Letters
Baul Sculptures
We are appalled at the decision of the authorities to take down the five baul sculptures. We know that Islam forbids the idol-worshipping but it is also a very tolerant religion, a religion that discourages inciting violence and hatred. It is quite obvious that those who have objected to the taking down of these sculptors have done so out of an ulterior motive to gain political gain using [read abusing] religion as a mere tool. These people instead of doing what Islam has asked us to do, that is, unite people and live peacefully with people of all faiths have only served to anger the secular-minded..
By quickly giving into the demand of these people, the government has shown where its sympathy lies. They are simply giving in to the demands of the religious bigots and destroying the name of secular Bangladesh. If the government wants to prove otherwise it has to resurrect the sculptures immediately.
Nadia Reedah
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Environmental Degradation
The world is getting warmer alarmingly fast due to the increase in carbon dioxide. Our air and water are getting polluted very badly because of human apathy. We really do not care about our environment. We smoke and emit black toxic fumes from our faulty vehicles. Not only that, we also dump waste materials from our industry into rivers and use hydraulic horns on the roads unnecessarily. We have become accustomed to hurling trash here and there and making our streets dirty.
With the increase in population more trees are being felled everyday and cultivable land is waning and scarcity of food has become an acute problem. It is not only the duty of the authorities but also the duty of every single citizen to show concern for out environment. Let us stop polluting our environment and keep our city clean.
Hasnat
AIUB, Banani, Dhaka
JU Students' Movement
I would like to stand beside Abu Kausar to salute the JU Student's Movement (letter published on 22 August 2008). He mentioned the lack of morality of the teachers as a social problem. It is rather a social illness to me. JU students are fighting for the treatment of this ailment, but they lack the 'antibiotic' -- the Code of Conduct. They are trying to treat it with traditional drugs which already have become resistant by repeated short-course of use. JU students have been involved with this movement for several years, the illness was cured symptomatically for the time being, and recurred in course of time in different forms -- by teachers, by student leaders (politically sheltered), or by students themselves. I think it is not the student but the government who has to come to the rescue. This code has to be effective to prevent, treat, and to root out this illness.
I would like to attend Piew's letter on the same issue. The difficulty she mentioned during her graduation is another common form of harassment for students.
Arif
Ex JU student
ICL is good for Cricket
All the cricket players don't have the chance to play in the national team. The national team players do not always remain in the national team. So they need something equivalent or a place where they can earn some extra money for their family so that they don't have to take up a second profession.
So we need more ICLs. Why is the ICC so late in making a decision which is better for cricket? Are they only thinking about the BCCI? They will soon also realise it. If the BCCI takes all the decisions then why do we need the ICC? BCCI still does not give us the opportunity to play in India after Bangladesh gained test status, so why is the Bangladesh Cricket Board supporting BCCI?
The BCCI should take a decision that really works for cricketers and as ICL is also in India, it will surely help India the most. Because we see after IPL, the Indian team also have lots of cricketers who are now renowned in the world.
Asif Rahman Saikat
Engineer, Dhaka
Poor Arrangement of BTV
BTV, the main source of entertainment for 150 million people of the country, has been struggling for quality since the time of its establishment. During the time of Eid-ul-fitr, people hope that BTV will telecast some good quality programmes in order to break its age-old tradition. But, in reality the situation remains unchanged. I think most of the viewers of BTV will agree at least in this point that neither its news nor its programmes are up to the mark. It should be noted here that the majority of the people who live in the countryside are unable to watch the satellite TV channels. So that they are deprived of good quality entertainment.
Moreover, the BTV authorities have shown much neglect towards the leading artistes, producers as well as directors. Instead of highlighting these artistes they give opportunities to some novices who can hardly make an impression on the viewers.
We hope that the BTV authorities as well as the ministry of information will take proper steps to inform and entertain people through national television.
Aiman Bin Shaofiqul Hamid (JASIM)
Dept. of English
International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC)
Sound Pollution
Sometimes I worry terribly about the level of sound pollution around us. Much has been said and thought about this before but it still requires a lot of concern from everyone. Our life on earth is becoming very mechanical by the day. Some people are still trying to make this place worth living in. Thinkers and environmentalists in Bangladesh are always trying to create that awareness amongst us and reminding us that it is our responsibility to keep our environment clean. The government took the initiative to clean and ensure the smooth flow of the Shyama Sundari canal in Rangpur and performed the task quite successfully. It was a vital necessity for the inhabitants of Rangpur town.
I would like to draw the attention of the present caretaker government and its concerned authorities to the above mentioned issue of sound pollution. We are tired of hearing the loud noise of the hydraulic horns from buses, trucks and the luxury night coaches. Even the horns of the taxi cabs and auto rickshaws are very harmful for children on the roads. The drivers of these vehicles are not at all careful about the school, college and hospital signs. Sometimes mikes and loud speakers are unnecessarily used. I would like to request the present caretaker government and its concerned authorities to refresh and implement laws and possible orders on sound pollution. We need a calm, quiet, and healthy environment to do our work productively and effectively.
Md. Hasan Iqbal (Milan)
Keranipara, Rangpur
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