Star Diary

Respect

There is no scarcity of people in our country who despite being fit and healthy don't want to work for a living and instead beg for alms. On the other hand, we often see and hear stories of people with physical disability or those inflicted with the pains of old age working hard to earn their own livelihood. A few days ago some of us met such a poor old woman who amazed us with her spirit and sense of dignity. The woman was probably in her seventies and upon further inquiry we learnt that she had two sons. But instead of depending on her sons, the woman earned her bread by running a small tea stall. When we discovered that her tea stall needed repair, we didn't want to miss out on the privilege of helping this woman who had so much courage and started work on improving her workplace to make things a bit easier for her. While painting the stall, we asked her why she worked so hard when she had two sons to look after her. Instead of answering us, she asked us why she would want her sons to earn money for her when she still had the ability to do so. This woman is an inspiration for us all.
AZM Nahid Hossen
Department of English
Rajshahi University

Misuse of a Historical Site

A few days ago, my cousins and I went on a trip to Meherpur to visit historic Mujibnagar. We were not even a mile from the main gate when we were stopped by a man asking for money. He said we would not be allowed an entry into the place without paying a “fee.” From his attire and looks, it was clear that the man was an alcoholic. When we asked for a receipt, the man brought out a bamboo stick, threatening to break our car if we didn't pay him the money. We gave him the amount he asked for and were free to go. When we reached the gate of the site, we narrated the incident to the police stationed there, and surprisingly, they were totally unaware of such things happening right under their nose. We were shocked by this indifference. The place is open to visitors to show their respect to our leaders and to inform future generations about what their ancestors did for their country. But it is misused by the people of our own country while the authorities concerned remain completely unaware of such activities.
Morshed Manic
Via Email