MAILBOX

Beyond Fish and Rice
It was a delight to read this week's cover story. We Bangladeshis do have some quirks and oddities that make us the people we are. That does not mean that we are bad people. Like every community in the world, we do have our share of positives and negatives. The story is a humorous take on our distinctive national psyche that make Bangladeshis stand out.
Mina De
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Songs of Freedom
The songs of freedom are not merely words and tunes; they gave a nation the strength to fight against every kind of atrocity. These songs are important parts of our culture. I was very happy to learn more about the creator of these songs, the talented lyricist  - Govinda Halder. Thanks to the Star (Songs of Freedom, published on December 19), we learnt about his contribution to our freedom movement and about his current whereabouts. We should always remember these talents because they truly deserve it.
Qazi Nafis Zami
Chittagong
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Govinda Halder is the writer of revolutionary songs such as Mora Ekti Phul ke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori, Purbo Digonte Shurjo Utheche and Ek Shagor Rokter Binimoye. The songs inspired freedom fighters during the war of 1971 and motivated the youth of East Pakistan to raise their voices against the Pakistani occupation army. Govinda Halder and his songs will live in the memory of Bangladeshi people for years to come. The gifted lyricist is now unwell and not doing well financially. The government should help him and give him the respect that he deserves.
Md Nazmul Islam
HSC student, Jalshuka Habibur Rahman College,
Dhunat,Bogra

Second Life: A Miracle of Advanced Medical Science
Last week's special feature Second Life: A Miracle of advanced Medical Science really warmed my heart and also gave me new hope. Thanks to the Star for publishing such a heart-rendering feature. I also pray for Shahana's long life. I don't have words to express my respect for Dr Shakir Hussain because not only is he a good doctor but also a great human being. This is a trait that we don't regularly get to see in the doctors of our country. I can't really blame the doctor as our education system is backdated. Moreover, some medical students are also involved in politics, suspending their classes and instigating their classmates to join political movements. How can we expect such people to be humane doctors? Our government should take initiatives to update the course curriculum, upgrade the hospital's lab facilities and ensure a politics free environment to create doctors like Dr Shakir Hussain.   
Md Solaiman
Head of Department of Textile Engineering
World University of Bangladesh

What's the Hurry?
I really like the article with the above mentioned titled published on December 12 in the Star. There has been an alarming rise in road accidents, especially highway accidents, in Bangladesh over the past few years. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the economic cost of road accidents in developing countries is 2 to 3 percent of its GDP. According to a study conducted by the BUET, road accidents claim on average 12,000 lives annually and lead to about 35,000 injuries. But these statistics, numerically shocking as they may be, fail to reflect the social tragedy related to each life lost to road accidents. We are shocked, angry and many amongst us lead protests on the streets demanding immediate action to bring justice for those killed and to ensure road safety. But that is it; we forget everything after a few days. We lost many lives due to these accidents. When will we realise that nothing is worth more than a life?
Naznin Sultana Niti
Dhaka University

Oil Spill Disaster in the Sundarbans
Recently an oil tanker sank in the River Shella, risking the biodiversity of the Sundarbans. Different species of animals, fishes, birds and several trees have died because of this man made disaster. It is clearly mentioned in the government's environment policy that oil carryings ships are not allowed to run on the rivers surrounding the Sundarbans. However, the authorities concerned seem to turn a blind eye to this. They, therefore, are responsible for the oil spill that has threatened the wildlife our mangrove forest.
Aysa Alam Pinky
Via Email