STAR DIARY

No more strangers

I always go for morning walks as a part of my exercise regime. Last week, after finishing my walk I met someone very interesting. As I was getting out of the park, I saw an old man sitting on a bench solving some word puzzles on a book. It seemed to me that he got stuck at one point and was talking to himself about the possibilities of his problem. I got closer to see what he was doing and as our eyes met, I smiled at him. He did not smile back, rather he called me closer and asked me to help him with the puzzle. He made it look like we knew each other for long. I happily joined him and helped him with a few word meanings. We solved them for half an hour and I promised him to do so the next day as well. For the past one week we are doing this little activity together and both of us are getting to learn many things from each other. Funny how the most random incidents can you bring you the fondest memories.

Riad Hasan

Uttara, Dhaka

Outrageous!

Why do some landlords discriminate against anyone involved in music, when it comes to renting out their houses? In Bangladesh, housing discrimination is nothing uncommon, it is rampant especially when it comes to renting out residences to bachelors. We were looking for a place for my musician friend and two of his roommates. My friend, who is currently a student, sings and plays guitar. He also gives guitar lessons and this is how he earns money. But whenever this came up in the conversation with every landlord we went to, my friend and his roommates were denied. Finally someone agreed, but said to my friend that they won't be allowed to practice at home. He did not have any other options, so he agreed to that. I don't know why people judge others based on their professions. 

Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury

Mirpur, Dhaka