Letters
On “A Day in the Life of a Sex Worker”
Most sex workers are the victims of circumstances like Hasna, Sadia and Lela. This cruel reality has been aptly depicted in Sarah Mahmud's article “A day in the life of a sex worker” (August 18, 2006).
We never look for the reasons why the sex workers choose to be in such a profession, instead we just loathe them. The government is also not much concerned about them. These women are our mothers, sisters and daughters and we should give extra care for them from our family, society and government.
M Alauddin Ansary Zahurul Haque Hall, DU
A Tribute
Recently six members of the UN peace mission died in a tragic road accident. Another 12 were seriously injured. They had left the country for Ivory Coast on August 24th.
The contribution of the Bangladeshi peace makers in different UN missions is praiseworthy. The loss of lives is really heart rending. Those who left the country never thought of such a cruel end.
We want to show our heartiest gratitude to these heroes who breathed their last for the name and fame of our motherland. Hats off to these national heroes! Wherever their soul rests, may Allah give them peace for eternity.
Shirin Sharmin Bubly
Dept. of Civil Engineering BUET
On 'The Spirit of Resistance'
Nader Rahman's article 'The Spirit of Resistance' (August 25, 2006) was indeed a great read. Through the article I came to know about the worthy personalities Anika Rabbani and Zayed who felt for the suffering of the Lebanese people and tried to do something for a cause while most of us stay aloof.
At a time of universal anarchy and gross violation of human rights triggered by the US where Israel was a party in the destruction of the Lebanese, humanity bled, mourned and looked for a response from the rest of the world. Anika and Ziyad responded. The opening of the website that projects the suffering of the Lebanese is a unique endeavour that demands salutes from all of us --- hats off to them.
Rafiqul Islam Rime
Agrabad, Chittagong
Poets Are Immortal
A poet of subaltern ideology Shamsur Rahman has only succumbed to the corporeal death. He will be alive in the hearts of the millions through his work.
He made poetry a public discourse and a tool of protest against oppression and autocracy. The existentialism of Kierkegaard was very much evident in his poetry. He never capitulated to the intimidation of extremists rather retorted through his pen to demolish the castle of bigotry. He was born to be a poet and never retreated from the field of duties and responsibilities towards the exploited millions. He was the vanguard of the politics of people's rights and entitlement.
It is our failure that we could not recognise him during his lifetime. Though he did not partake in the liberation war with arms and ammunition in the battlefield, in my opinion he was one of the greatest freedom fighters who inspired everyone with his optimistic poetry. It is true that his presence will be sorely missed in our lives, but his poetry will guide us like a beacon when our sky is overcast with clouds of despair.
Mohammad Mahfuzul Islam
An anthropologist
***
I would like to pay my deep gratitude to SWM for expressing the reflective admiration to poet Shamsur Rahman on the cover story 'People's Poet' (August 25, 2006).
In addition to his understanding the realistic view of society, Shamsur Rahman had a vast knowledge of journalism, politics, literature, and also some practical experiences in country life. As he was a student of English literature, he was influenced by English literature to some extent and the fruits of this influence is 'Ekti Photograph' (a photograph), a splendid dramatic monologue.
In this poem the poet describes the wonderful memory of his young son to a guest. Though the style is dramatic, the expression is elegiac, which also arouses a deep lamentation in the minds of the readers by its rhetoric quality.
In it he also beautifully expresses that time brings changes to situation and people in the same way that we were forced to let go of our favourite poet.
S.M. Sanowar Hussan
Dept. of English,
M.C. University College, Sylhet
On 'A Plea for Survival'
I would like to thank Hana Shams Ahmed for her well-timed article "A Plea for Survival" (August 25, 2006) as well as Mahmud for his exhibition on the Mro's life. Although they focus on a particular community it is a similar picture for many tribal societies.
The government gets away every time by getting through their responsibility by an oral agreement and the powerful local people compel them to leave their land anyway. As a result, they are deprived from getting under the wing of the law. Since they are a part of our society and have played a great role in our economical as well as cultural enrichment the government must seriously look into their issues. Otherwise Bangladesh is surely going to lose another cultural asset that has become such a common norm.
Shawn
IUB
RMG Sector of Bangladesh
The RMG sector plays a pivotal role in the economy of Bangladesh. About 75% of the foreign currency earning is done through export of ready made garments. There are 2800 garment factories in the country employing 1.8 million workers in the sector.
But today this sector is being threatened by home politics. The garment workers often strike for their demands and close the factories. There is destruction of property by the striking workers. As a result our image will be damaged in the world market and our export earnings will decrease and eventually foreign buyers will stop showing interest in importing from our country. In this situation all the political parties should work together and try to solve the problem in this sector.
Faruk Miah
Dept.of Textile Engineering
City University
On 'Kids or Career'
Syeda Shamin Mortada's impressions on “Kids or Career” (August 25, 2006) surprised me as the thoughts she put forward, were more or less similar to mine.
This is not just a reciprocation of concerns but also an effort to make sure that those 'way outs' are not misinterpreted. We should not think that the alternative ideas presented are obstinate sulkiness of whimsical women. It's not just about helping to win their dreams. They are practical needs. The 'economic well being' of a country largely depends on how our home is maintained, how well our children are being nourished psychologically and physically. We can't develop the country if our educated women are lagging behind.
Sayeda Akther Dipty
M.S.S. Student
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