MAILBOX

Alarming rise of the ultra-wealthy

Influential people are becoming ultra-wealthy overnight leading to an extreme margin of wealth distribution between the existing rich and the ultra-poor in our society. Recently, our country ranked top in a list outlining the rise of the ultra-wealthy. As a middle-income country, where a great number of people still live below the poverty line, this report most obviously indicates the extent of economic inequality that prevails in our country. This inequality in wealth distribution wasn't created all of a sudden. Over the last few years, experts, economists, and researchers, have showed that gross corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation of public funds have contributed to this.

It is true that economic inequality is a global problem, and Bangladesh is not immune. Our government needs to find a solution. They must identify the many vulnerable groups within our society and adopt some specific policies that will adequately address inequality and create conditions for inclusive development.

Abul Khaer

Govt. Saadat University College, Tangail

Drawbacks of freelancing in Bangladesh

Freelancing has become quite popular and Bangladesh has potential in the sector. Anyone can join, either in a full-time or part-time capacity, considering their experience and know-how. Sites such as Freelancer, Upwork, and Guru are a good source of work you need to have an international credit card or an account on PayPal or Payoneer for invoice receipts and payments.

Most local credit card companies of our country are not internationally recognised. As a result, Bangladeshi freelancers have no access to PayPal and Payoneer. For this reason alone, many promising freelancers can't register for any freelancing jobsin a competitive marketplace. Secondly, freelancers must have good verbal and written communication skills in English to join in the freelancing market. Some young graduates have a good academic background but don't have strong English skills. As a result, they can't compete globally let alone with those from neighbouring India and Sri Lanka. Last, high speed internet is vital for those undertaking freelancing jobs but that is not available in all parts of Bangladesh.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Lalmohan, Bhola

The Unfinished Memoir

"The Unfinished Memoir", by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is about a patriotic politician who sacrificed his life and endured hardships for the betterment of his country. To me, it's not only a memoir, it's a bible for politicians who want to serve their country. It also helped me learn about Partition, communal violence, and mostly about the contributions of our great leaders Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq, and many others who have worked for the welfare of our people. The book is an insight into the real politics practiced in the subcontinent. Despite having different political views, I would advise anyone politically conscious to read the book once. The book can show you how to compromise with others despite having the support of the majority. It shows you how to proceed in realising a vision. Bangabandhu is no more but he is still alive through his writing and his work.

Md. Azam Khan

Laxmipur