The appalling tragedy in Pakistan

People are caught between the dead and the living, whether to look for the dead or tend to the living and the injured is the prime concern now. Several millions still continue to live in the open braving bitter cold and rains. With three weeks to go before snowing, time is running out to reach out to them.

The inaccessibility to the affected areas has made some experts view the tragedy as worse -- in a sense -- than the dreaded Tsunami that lashed out at six countries in three continents. We feel that the response of the international community to the quake aftermath could and should have been better than has been the case so far. In regard to the Tsunami situation, the media played a huge role in drawing the world attention to the tragic consequences of the catastrophe. Resultantly, the world community came in a very big way to assist the victims, and while the funds garnered reached a double-digit mark, much of this is yet to be spent.

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Yes, in Pakistan, the work being carried out by the international NGO community and the UN Agencies deserves mention. We feel that the international media and the world community could do much more to help Pakistan out of the tragedy.

Bangladesh being a disaster-prone country is able to amply empathise with the tragedy in Pakistan. The concern for the quake victims resonates with us naturally. Our government has already despatched some relief materials, but perhaps we should seriously consider giving yet more to the victims. Specifically, Bangladesh government should think of sending emergency medical kits. Alongside, a team of personnel from the NGO community could be sent to Pakistan to provide assistance on the ground. Let's stand by the victims in their hour of the greatest need.