Open pit coal mining is opposed by environmentalists on the ground that it will displace many people from their land and cause environmental problems. I believe such points may ultimately become untenable. The expansion of garments industry around Dhaka and other places has evicted many people from their land and they have gone to other places selling their land to the industrialists. The industry has caused serious environmental problem, but few are clamouring to close down these industries on environmental grounds. This problem is widespread and stretches miles after miles around Dhaka.
   On the other hand, the coal mining will be limited to a few squire miles of land in the non-urban areas of the northern areas of Bangladesh. The displaced people will get high prices for their land if the government intervenes. The number of people displaced will be much less compared to what happens when a hydroelectric plant is built on a river. I believe the displaced people can be engaged with the patronage of concerned authorities with trades related to coal and the stones and rocks dug out from the deep. Such trade will be a very big source of income for the people living in the area. The mining industry may become a boon for the monga-affected area of the northern districts.
   Another point is that the temporary inconvenience to the local people cannot be a point when the whole country faces the looming energy crisis in the future. All the alternative energy sources will not be comparable to energy that is obtainable from the coal now in the underground. If Bangladesh has to survive there is no alternative to an efficient mining process of coal. I believe there is no alternative to the open pit mining now under consideration of the government.
   The shaft-type mining should not be considered on the single ground that it is dangerous to operate as shown by the recent happenings in this country and in China as lives of people are at stake. Moreover, what will happen when an earthquake hits the area? All will be buried alive.
   The holes created by open pit mining can be partially filled again as reservoirs of water for irrigation and fishing, etc. for the people in the area. Instead of environmental problem it will become a big boon for the dry hinterland.
   The environmental problem in the area will not be as acute as in the areas under the garments industry. In the garments area, the problem is created by dissolved chemicals in water, whereas in the coal mining area it is mainly the problem of coal dust. It is very difficult to purify water, but dust settles quite easily.
   Lastly, is it reasonable to think about the inconveniences of a few hundred thousand people when the interest of the millions of countrymen is involved?
   F Islam
   Rajshahi

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our life. I have to admit that it has made our life a lot easier. However, what has become another integral part of our life is ‘missed calls’. A good number of subscribers pass their leisure period giving missed calls not only to their near and dear ones but to strangers as well. Many of them might not treat this as a malpractice which hinders smooth network functioning.
   Will someone please do something about this menace?
   Md Nazrul Islam Sumon
   Department of English, DU

I propose to observe the birthday of an elderly person who is respected worldwide as ‘universal day of happiness’. This will motivate the young generation to live in harmony with all in the ‘global village’. The Elders council ––www.theelders.org –– led by Desmond Tutu may take the lead in this respect. I suggest July 18, the birthday Nelson Mandela, be selected as the ‘universal day of happiness’.
   Muhammad Mizanur Rahaman
   On e-mail