Letters

Photo: www.westbengal;tourism.govt.in

Old Tales of New Market
I loved reading this beautifully written article.  I especially enjoyed reading about the love story of Shamsuddin Chowdhury who some 40 years ago found love at New Market. This tale about Chowdhury gives the feature a unique human face which many emerging supermarkets in Dhaka may or may not have. I know a lot of old timers who would go nowhere else but to New Market for their shopping. Particularly favourite to me are the book stores that have been in business for as far as I can remember.
Belal Hossain Rumi
Dhaka University, Dhaka
***
It is well balanced feature. When I got the Star magazine this morning and looked at the cover, I thought what a boring story this was going to be. But the writer proved me wrong by producing a fascinating story about this old market. I enjoyed reading about the 'freedom Fighters of New Market'. I salute ABM Shamsuddin and Golam Kabir for their contribution to the liberation war of 1971. People like them make New Market a place like no other.
Mahbubul Haque
Azimpur, Dhaka
***
I would like to thank the writer for her wonderful cover feature, “Old Tales of New Market” on 2 August, 2013. By reading this feature, I have come to know about many things that were unknown to me before. One of the examples is about Olympia Bakery. I have recently heard of Olympia Bakery but did not know that it has a branch in New Market. I have already made a plan about making a trip there only to taste the delicious cream roll.
It was also good to know about the unsung heroes, ABM Shamsuddin and Golam Kabir, who not only sheltered the freedom fighters, but also aided them by keeping their arms and ammunition in safe abode. Let us hope that we show respect to them by doing something good in return for the prosperity of our nation.
Nasih Ul Wadud Alam (Paolo)
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
***
In a Different World
I want to thank the writer for this eloquent and entertaining essay. It was interesting to read about the women of rural West Bengal enjoying freedom and confidence despite the poverty they live in. The concept of development is often not clear to the stakeholders in Bangladesh. We often think that development is all about raising the living standards of people and building roads and bridges. Although these are necessary, development also means promotion of attributes such as self-esteem, dignity and freedom to choose.
Konka Jalil
Gulshan-2, Dhaka

***

Ramadan in the 21st Century
I was glad to read about the writer's pleasant experience about observing the Holy Ramadan in the UK and Germany. This is an example of how western societies have assimilated influx of immigrants, many of whom are Muslims. I am a practicing Muslim from Pakistan. In the past 12 years I have lived in the US and UK. I have never faced any obstacle in practicing my religion in these countries. I find it a bit strange that we go to these countries and enjoy all the freedom and rights and back in our home countries we deny the basic rights to people of other religions and treat them as second class citizens.
Lalarukh Khan
Dubai, UAE
***
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
It is encouraging to see students of our engineering universities come up with innovative designs and models despite a serious lack of funding and access to modern laboratories. These brilliant students are the future of the country.  Universities should be a place where they can realise their potentials and engage in research and development activities. The private sector has a huge role to play in this matter. Companies must realise that helping these students is the best investment they will ever make. A lot of engineering graduates go to other countries to work. If conditions are created at home, a majority of them would like to stay and work for the development of our country.
Shadidul Islam
Sacramento, California

Eateries of Dacca
It is fascinating to learn that Dhaka has such a glorious history as long as food is concerned. It is often said that eat the street food and you will know a lot about a city. By that measure, there is no doubt Dhaka was a great city.
However I do not understand where things started to go wrong. Nowadays one cannot eat anything outside home without worrying about the formalin and many other toxic chemicals in food items. I hope restaurateurs will read this article and be encouraged to offer fresh food to their clients.
Munir Hossain
Lalbagh, Dhaka

***

Goose Bumps from Abroad
I was shocked to read about the hundreds of beggars from India, Pakistan and African countries travelling to the Gulf before Eid to take up begging. At the same time I could not help feeling a little proud of the fact that Bangladeshis do not engage in such shameful activities. I have travelled to many Arab countries in the past 15 years. I have seen Bangladeshis doing menial work as labourers, cleaners, drivers and guards. But I have never seen any Bangladeshi begging on the street abroad. We may be a poor nation but we have self-respect.
Mohammad Motiur Rahman
Mohammadpur, Dhaka
***
In the Name of fashion
I was utterly shocked to read this article. It seems that sickness in our society is mutating into a fatal contagion. What was the editor of the said fashion magazine trying to achieve by publishing this horrible issue? Was she trying to copy the satanic/cult haute couture that is gaining popularity in many western countries? Whatever it is she showed a serious lack of original ideas and disregard for our social values.
RH, Gulshan, Dhaka