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In your article ‘Govt inactive on global warming’ of 26th February you wrongly state that ‘Bangladesh has not done anything as far as global warming and its impact are concerned’, and ‘taken no initiatives to adapt’. This article’s extreme conclusions are contrary to the available evidence from Department of Environment (DoE). While it may not have recent national data on emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, Bangladesh’s very small global contribution to emissions give good cause to focus on adapting to climate change impacts.
   Despite this, CNG conversion of baby taxis provides a good example of ‘win-win’ interventions that reduce greenhouse gases and have other benefits, such as reducing urban air pollution and healthcare costs. Bangladesh has also prepared itself for the Clean Development Mechanism, which facilitates foreign investment in projects that reduce emissions while promoting sustainable development.
   Given its dependence on agriculture and vulnerability to climate-related disasters however, Bangladesh’s attention is on adapting to climate changes. This can only do this by building on existing efforts and drawing on the resilience and experiences of millions of its people to date.
   Numerous studies have provided a sound scientific basis, and the establishment of a Climate Change Cell in DoE now provides a focal point for coordinating and adapting to climate change on the international stage, nationally across government and with private sector and civil society. Given that climate change is likely to increase the risk of disasters, the Cell is linked to the government’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme and its work includes coordination, advocacy, research, and piloting adaptation in agriculture in collaboration with the Department for Agricultural Extension.
   The country is also preparing a multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan to prioritise actions necessary to tackle urgent and immediate responses to climate change, while CARE Bangladesh and numerous partner NGOs and communities continue to undertake internationally acclaimed activities to reduce vulnerability to climate change in Southwest Bangladesh.
   To state that Bangladesh ‘has not done anything’ may create a more sensational headline, but it does not reflect the true picture. Certainly, climate change remains a relatively weak issue outside environment circles. There is indeed an urgent need to raise awareness and foster actions to reduce the risks to the country’s development posed by climate change, but the baseline is not zero and Bangladesh can build on the significant progress made to date in order to secure the future wellbeing of its people.
   Dr Thomas Tanner
   Climate Change Policy Advisor
   Department of Environment
   Poribesh Bhaban, Shere Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 

With reference to Commodore Alam’s recent writings on tourism, I would like to ask a very similar question which he raised on BPC chairman: how many cars are being used by the chief of naval staff? I think the number will be possibly three, logic being very simple: my brother being the assistant chief of air staff uses one fulltime car for his official duty, and a second one is always on standby for his wife. I suppose if the assistant chief has two, I am sure his chief will not have less then three; so what’s the fuss?
   When talking about tourism, we have no chance. The picture is very grim. The reality is that my friend, working as a teacher in a local international school, recently took a break along with his wife and two children in Kuala Lumpur. I told him that he could have spent a much lesser amount and have a good holiday in his own country. His reaction was a very fearful outburst: can you provide safety if I travel within Bangladesh? Is there any guarantee that those chandabaz will not take away my wife and daughter, or possibly grab my son for a handsome ransom?
   It may sound very frustrating, but in reality it is actually the truth. 
   Sheikh Monirul Islam Opee
   Kuala Lumpur

Yet another tragedy in river transport with so many loss of lives and the heart-breaking and gruesome coverage displaying so many bodies near Pagla.
   With the onset of the norwesters, this must once again shake the conscious people of this country. Is there no way we can put a stop to this recurring incident, which unfortunately has been a regular happening since the late 70’s without any apparent redress so far .
   Let the concerned bodies and those primarily responsible for operating the inland water transport glance through the casualty figures even for the period since the 50s. They would wonder as to the cause of the rapid rise of such casualties during the last 30 years in particular.
   Enough has been said and written on the subject by all our media. Condolences, official inquiries are in no way good for the dead and their loved ones left behind. It is time our authorities seek help of international organisations similar to the government seeking assistance of the FBI for the grenade attacks.
   Z Rahman
   Gulshan, Dhaka

Vladimir Putin’s face dropped considerably when Bush lectured him on democracy. Putin, a man known for being cool under pressure, appeared on the brink of loosing composure in the press conference with that democratic person from Washington.
   And all Bush said was, ‘I was able to share my concerns about Russia’s commitment in fulfilling these universal principles. I did so in a constructive and friendly way.’ See how politely he mentioned and then took further damage-control measures at the end by adding ‘I did so in a constructive and friendly way’. Imagine what would have happened if Bush fired his all favourite ‘must do’ and ‘all options open’ against Russia. Then again, Russia is not Iran or Syria and Bush wasn’t talking to Assad or Khatami. The name is Putin, Vladimir Putin; cool not a fool!
   Azad Miah
   Oldham, UK