STAR DIARY

Photo: Prabir Das

Disillusion

This year, my beloved younger sister has obtained GPA-5.00 in her HSC exam. As this year the number of GPA-5.00 holders is not satisfactory, I felt very proud of her. But now, when I look at her eye, I feel bad. She has assumed that she will not be able to get a chance in Dhaka University for what she dreamt for a long time. Now-a-days, students are desperately hankering for question papers before the admission test, but she will not make herself one of them. Question papers will be available at 9.00 pm at the night before the admission test, half the amount of money according to the contract must be paid then, and the rest of the amount will have be paid after the exam! The guardians are spending five to ten lac takas for the 'deal'! I tell her, "Read attentively, you can get your seat by your outstanding performances, like the intermediate." But with a very disheartening voice, she replied, "80 percent marks was regarded as A+ before, but when a student get 100 MCQ the night before the admission test, how can I compete with him/her? Just think once". I had onthing to say her. This is just a disillusion for the helpless students. They are really helpless and there is no one to preserve their dream. We heard that the authorities are working on this issue, but what is the result? Everything is unchanged till now.

Mukhtar Ibn Rafique
Jatrabari, Dhaka

Buying gifts

Last week my son turned 3 year old and we arranged a small party for him. Everyone came with big flashy gifts and favourites from their own childhood. Only a few people presented him story books and colour pencils. While inviting I asked people not to bring any gifts, as it adds an extra pressure on the guests. On the other hand, we too are having hard time accommodating every piece of gift in our small house. I asked one of my colleagues regarding what could be done. She gave me an amazing idea. As an obsessive reader she always prefers giving books to kids. She believes it helps her to pick the gift quickly and at a reasonable price. Also after reading the books, the kids can always exchange them with their friends. We parents too love getting books as presents. I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I believe books are the best presents anyone could.

Sirajum Munira
Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka