MAILBOX

Photo Courtesy: Mir Shamsul Alam

Between Politics, Cinema and Art
Alamgir Kabir was a one of the pioneers in the Bangladeshi alternative cinema movement. Along with a group of young people, he initiated the film society movement in the early 1980s. He   was considered a mentor because of his novel and refreshing perspective of cinema.  He also authored several books on films and edited several cine-magazines. The Star has done a great job by paying tribute to one of the most brilliant minds in cinema in the history of our country.
Aniruddha Raihan
Bailey Road, Dhaka

An Islamic Legacy of Harmony
I am sure there are many more saints like Maulana Md  Azizur Rahman Nesarabadi in remote corners of Bangladesh. I would request the Star to assign Andrew Eagle to cover more stories about these. I believe it will go a long way to raising consciousness among the readers about the importance of religious harmony.
Nilmoni Samadder
Taltola, Dhaka

The Origins of Communalism
The recent attacks on the minority communities in Jessore and some other districts made me wonder about the reasons behind such hatred toward a particular community. My heart-felt thanks to the Star for the interview of professor Salimullah Khan and shedding light on the roots of commun-alism.
Nahida Farhana
Teacher
London-Bridge International School, Dhaka
***
I was extremely disappointed to read this interview of a self-declared expert on everything ranging from economics to religion. In exploring the “origins of communalism”, Salimullah Khan himself smacks of communalism. To blame Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi for communalism in this part of the world is naïve.  It is also an attempt to divert our attention from the real causes of communalism. It seems that Khan should engage in the 'Psychoanalysis' of his own mind before he can 'psychoanalyse' complex socio-economic issues. Also, the writer of this interview seems clueless about how to write an interview. It reads like a word-to-word translation of what professor Khan might have said. I am not a reporter but I know that the best way to write an interview is to give an excerpt of what the person has said. A progressive magazine like Star would do well to not use Salimullah Khan as an expert in future articles.
Habibur Rahman Khan
Baridhara, Dhaka

Fun School
Shikkha Desher Jonno is a great initiative toward popularising science education at school level in Bangladesh. There is no alternative to developing a scientific and rational attitude toward life. I hope the brave students of BUET, medical colleges and Dhaka University will get cooperation from the government to take their initiative one step further and reach a wider audience.
Farzana Sarmin
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Arrogance Personified
Like many concerned citizens of the country, I was shocked to see the front page photo (TDS 28 Jan 2014) of Social Welfare Minister smoking in public at a function at a school. He should resign or be sacked for setting such a bad example.
Sikander Ahmed
Dhaka

Courage, Thy Name is Women
The long struggle of Champa Chakma, Farzana Akhter, Joya Shikdar and Farjahan Rahman against a male-dominated society and their success will inspire many women to continue their fight to live life with dignity and freedom. This story (published on January 24, 2013) proves that if you have determination and courage, you will win in the end.
Sumon Ahmed
Department of English,
Rajshahi University

A Realisation
Re “The Last Rites” [January 31]:
The article reminds us that life is temporary and extends beyond this earth. We must always remember that and lead our life accordingly.
Aminul Islam
Azimpur, Dhaka
 

Jhalakathi, the salt producer
At a time when trade is down due to political violence it was nice to read an article (published on January 24, 2013) about the thriving salt industry in Jhalokati. It is a well researched and well written feature.
Shamima Tasnim
Via Email

On Cricket
The recent attempt by the so called 'Big Three'' to commercialise cricket to the fullest extent has frustrated millions of cricket fans across the world. The conspiracy by Australia, India and England is nothing but an effort to tarnish the image of the 'gentleman's game'. The 'Big Three' must respect the will of the people and stop such activities.
Shahadat Hussein
Department of English
University of Dhaka
***
Since being acknowledged as a test playing nation Bangladesh Cricket team has played 81 test matches:  they won only 4 matches, made draw in 10 matches & lost in 67 matches. We rank last in test ranking. This statistics isn't satisfactory for any cricket lover. While we condemn the attempt by 'Big Three': India, England and Australia to set new rules for test cricket, the performance of our cricket team needs improvement.
M A Akad Masud
University of Chittagong

Industrial Gas Connection
In the last couple of years many entrepreneurs  have set up pricey new projects  with the high interest  bank loans  but have not been able to start operation  due to lack of  industrial gas connection. They are in a big financial mess and this is bad for the economy. The government must look into the matter and act immediately.  
Md. Zillur Rahaman
IBBL, Sadarghat Branch, Dhaka

Who is Mita?

Since the very beginning of this magazine's publication one of the most popular of columns has been Dear Mita – a column where people from all over the country would send in their problems and Mita, the mysterious friend in deed would find a solution. Problems in love seem to have dominated this column although other issues relating to family matters have also been dealt with. But there has always been that nagging question – who is this Mita handing out advice on love and life? Now for the first time in 18 years, Mita is about to reveal her identity. Next Friday on Valentine's Day Mita in her real persona, will write a special column on her experience as the writer of one of the most sought after advice columns in the country.