Md. Asadullah Khan

THERE is a close link between economic growth, human development and good management of natural resources, mainly water bodies

FOR more than 40 years, the earth has been sending distress signals.

IN recent times, an upsurge of extremist movements, zealotry and fanaticism has almost shaken the foundation of our fledgling democracy.

Angers that seemed exaggerated and distant even a decade ago -- global warming, ozone depletion, desertification and even

WITH the Dhaka City Corporation polls schedule just announced, the mayoral and councillor aspirants have come out with a flurry of pledges, which, if implemented, will give Dhaka a dazzling look.

AFTER a brief lull in terrorist bombing and arson attacks, the streets of the capital city and other rural places are again turning to theatres of violence and arson attacks.

FOR the last 50 days, pessimism has gripped the citizenry because of the hartal and oborodh enforced by BNP-led alliance.

With the BNP-Jamaat allies continuing to enforce blockade and hartal for the 44th day on February 18, the country has descended into deep chaos, uncertainty and unimaginable distress. We have got to be worried and perturbed after witnessing the scale of tragedies, lives lost by burning, destruction and losses inflicted on the economy in a free Bangladesh that we liberated at the cost 3 million lives. Since January 6, the country, from Teknaf to Tetulia, has turned into a theatre of unabated violence and destruction.

LET me start this piece today with a joke that fits in here so perfectly. God created this subcontinent as a wealthy, fertile and prosperous land. The other nations protested about this favouritism. So, God in His infinite wisdom willed the type of governments we have had in this region to balance matters. We have been cursed since then.