MAILBOX
We demand DUCSU elections immediately
Dhaka University in its golden era of students' organised movement contributed to upholding the democratic values and rights of citizens whenever peace was endangered and democracy threatened throughout the history of Bangladesh. Unfortunately, things are now different and a culture of conformity with the ruling party has gained prominence in the absence of DUCSU elections.
DUCSU, which is now almost totally closed, has played a pioneering role in creating new generation leadership and organising unflinching protests against oppressive regimes in the past. An inactive DUSCU has led to a leadership vacuum which is so far reaching that students, denied of constructive student politics, are indulging in party politics and acting as musclemen to protect the power of their respective party.
For the last 27 years, the voice of 38,000 students has been denied in the 105-member Senate of Dhaka University as there is no student representation. On July 29, 2017, when some student organisations of the university carried out a non-violent protest arguing against a senate meeting being held without student representatives and registered graduates, they were assaulted by their teachers on Senate building premises.
We condemn to the strongest possible terms the reprehensible physical attacks against the students by their own teachers in the country's most prominent academic institution. We, the students of Dhaka University, demand that university authorities hold DUCSU elections immediately to uphold democratic values for the greater sake of the country as part of the efforts for the Dhaka University Order, 1973.
Md. Khalid Hasan
Institute of Education & Research
University of Dhaka
Panamagate brings down PM Nawaz Sharif
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over charges of corruption and undeclared assets which came to light with the Panama Papers leaks bringing his historic third term in power to an abrupt end and briefly pushing the nuclear-armed nation into political turmoil. This is a grand victory for a nation who is still toiling hard to fight for justice and order. Every section of people applauded this rare decision of the top court. The Panama Papers were an international affair that also toppled Iceland's prime minister from office, not just the Pakistan PM. We hope that Panamagate will unmask some sections of our own politicians and citizens who have amassed huge wealth illegally.
Nuzhat Rifa Ehsan
Baridhara, Dhaka
Peoples' master plan for a livable future
Most of the developed and developing countries have shifted to renewable energy sources because of various benefits. Three quarters of the world's energy comes from non-renewable sources and the rest from renewable sources. The present use of the world's oil reserves will be exhausted within the next hundred years. For example, annually we receive a lot of rain and this year much more so yet we cannot utilise the water for irrigation during our dry season due to no proper rainwater harvesting scheme.
Bangladesh has huge potential though. So far we have progressed, such as the wide use of photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells and biogas in different parts of Bangladesh. But to persuade people to increase their consumption, we have to educate our country's people about finite energy sources. Also, in developed countries the state subsidises the price of components for renewable energy materials so that people are more encouraged to adopt these alternative technologies. If the same kind of awareness is spread properly amongst our people and with help from the state we can set up a greener Bangladesh in the near future.
Rafid Alam
Mohammadpur, Dhaka
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