Letters to the Editor

Tobacco causes extensive harm
In his budget speech in parliament, finance minister AMA Muhith said, “It is evident that the tobacco or cigarette industry pays the least amount of taxes but this industry causes extensive harm to public health.” I fully endorse Mr. AMA Muhith's views. We would appreciate it if the government imposed high levy on tobacco production for the interest of public health.
Jamshaid Taher
Banani, Dhaka

Peace has become elusive in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on May 31, 2015 that there was no hesitation on Bangladesh's part to send its troops to conflict-ridden and dangerous regions of the world under the sponsorship of the United Nations Security Council Mandate.
We are very proud of our peacekeepers who are doing an excellent job worldwide and are being praised for it. But alas, we are not so lucky at home. In many instances we are deprived of their presence which could have made a difference, and the recently held mayoral election is one of them. Armed forces remained in the cantonment and the role of the police is unacceptable.
Is it not ironic that our troops are engaged in establishing peace in other countries while peace is elusive in our own country?
Nur Jahan , Chittagong

"Blame Islam and get rich" scheme?
Now we've got one more “Draw Muhammad” contest with another group of so called “free speech advocates.” The organiser of this event, Jon Ritzheimer, and his group were promoting “peace” with arms and intimidation outside of a mosque in Phoenix, Arizona during Friday prayers, all the while showcasing insulting drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. Ritzheimer claims, “We're not the one threatening anybody”. Apparently mustering an armed rally and terrorising innocent Muslims offering prayer is “non-threatening!”
    Was he really promoting peace or was he trying to make money from promoting “Islamophobia?” Clearly, he has learned from his guru, Pamela Geller who is promoting this “phobia” as a profitable business. He has definitely proven the aforementioned statement when he set up a “GoFundMe” page to earn 10 million dollars to “protect his family” and go into hiding.
Husna A. Mirza
Jamaica Hills
New York, USA