The irreversible loss
On August 13, 2011 we lost Tareq Masud and Mishuk Munier, two great talents of our country along with three other persons. I can't imagine that the maker of Antorjatra, Matir Moyna and many other good films had to embrace such a tragic death. After Mirsarai tragedy this is the most shocking one. Actually, the word security is not in the dictionary of our country. Here the drivers control our lifespan. We just cannot deny this reality. The Dhaka-Aricha highway has now become a deathtrap. We, the helpless commuters, know this but cannot do anything against it.
The greatest mystery is that I am still alive! In fact, I want to live a few more days and do something for the people of my country. And so, it is my request to every citizen of my country to raise their voice against road accident. Those untrained drivers and also those people who provide fake licenses are our enemy and the “silent killers” of this nation. How long would we remain silent and helpless observers?
I am numb from this news, as is the rest of the nation. They were not assassinated by extremists, nor did they pass away in natural way - they were killed in a ROAD ACCIDENT. Many people blame the government, I do not. I blame the entire nation. It was our nation's failure to protect the maestros, Mishuk Munier and Tareque Masud. I am humbled that I had a chance to see them in action, and regret not making the most of it. Many did not have that chance, and many do not even know about them - that in itself is a terrible loss for Bangladesh.
A road accident would have been avoidable had the government issued strict laws against the root causes.
It was our nation's failure, and it still is. I hear a few voices that rose on the issue, and see a few articles not different from mine - but not enough. It is far from enough. So I humbly request those with voices to raise them, if not for these men, for the loved ones millions are losing everyday in Bangladesh. Road safety is not a light issue, you cannot simply forget about it. You too can lose someone - and will have no one to blame but yourself for not standing up.
Amiya Atahar, On e-mail
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