MAILBOX

Enlightening Bangladesh
Despite being a student of literature, I had never developed the habit of reading books. I used to spend my time after college listening to music, chatting with friends, and browsing the internet. But the cover story has motivated me to read books. I think we all should cultivate the habit of reading in order to build an enlightened Bangladesh. I would like to thank the writer for focusing on such an important issue.
Sharmin Akther
Chittagong College
Chittagong
***
The projects taken by the BSK would go a long way to building leadership quality among the youths of our country. BSK's effort to instil a reading habit in the young generation is commendable.
Shamima Tasnim
Via Email

Photo: Prabir Das

A Shared Tradition
Heart-felt thanks to the Star for covering the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela which has over the years become a major place to buy books on different topics. However, I would like to see more Bangla books published on Economics, Accounting, Finance and Business.
Nahida Farhana
Teacher
London-Bridge International School, Dhaka

Less Education More Understanding
The article [Jan14, 2013] about the role of parents in upbringing children has a lot of relevance in our society. Each child has his or her own special talent and capacity which could only be flourished by parents' support from the early years of the child.  It is high time now for every family to ensure a cordial homely environment by all means for young children where they would learn to respect others, become dignified adults and serve the society and the country.
Naznin Sultana
MA(Final year)
 

University of Dhaka Leave the Elephants Alone
Recently I have been witnessing elephants in different parts of the capital being used for collecting money from passersby. The mahouts place the elephant in the middle of the road blocking traffic, creating congestion. They do not move until they get paid. In my opinion, it is nothing but extortion. Also, it could turn fatal for people walking by if the elephant somehow loses its temper or something like that. It also should fall under cruelty to animals. I have seen elephants being used for this purpose in Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Gulshan, Banani and Mohammadpur. I request the   concerned authorities to stop these extortionists immediately.
Shazzad
Gulshan-2, Dhaka

Get Fit, Stay Fit
As a physician,I fully endorse the tips on good heath given by the writer [Re: Jan14]. In course of discharging my professional duties, I have noticed many cases of illness that could have been avoided, if the rules of good health based on the 'theory of three pillars'  i.e proper physical exercise, balanced diet and a cheerful mind were obeyed. In the first phase of her writing, the writer has discussed the usefulness and methods of different types of physical exercise.
I believe, they would come in handy for the people who want to do physical exercise, but do not know how to do it and which exercises are suitable for them. I also believe, it would inspire the persons, who do sedentary works, to do physical exercise.
Readers of this article including myself, are eagerly waiting for the publication of the remaining part of the article in which we expect to get more tips on balanced diet and cheerfulness of mind.
Dr Soma Mita Biswas
Registrar, Apollo Hospitals,
Dhaka

A Tale in Three Parts
As always, this is a fascinating tale of a less known tradition of Bangladesh from a remote corner of Bangladesh. I have used Goni Miaá gamcha and I took a couple to the US when I went there to study. I can gladly testify that not even the finest cotton towel gave me the same comfort. It is good to see Goni Mia's fine products being appreciated by the movers and shakers of the country. But it is unfortunate that one of the three VVIPS who bought saris from him paid him a little short.   
Jebunnessa Khatun
Uttara, Dhaka

A Needless Hassle
I do not know if it's just me or bottles are really hard to open in our country. For example, if you buy a bottle of water or carbonated drink, you have to wrestle with the plastic wrapped around the mouth so tightly that you eventually give in and start using your teeth. And that's dangerous for your health. I want to be able to open a bottle without any struggle when I am   thirsty and need a drink.
Hasibul Hasan
Dhanmondi
Dhaka

Whistling Language
Last week's Postscript caught my attention for the interesting information about languages spoken in different corners of the world. Of all the languages the writer mentions, I think, Silbo, a whistling language spoken in an island off the coast of Spain is the most unusual and amazing. I am sure this language is as dear to the hearts of its speakers as Bangla is to us or Arabic is to the Arabs.
Razia Sultana
Banani, Dhaka