STAR DIARY

Hood over my Head?

Yesterday while coming back home from my college, I pulled down the rickshaw hood over my head. The weather was really nice. I wanted to enjoy the wind and my ride. Suddenly I heard a guy screaming from another rickshaw that why a girl should never travel on the roads with the rickshaw hoods down. I was so mad at them, but could not say anything. Every time when I go out my parents would inevitably tell me to pull up the hood and hide myself from the rest of the world. I don't get it. If my brother can enjoy his rickshaw rides with the hoods down, why cant I? The ability to gape and gawk at a woman shamelessly is something most Bangladeshi men have mastered and it transcends all socio economic groups and ages. Be it a posh restaurant, a busy road, inside your car or a crowded bus – there is no escaping the roving eye! 

Sanjana Tabassum

Mohakhali, Dhaka

Not Guilty

While chatting with my some of my classmates the other day, one of them asked me if I needed a "short suggestion" on my subjects for my final exams. It took me a while to understand what she really meant. "Short suggestion" actually translates to "question paper". She was waiting for my response, as I could see that she wanted to understand whether I was honest and diligent about my education or was ready to take the dishonest way. But I still considered her question. I remembered the long nights that I would spend studying for exams, and realised that all my hard work would go in vain if I were to accept this offer. More importantly, I would never be able to look at myself in the mirror, remaining disappointed with myself throughout my life. Why suffer in the long run for the sake of a few minutes of fake pleasure of getting good grades in my exams? I said no to her offer confidently and therefore, was found not guilty of being a lazy cheater.

Shamima Tasnim

Kakrail, Dhaka