Letters

The Different Streams of Education
In general, we think that schools, colleges and universities are the institutions where we can be educated. The first stream of education is informal education, the second stream is non-formal and the latest stream of education is formal education, which we get in many educational institutions. Informal education we get from the very beginning of our lives, from the family and environment in which we live. This education prepares a person for their future. Education which we get informally teaches us the culture, social norms and values and is the base of all education. Though no certificate is given for this education, it is the most important stream of our life. It is this learning that helps a person adjust with the new and unexpected circumstances and solve problems. If family members create a better environment, children are sure to be able to deal with any situation. They will be able to play important roles in our society. Therefore, informal education is very important and for that family plays a very important role for a child.
Monemoy
Dhaka University

National Risk of AIDS Epidemic
I admire the hard work of the writer, Naimul Haq, who collected all the information and wrote a feature titled "An Epidemic Waiting To Happen". The writer has reflected the existing trend of the disease in a clear and convincing way. Being a doctor and a socially conscious citizen, I read the entire feature with attention. To see pictures of very poor girls selling their bodies and addicts made me feel guilty! Anyone reading the article would admire the writer's hard work and his concern for the well being of our nation. I particularly appreciate the expressive photos, which is bound to stimulate the conscience of our policy makers! I hope our policy makers will take steps to minimise or prevent these issues.
Dr. Lailun Nahar
Dhaka

The Cable Curse
Satellite networks have given us a wide range of channels and choice of programmes. Most of these channels are under the control of different private companies and individuals, who, in turn, produce and broadcast many programmes that are sometimes inappropriate. In fact, the youth of today are concentrating more on, provocative and low grade programmes. They become detached from reality and are being deceived by the influence of the weird images and the colourful presentations of celluloid. They emulate the way of dressing and the overall attitude of the characters. Children spend hours watching TV and that affects their studies, sleep and outdoor activities. According to nerve specialists, the present generation of children suffer from various nervous disorders and the number is increasing further due to excessive TV watching and computer game playing. Programmes with high sexual content and violence lead the minds of our youth towards destructive tendencies. In many cases, our youngsters even involve themselves in acts of murder and rape, imbuing TV scenes. Is there anyone to take note of the cultural impact of the cable on our posterity?
Rubab Abdullah
Cantonment, Dhaka

New Reader
I am a new reader of SWM and for the last two months I have been reading it regularly. From the first issue I have read, I was pleased with the contents of the entire magazine. No doubt SWM is a good publication and is turning out to be the leading weekly in our country. All the columns and articles are of good quality and are really enjoyable to its readers. SWM makes me wait for every weekend, especially Dhaka Diary and Write to Mita. Sometimes when SWM drops the Mita column, I feel sad because I really enjoy reading it.
Ahmed Hasim
Mymensingh

Good Changes
I am a regular reader of SWM and I like all the articles in it. I am really impressed with the recent changes including the gift of added pages starting from the anniversary issue. I would like to offer a suggestion to SWM. Why not put in a column for short cut and logical mathematics in order to enhance the reader's intelligence.
MR Rocky
Mohadevpur

Good Cover
I read SWM, which deals with the important issues and problems that our younger generation face regularly. For example, the cover story in the July 23rd issue, "In a State of Denial," on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Bangladesh was extremely relevant. AIDS is a matter of concern in our country. It will reach unmanageable proportions unless our nation makes an effort to educate our illiterate people. This is no trifling matter and necessary steps should be taken to solve the problem. We do not want this epidemic to develop further.
MD Belal Hossain
Chittagong

Roles of Politicians during the Flood
Most of the country is under floodwater now and the suffering of the poor people is unimaginable. Still the political parties are blaming each other for the scarcity of aid. When the people are sinking in the floodwater, don't these politicians feel some sense of responsibility? Please open your eyes and see the sufferings of the flood hit people, the humanity within you will tell you about your responsibilities to them.
Nayeem Islam
Uttara, Dhaka

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