Sharmean Jahan

Banker, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Writer and Photographer: Fabeha Monir

Development of Bangladesh over the last five years has been outstanding and revolutionary. Our road and highway development have secured our growth. Five to seven years ago, many localities of the mega-city, Dhaka, suffered from electricity shortages or load shedding for two or more hours. During those dark hours, the life of city people used to be miserable because of this.  But now we are getting available electricity supply. Our factories, foreign affairs, and economic exchange are going along without any difficulty.

As a banker, I can definitely say that availability of electric supply has quickened our economic growth and broadened our work capacity. Development that took place in the last five years, basically, is the contribution of our government and governmental authorities. Because of their initiative, we are heading towards a better future with such speed. Now children can study very well. Factories and commercial organizations are doing well in their respective sector. Now we have no way to waste working hours, aimlessly, due to electricity shortages or unavailability. With this, we now have better progress in all sectors.

I also feel that in our daily life, personal life changes have taken place dramatically. We are routinely using blenders, washing machines, and electric ovens to finish daily chores on time. And we are using air coolers during the summer and other seasons to get rid of the hot and humid atmosphere. Even the people in low ranks of society are benefitting from electricity. In every household in the slum, there is a television. By providing all these facilities, we can experience more change and growth in daily life.

Dhaka City has changed dramatically, which we cannot overlook. To protect ourselves from pollution, now we are planting trees on the rooftops of our buildings. We are regularly planting trees during rainy season. But still it is true that we have to take more measures to protect our environment from pollution. This is not only happening in our country. Every country of the world is facing environmental change and environmental degradation. So, climate change is not a local problem; it is a global phenomenon.

If there is a shortage of electric supply, our security will be in danger We will go behind other countries without these developments. That is why our government always supports electricity providing companies.

I do not know much about China. But we all know China is powerful, especially in Asia. China has a greater population, who are working, constantly, to change the world and change the economy. I have heard about coal-based power plants, but, despite this, I have no idea about the production. Bangladesh has reputable relations with China regarding business.

I also believe Bangladesh is not just developing city wise. Even in villages, Bangladesh is developing tremendously. Villagers are now enjoying the benefit of road and highway development, also, they are benefiting from greater technological support. They are also helping the economy. Now, factories and other businesses are taking place in villages too. In villages, people are getting facilities like well-established hospitals and factories. It is crucial to get uninterrupted electric supply in banks, hospitals, and factories.

As a nation, we proudly believe Bangladesh will move forward in prosperity. In addition, we want to contribute to our environment. We are standing, also, at the fore-front of climate change. That’s why we must contribute to save our environment with clarity and purpose.