Letters
An Ardent Folklorist
The last line of the feature moves me so much so that I remember my own childhood. I wanted to become a farmer who works in his land and eats under the shade of a tree, sings folk songs and treats the plants with love and care. I am still a farmer at heart though I live in the city. We respect men like Shamsuzzaman Khan who has taken our land beyond our borders.
Anonymous
Retired Civil Servant
Gulshan-2, Dhaka
****
The study of folklore is crucial for a country. It is vital for Bangladesh because our identity is rooted in folklife and folklore. I am proud to learn that the folklore of Bangladesh is now well known to the world, thanks to the tireless effort of Shamsuzzaman Khan. One can only hope that people will take more interest in knowing about our cultural heritage and rediscover the beauty of this land. The Star magazine has done a great job by publishing a story on this great soul who has dedicated his entire life in the study of folklore and earned international recognition. Shamsuzzaman Khan has brought honour to the country.
Mohibur Rahman
Azimpur, Dhaka
The power of Invisibility
Those who appear to be invisible are an integral part of the visible. The society we live in defines the way we view things. It is our culture that has to be transformed through education, practice and enforcement of regulations so that we change our attitude towards those who go unnoticed, unrewarded and under represented.
Mossharraf Bhuyan
Chittagong
Photo: Prabir Das
For the Love of Music
Both the cover story and the story on the French Lebanese musician Abaji were inspiring. I was fortunate enough to get a taste of Abaji's music, when he performed at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka this month. He played a variety of musical instruments and turned every single noise in the room into music. I would not be surprised if he were the Pied Piper of Hamelin in his last birth.
Sonia Ali
Gulshan, Dhaka
Surviving Managers
A sales representative, an administration clerk, and the manager of a company are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I'll give each of you one wish.” “Me first! Me first!” says the clerk, “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She's gone. “Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He's gone. “OK, you're up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Shafiqul Alam
Baridhara, Dhaka
Truthspeak
The people have spoken. The vast majority of the people want a non-partisan government to hold the next parliamentary election. The government must respect the people's will and act accordingly. However, it is unfortunate that successive governments in Bangladesh have failed to take steps to strengthen the election commission. If the election commission was independent enough to function outside the influence of those in power, there would not be any need for a caretaker government. In most countries, the election commission is the body that oversees the implementation of election procedures. That our election commission is not considered capable of holding a free election is a sign of weakness of our democracy.
Sumit Roy
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Mugging on The Rise
It is frightening to learn about the new methods being used by criminals to mug people. Dhaka is becoming increasingly unliveable every day. The police cannot or will not solve the problem of rising crime in this city. I suggest that local volunteers come forward to ensure safety of innocent citizens. Neighbourhood watch teams may also be formed in this context. It is our city. Let us do what we can to make it a place where people do not have to worry about getting robbed every time they set their foot outside their home.
Shaheen Dewan
Adabor, Dhaka
The Beauty of Gluttony
Food is not only about filling our stomach. Food is associated with family, culture, history, friendship and love. This well written essay reminds me of a book written by bestselling author and Chef Anthony Bourdain.
In Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain sarcastically writes, “Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once... Vegetarians are the enemy of everything good and decent in the human spirit, an affront to all I stand for, the pure enjoyment of food... Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”
Nilanjana Chowdhury
Banani, Dhaka