Sanitation hoax !

The declaration was made by Jamaat lawmaker Abdul Khaleq hailing from the area. He was present as the chief guest at the function which was attended by Satkhira Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Elias and the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) Executive Engineer M A Hamid.

After the announcement, police was deployed and a fine of Tk 500 was introduced for defecation at public place. The UP leaders announced a reward of Tk 200 for detecting a wrongdoer.

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Following announcement of 'total sanitation', a group of journalists visited several villages in the union and conducted a survey on January 8. They found most of the ring slabs distributed among the people was piled up on the courtyards of their houses.

A few others placed the slabs latrines but did not erect fences around. Many people erected fence by coconut leaves, palm and banana leaves without making roof. Many others erected latrines but did not use those.

However, the visiting journalists saw a different scene at the house of poor Mohammad Ali at Chowdalipara village. His family members used the latrine made with ring slabs.

A team of the district administration led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC-General) Humayun Kabir visited different areas of the union on January 2. The team members expressed their dissatisfaction over slow progress of the programme.

Baikari UP Chairman Shahid Hasan admitted that all the villagers were not using hygienic latrines. He along with the Sub-inspector of police visited the area and threatened punishment for defecation at public places.

When contacted, Abdul Khaleq MP, told this correspondent that he did not make the declaration but offered prayer for successful implementation of the programme.