guide and oversee the activities of the consultants during its tenure.

By Prof Mustafizur Rahman Tarafdar

The writer is professor of Civil Engineering in the World University of Bangladesh, Dhaka and a Water Specialist (formerly in World Bank, Washington DC and Planning Commission).

Death of students on the sea beach on the rise

Death of students on the Cox's Bazar sea beach is on the rise.
A number of students died recently while trying to swim in the billowing waves of the Bay of Bengal. The victims, out of sheer joy, jumped into the Bay without knowing how to swim. The surging sea waves embraced the ill-fated boys to eternity.
The bodies of two university students were recovered after 48 hours at Cox's Bazaar sea beach and Sonadia coast under Moheskhali upazila of the district on August 30 morning at about 10.30 am. The bodies were identified as that of Asiqur Rahman Anik (22), son of Munshi Abdul Wahab, first year student of Economics Department of North South University, Mohammad Billha Sajib (20), son of Shahin Ahmed, first year student of London School of Law.
Imam Hossen, Additional Police Super of Cox's Bazar, said that local people saw a dead body at Islamia Women Madrasa point of Cox's Bazar sea beach at about 10.30 am on August 30. People informed the matter to Cox's Bazar sea beach police.
Later, police went to the spot and recovered the body of Asiqur Rahman with his family members. At that time Moheskhal police, getting information that one dead body was found at Sonadia coast. Then police informed the matter about the missing student's family members. Later, Moheskhali police and missing students family members went to Sonadia coast by mechanised boat and recovered the body of Mohammad Billha Sajib (20), son of Shahin Ahmed, first year student of London School of Law.
Meanwhile, three students of North South University and London School of Law were missing in the Bay at Laboni Point of Cox's Bazar sea beach on August 28 last at 11.30 am. Local people and police rescued on Tarike Hassan. But another two were missing. Another boy named Selim came to Cox's Bazar and booked the Sea Gull Hotel and he went to swim at 2.30 pm from the Sea Gull point. At one stage he was missing with a wave. Meanwhile, four more students were missing in the Bay when they went to take bath at Cox's Bazar sea beach during the last two months.