MAILBOX

A 'Lesser' Remedy
It is my personal belief that most people in this country should switch to homeopathic treatment for less serious ailments. Because it has no side effects. A lot of 'mainstream' doctors laugh at homeopathy as if it were voodoo or something like that. The fact is it was invented by one of the best brains of medicine in history. And it has survived  the assaults by established medical practice and pharmaceutical companies for more than a century. The reasons why the big pharmaceutical companies have attacked homeopathy from the very beginning is simply pecuniary. They want to control the market although, as the cover story points out, they have failed to produce a cure for something as simple as cold that actually works. I sincerely hope that the article will clear out some misconceptions surrounding homeopathy and encourage patients to seek homeopathic remedies that are safe and cost effective.
Mohammad Ishaq
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
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I was really surprised to learn that the forefathers of homeopathy were all educated in allopathic schools in the US and Europe.  I appreciate the Star for busting some myths about this medical science that  provides much needed relief to ailing patients suffering from various diseases. However, I am more thankful to the Star for the reference to the Royal family's role in promoting homeopathy. I was always under the impression that the main job of the members of the royal family is to be photographed wearing weird looking hats and uniforms.
Lubna Haque
Bailey Road, Dhaka

Photo: Prabir Das

Inhuman Treatment
It is unthinkable that Cathay Pacific is treating their passengers with such rudeness and unprofessionalism [Re: A Plane with no Pilot?]. On reading the article it becomes clear that the airliner may be in violation of standard rules and procedures set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). My heart goes out to the passengers including the writer who had to go through such sufferings although they paid the same price for their tickets as everyone else. I sincerely hope that someone stands up to this horrible airliner and sues them for damages. And on a different note, I want to congratulate the writer on taking something so painful and bitter and making into a piece that reads so well and is even hilarious at times.
Asif Lalarukh
Oklahoma City, USA

Design Thinking
'Design Thinking' is something that makes life easier in all aspects. The term is defined as combining empathy, creativity and rationality while dealing with a problem and finding possible solutions. Design Thinking can be applied to anything from designing a toothbrush to providing better customer care at an airport or a bank. For example, take a simple thing like a chair or a sofa. In this country, most sofas or chairs are very uncomfortable to sit on (although some of them look fancy) and when you sit on one, it feels like you are being tortured. It does not cost more to design them as more user-friendly.  It is a wonderfully written article and I thank the Star for it.
Rousena Ali
Uttara, Dhaka

An Icon in Theatre
As a theatre lover I was really happy to see one of the pioneers of theatres in Bangladesh being acknowledged by the Star. Ramendu Majumdar along with Abdullah Al Mamun, Nasiruddin Yousuff and others has made theatre a powerful tool to promote social justice and a weapon to fight oppression. We congratulate Majumdar for being elected the president of International Theatre Institute for the second time. He has made our country proud.
Shirin Jahan
Basabo, Dhaka

Hello, Boishakh!
Nice article on the eve of Shubho Noboborsho. I didn't know Boishakh is celebrated in so many other countries until I read this article which is informative and easy to read. I hope this year will be happier and more peaceful for everyone.
Rumana Zaman
Azimpur, Dhaka

Dreadful Biking
 I want to draw the attention of the authorities on the reckless motorcycle driving on roads in Comilla. In last two years the number of motorcycles has increased two to three times in Comilla, thanks to the illegal import of cheaper bikes from bordering India.  But the number of driving licenses issued by BRTA has not gone up accordingly. As a result inexperienced drivers are driving on the roads risking the lives of others and their own. Every month at least two persons die and 10-20 people get injured in accidents caused by motorcycles. Besides, a lot of young guys ignore the speed limits and act like they are invincible while driving bikes.  
Md Foyjul Islam
Student of Business Administration
East West University, Dhaka

Star: a Lifesaver
I am a candidate for the HSC exam in 2014. In the Bangla second paper, one of the topics we were asked to write an essay on was Information Technology in Bangladesh. As soon as I got the question paper, I wanted to jump in joy because I had thoroughly read the cover story titled “A New Bangladesh” (published on March 28) which was about the Information Technology revolution in Bangladesh. By reading the article I developed a good understanding about the issue. And I am very satisfied with the way I was able to write the essay, thanks to the Star.  
Shafiqul Alam Lenin
Chittagong