MAILBOX

A Revolution of Small Stitches
The Ismat, Bilkis and Nazmas  of Jamalpur are examples of true entrepreneurs who are not necessarily motivated by profit but regard it as a standard for measuring achievement or success. These women entrepreneurs have greatly valued self-reliance, strived for success through excellence and always favoured challenges of risk—all characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. They have not only made a life for themselves, they have reached out to touch the lives of others with empathy and respect. It is a story of hope because these women remain optimistic about the future no matter what comes their way. They are unbreakable. They deserve our highest respect for becoming successful business owners using an art that is our very own. The cover story is articulate and declamatory. I enjoyed it very much.
Rosena Ali
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
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This has reference to the cover story published on May 16. Bilkis's comment (What is success in business if you cannot do anything to help improve society?) sums up the spirit of the brave women of Jamalpur. These rural women have not had the opportunity to go to big business schools but somehow they have managed to learn what businesses should be all about — changing the lives of others and their own. Profit is not the only motive that drives these women; dignity and self-reliance are more important to them. Big businesses who throw a few bucks in the name of CSR have much to learn from them. The women of Jamalpur teach us that a business that is socially viable is also financially available. I found the article conversational and emphatic.
Ethan M Khan
Uttara, Dhaka
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Beauty Begum, Bilkis, Halima and the other women of the cover story are a source of inspiration for all women. I also want to thank the Star for publishing the story on EIS which I hope will promote English education at school level.
Shasa Urmi
Dhania University College

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Monster
Rapid Action Battalion was created as a special force within the police. Over time it has become a monster that is uncontrollable and unmanageable. The issues that the writer raises in the article are a matter of grave concern. How a uniformed, professional force can act in such a lawless manner is beyond us.  An organization is its people. If the organization has ceased to be effective, change the people. By that I mean the government much sack the top brass of RAB and give a chance to officers who are more professional and committed to their duty.
Jahangir Alam
Azimpur, Dhaka

Our Champs
Re “Champions of Narail” [May 9]: One has to have a beautiful mind to write an article like this. It is not only the quality of the language but also the thought behind it that makes a piece of writing great. The writer with a foreign sounding name has felt one with the champions of Narail and then written this story about the champions of Narail. It does not matter where he is originally from. To me he is more of a Bangladeshi than those born and raised here without any care for this country. I very much appreciate this lyrical article  on the high-achieving players of Narail and thank the Star for it.
Luna Chowdhury
Jessore

Photo: Andrew Eagle

No country for the sick
I do not know what recent incidents of doctors and interns beating patients and in some cases, journalists are a sign of.  No one goes to the hospital for having fun: people only go there when they are ill and desperate. And it is the duty of the doctors to provide service to them. That's what they are paid to do.  I am tired and sick of incidents of doctors misbehaving with the patients. I have a suggestion for them. Quit your jobs and take up some other profession—preferably a uniformed one—where you can mistreat and mishandle people all you want. The entire country will be yours to misbehave with. But until you do so you have a responsibility to treat the ill.
Mehbooba  Ali
Banani, Dhaka

Too Perfect
Recently I have attended several photo exhibitions featuring the victims of Rana Plaza.  I must say I am impressed with the quality of pictures some of which are just perfect—a little too perfect, maybe. I have seen audiences praise the pictures and even utter the word 'beautiful.' I am no expert on photography but this I understand: there is nothing and there should be nothing beautiful about a picture that shows a girl who lost both legs and is staring at the camera with a look so empty that words prove insufficient to describe.  The aim of the photographer in such situation should be to capture the suffering; not make the photo 'beautiful'. It is worth remembering what US philosopher Emerson said a long time ago, “Pictures must not be too picturesque.”
Mohammad Zunaid Ali
Mohammadpur, Dhaka

The Perfect Comeback
A friend of mine actually practices some of the things the writer suggests. When someone super rich shows off their wealth (most of which is usually ill-gotten in Bangladesh), he says politely, “Where did you get all this money? I have no doubt either you or someone in your family is corrupt.” My friend tells me that the look they give after hearing such a comment is of shock, fear, humiliation and anger.  I do not blame my friend even a little bit for it.
Tabassum Begum
Gulshan-2, Dhaka