MAILBOX

Making it Happen
By establishing the Centre for Bangladesh Studies dedicated to research for improving the quality of life in Bangladesh, Subir Chowdhury has proved to be one of those great souls who never forget their roots even after finding astounding success in life. He has made millions working for top companies in the US and has earned the respect of the world as far as quality management is concerned.  He could easily forget about his motherland where he faced discrimination, as the article suggests. And yet, he always had the best of his country in mind. The readers will get inspired to do better by themselves and to the society by reading the life trajectory of this leading quality expert in the world. It is a well written story and inspiring stories like this are the reasons why the Star is my most favourite magazine in the country.
Ehsanul Kabir
Baridhara, Dhaka
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Bangladesh has a lot to learn when it comes to managing quality of products and services. Quality management is about management activities and functions involved in determining a quality policy and then implementing it through means such as quality planning and quality assurance. I have worked in the US for a decade and I have learned that the quality management approach US companies mostly follow is called Total Quality Management or TQM which transcends the product quality approach, involves everyone in the organization and encompasses every function and activity: administration, communications, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, planning, training etc. I found the cover story interesting and inspiring. I would have appreciated it even more had it given the reader a general idea about the quality management techniques of Subir Chowdhury that set him apart from other experts in the same field.
Mahmudur Rahman
Bailey Road, Dhaka

Fear of the Unknown
I could not stop laughing for at least for a couple of minutes when I read this funny essay. While all the tips in the article are extremely useful, especially the last one about practicing your best squeaky voice and pretending to be a child, I would like to add one more. Simply say in a stone cold voice that you are the wife of a high official in RAB and to trace him down all you need is an hour. That should take care of the adventure of these 'love-hungry' morons. Try it. It works.
Reshma Jahan Mily
Uttara, Dhaka

Time Sensitive Material, Handle with Care
No one has the ultimate answer when it comes to aging gracefully—especially if you are a woman. But we have a lot to learn from the French women when it comes to maintaining a youthful look both outwardly and inwardly. They refuse to let the ravages of time take its toll on them and they do it with style. While I lived in Paris in the early 2000s for my studies, one day I asked my landlady where the nearest gym was. She gave me a funny look saying that she thought gyms are for torture and the only acceptable way to the French women to burn calories is to walk! So my two cents on the topic discussed by the writer is: take it easy and enjoy life.  
Sabih Akhter
Aligarh Muslim University, India

The Song Catcher
This has reference to the article about Bijoy Sarkar, the legendary singer- song writer from Narail, published on April 25, 2014. The writer of this article through his lyrical writing style has created a  Bangladesh that is magical and magnificent. The Bangladesh he sees is also a reality that we often forget. Bangladesh is where SM Sultan was born. Bangladesh is where Bijoy Sarkar composed and sang his unforgettable songs. My heartfelt gratitude to the Star for such an amazing article.
Selina Chowdhury
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Philatelic Passion
Mr Abdus Salam [Re: A Philatelic Passion, April 25] has turned an interesting hobby into a dignified profession. He is the first Bangladeshi who had opened a shop selling his amazing collections. He also established The Bangladesh Philatelist Society. I thank the Star for finding this hidden talent and doing a cover story on him.  
Reaz Ahmed
Via Email

Abduction Spree
Over the last of couple of months, abduction has been increasing at an alarming rate. It seems that there is no rule of law in this country. There have been allegations of involvement of law enforcement agencies in some of these abductions. It is serious cause for concern and the law enforcement agencies should take this matter seriously. The government must stop blaming the second largest political party for this and act immediately to establish law and order.
Md Zonaed Emran
Dhaka

In Dumdee village a small stage has been built to commemorate the life of Bijoy Sarkar. Photo: Andrew Eagle