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     Volume 5 Issue 113 | September 22, 2006 |


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Letters

On 'Chasing Death'
I really appreciate SWM's effort to address the problem of drugs in our society (September 8, 2006). This problem has worsened mainly because of the social situation of our country. Many young people take drugs to escape from their frustration caused by unemployment, poverty and discrimination and to overcome boredom.
Most of the rehabs owned by the government are in bad condition and have seldom cured any addict. As most of the drug users are from low income families they can't afford the private rehab centres or go abroad for treatment.
In the light of the above condition, we should not only emphasise the harmfulness of drugs but also the problem of lack of proper rehab centres.
Syed Muntasir Ridwan
BBA student, NSU

On "Tale of a Parting..."
The article "Tale of a parting..." (September 15, 2006) by Shahnoor Wahid was not only humorous, but provided interesting reading. The writer very cleverly wove his thoughts into a web to lure us into thinking that the object of his 25-year-long friendship and attachment was a beautiful woman, and it is only in the second-last line that we find out it is actually his Volkswagen car! We hope Mr. Wahid will come out with more of such amusing articles in the future.
Md. Ghulam Murtaza
Dhaka

If I were a Millionaire
There is a saying "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." I am no exception in the case. I wish I were a millionaire by winning a lottery.
And if I were so, I would definitely be interested in taking up politics as a career and buy any of the major party's nomination for at least being an MP. I would bring and use criminals, hooligans and opportunities on one platform to persuade the common people to vote for me. As the greed for money and political supremacy were embedded in my mind if I won a position as a politician for myself, I would serve personal interests I would enhance my standard of living, travelling to foreign countries, taking costly medical treatments and launching private T.V channels to sing my praisese, and of course, I wouldn't forget bank accounts in a foreign country, if the country is Switzerland then all the better. Besides, if I were charge-sheeted for any criminal offence I would bribe myself out of it overnight. During my tenure of 5 years I would not mind allowing hoarding and smuggling of goods through the borders. I would also love to set up all kinds of businesses globally. Unfortunately, if my party lost the election, I would spend money for murders, destruction of public property and spoil the country's reputation.
If I were a millionaire I would fulfil these dreams as a politician. Would my dream ever come true?
Rubab Abdullah
Dhaka Cantonment

navHats off to Navratilova!
Martina Navratilova, the living legend of tennis has once again at the age of fifty plus struck the media and thus the attention of the sports lovers by winning the mixed doubles of the US Open 2006 recently.
Martina rocked the court in her hey days winning record grand slams and the indomitable love for the game has brought her, much to the delight of her fans, to the tennis court!
Hats off to this phenomenal maestro magician of tennis!
Rafiqul Islam Rime
Agrabad, Chittagong

Flowers and Shaw
I enjoyed the articles in your weekly by Mr. M.A. Jalil and an article on George Bernard Shaw. There are, however, a few mistakes that need to be pointed out. The particular flower in Jalil's piece is spelt 'Dahlia' in English. Also, in the article on Shaw there is a reference to the film 'My Fair Lady' where it is said that Rex Harrison plays Dr. Doolittle. Actually Harrison played the role of Professor Henry Higgins. Doolittle was Eliza's Cockney father.
Dr. Razia Khan
Gulshan

On "Charity Ball for Survivors"
The special feature "A charity ball for survivors" (September 8, 2006) by Louise Russell was really touching.
Acid attack is the most vicious form of violence. It is really alarming that in 2005, Bangladesh was the country with the highest incidence of acid violence in the world. Most of the attacks were prompted by marital problems, dowry disputes or a refusal of marriage or love. The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) is trying to support the victims with medical, social and legal rehabilitation. I was really moved to read that the survivors are trying to overcome the situation. Their beauty shines through their immense courage and daily struggle.
I want to congratulate Dolly, Ayesha and their fellow mates for their persistent effort. We are very grateful to ASF for this great humanitarian act. Thanks to the writer as well as the SWM for this excellent contribution.
Shirin Sharmin Bubly
Dept. of Civil Engineering BUET

Cricket Captaincy
Recently we came to know that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declared Shahriar Nafis, a young energetic talent, as a vice captain of the national team. If Habibul fails to regain his fitness before the ICC championship, he will have to carry the flag.
But is he the right one to do the job? Shahriar Nafis with a career of six test and twenty-five one-day matches is junior to others playing in the team. It may create resentment among the others and captaincy is a position which requires experience and motivating power. A player remains under pressure to score and adding extra anxiety may interrupt his turbulent scoring power, which is the first expectation from a player like Shahriar. Rajin Saleh is an example of such an unwise decision.
I am not a back streamer of new leadership but when you have options like Mohammad Rafiq and Khaled Masud, why are we gambling with a young talent? The authorities should take a more cautious look at this matter.
Shakawat Hossain
Accounting Department
Govt. City College, Chittagong

Looking for Better Days
We certainly feel proud of the just passed HSC students. They are our future and will contribute in the progress of our country from their respective positions by becoming teachers, doctors, engineers, business professionals etc. But have we created proper platforms for them to make those substantial contributions? Do we know how many of them will ultimately succeed?
We see inconsistency and unrest in political and socio-economic conditions, educational institutes, and business organisations everywhere. I think we, the common people can do very little to change the view of the policy makers. The media, especially the newspapers is playing an imperative role.
We fervently request both the major political parties to think from a common point of view so that we can make our country strong and economically robust. Please let these young talents be optimistic about their future. If you work in their favour they can make this a healthy nation once again.
K. A. M. Mahbub
Mechanical Engineer

Correction
In last week's issue a technical glitch caused a part of the News notes section to be printed upside down. The error is sincerely regretted.


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