The New Nation - Internet Edition

Annual reception at the House of Lords London, one of the most prestigious alumni events in the Reading University calendar will be held on Friday 7th November, 2008.This special event is open to all UK and international alumni and is kindly hosted by the Chancellor Emeritus Lord Carrington. To be held in the spectacular location of the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace overlooking the Thames, alumni and other guests will get the opportunity to take a guided tour of the House of Lords. In brief, this will be a great reunion of the Reading graduates.

Professor M Zahidul Haque

Overseas Secretary (Hon), Bangladesh,

The Reading University,

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,

Dhaka.

Given the crowded conditions of Dhaka's roads, when total trip time is considered, motorized transport has little advantage in speed over non-motorized. In addition, unlike motorized vehicles, when rickshaws are caught in traffic jams they emit no air pollution, waste no fuel, and make no noise.

According to UN-ESCAP, 70% of trips in Dhaka are under 2 kilometers long. For such trips, walking, cycling, and rickshaws are very appropriate, as they waste no fuel, create no air or noise pollution, and take very little time. It is a waste to use a car for such a short distance, and the waiting time for buses makes the trip potentially take far longer than it would by rickshaw or other means.

The best transport for women, children and the elderly is rickshaws. When rickshaws are banned, it is these groups who suffer the most. In addition, many poor people derive their employment from pedaling rickshaws. This benefits not only the pullers, but their families. One survey shows that 5 million people throughout the country are dependent on rickshaw pullers for their livelihood.

Rahidul Samanna Roky

Dhaka University.