MAILBOX
Challenging the Stigma
Mizanur Rahman has indeed challenged our perception of disability. Reading the cover story, I am convinced that he really believes in what he is doing. People with disability deserve a second chance and Mizanur Rahman is giving them just that through his organisation—Physically-Challenged Development Foundation. We wish him more success.
Tania Sultana
Lalmatia, Dhaka
Saving the Cinematic Past
The cover story published on February 6 recapitulates the old glory of the Bangladeshi film industry. Bengali cinema has delivered several pioneer film makers, actors and producers producing many historical films such as Ora Egarojon by Khan Ataur Rahman, Jibon Thekey Neya by Chashi Nazrul Islam and many others. Films like these will inspire generations to come. We thank the Bangladesh Film Archive for saving so many rare films about our glorious past. We are hopeful that they will once again make films to attract the educated and sophisticated audience to the cinema halls. Talented film makers such as Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Nasshir Uddin Yushuf offer hope. In the recent years, they have made some brilliant films such as Television and Guerrilla which have earned international recognition and carried commercial success here at home.
Nipa Biswas
Department of Economics
Rajendra College, Faridpur
Forget the Scoop
The writer of this column seems to have a calm voice in the midst of a storm—a voice that offers a fresh perspective on issues that matter to all of us. In the past one month, this writer has written some of the best political analysis I have ever read about the current political unrest in our country. Every journalist should read the last paragraph of the article 'Forget the Scoop' to refresh their notion of what journalism is all about: Whether they are telling the story with words, letters or images, journalists must remember that before they bring that 'human angle' that will appeal to the audience, it is more important to be humane as individuals.
Mir Mohibur Rahman
Chittagong
Basic Etiquette
Whenever I am in a crowded place like the New Market or at a bus stop, I am bothered by people most of whom lack basic manners. They spit anywhere and everywhere, speak loudly and push others without ever offering an apology. This is no way to behave publicly. It reflects very poorly on us as a people. We must learn how to be respectful and polite to others.
Rahit
Department of English
Dhaka College
Is Bangladesh a Democratic Country?
Bangladesh is a democratic country only on paper. Democratic practices are not followed anywhere. Although people are the source of power, political parties don't understand the language of people. They always talk about people's welfare but their actions don't match their words. Is our country going to be a model of burning people instead of development? We want to live peacefully. We don't care about who comes to power and who does not.
Shafiqul Islam (Sujon)
Department of Economics
Anandamohan University College, Mymensingh
Stop It
The ongoing violence is getting worse every day. As if burning people wasn't bad enough, they are now setting schools and school buses on fire. Last week I read about some people burning a truck carrying text books. What do these people really want? How can they go to power by burning people and destroying schools? In a neighbouring country, extremists are frequently attacking schools and shooting at schoolchildren. The consequences are for everyone to see. Will we allow the forces of darkness take over our country? Will we not be united in fighting such evil forces and taking our beloved country forward?
Tania Rahman
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Our Inherited Culture- To Keep or Not To Keep?
Like the author of 'In search of Our Cultural Roots' [February 6, 2015], I often wonder about the unique habits of the 'Bangladeshis'. I hope there is a sequel to this article, focusing on how people's conduct varies from one district to another. I have trouble understanding why some people are standing idle on the roads with hands on their hips while others are hustling to complete a busy schedule. Climate, topography and availability of food are definitely responsible for this mind-set. Employment problems exist all over the world, but begging, rallying for political parties or selling things on the black market are not so rampant in any part of the world. Cultural identity of a nation is also a source of pride. We have inherited culture with its rewards and its punishments, it is up to us to choose which parts to change and which to maintain.
Aziza Choudhury
Uttara, Dhaka
Being Alone Together
The above mentioned article published on February 6, 2015 asked some hard questions. Technology has made our life easy. Internet has given us the opportunity to be connected 24/7. I text and email my friends all the time. But I don't know my neighbours who live in the same building. Instead of bringing us together, isn't technology moving us away from each other?
Md Sibgatullah
Sir AF Rahman Hall, University of Dhaka
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