Ominous Signs

Photo: rashed sumon

Last Friday's issue titled 'Ominous Signs' was really a very interesting read. The cover illustration itself was quite unique and eye-catching. But the stories inside left me feeling very ashamed and unsettled. Although we know about these terrible incidents we tend to forget them as something else replaces the horror. Unfortunately that is how we are. The story helped to remind us how many people of different faiths are living in constant insecurity. I feel we, the majority have let them down. The government has not given these communities adequate protection and reassurance that they will not be attacked again. As for the opposition parties especially the BNP, it is ridiculous that they should offer sympathy when they themselves have contributed to the mayhem by siding with the Jamaat-Shibir. More than anything what is ominous is the fact that the Muslim neighbours of the victims did not do anything to help these people, which is also quite telling. Both stories gave an honest picture of the real situation, one which we must address immediately.
Shegufta Sohan
Lalmatia

Strangers in a Strange Land
I want to thank the Star magazine for addressing such a critical issue in the cover story that our nation is now facing. The writer seems to have conducted a thorough, fact-based research about the problems of the minority groups. A lot has been said already about this but most fail to address the core problems underneath. Bangladesh is known to the outside world for its peace-loving people and religious harmony. People of this country want a pluralistic society where everyone will enjoy their basic rights as human beings. These were the principles on which the liberation war was fought. We believe that the good-hearted people of Bangladesh will win in the end and the elements that are responsible for this crisis will be defeated.
Ashok Nath
via email

A World in a Grain of Sand
Sreelata Menon's piece last Friday was a nice read. I particularly enjoyed reading about 'Dune Bashing' and how Dubai as a city had gone through a brilliant transformation in the last 40 years. The formation of the palm-tree-shaped artificial archipelagos is really amazing considering the brilliant engineering effort and masterminding it required. Regarding the shopping mall, sky-scrappers and the shopping trend in the city, it seems the people in Dubai have learnt the modern trend of consumerism or at least are catering the trend for the tourists. No wonder why the world is queuing to have a share of the fascinating life in Dubai.
Neelofar Shabnam
Gulshan

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