MAILBOX

Football Fanatics
The brief but informative feature captures the spirit of the World Cup really well. I liked the conclusion where the writer asks: Seeing this fanatic interest, can't we hope that one day Bangladesh will also be a part of this tournament not just as a simple audience but as a significant competitor?
I feel that we can definitely have that hope. But unless we take specific actions, the hope will never turn into reality. Football is dead in this country, although it is more popular than cricket. We need the goodwill of the government, clubs and other stakeholders to make it alive again.
Wahedunnabi Babu
Tejgaon, Dhaka

Hips Don't Lie
While the writer makes some convincing arguments for the meaninglessness of this county's madness about the FIFA World Cup, I request him to just lighten up and enjoy the tournament. He seems to be one of those bleeding heart conscientious persons who has to find something wrong with everything. Just chill and go with the flow, man. Life will be so much easier.
Lalarukh Asif
Oklahoma City, USA

Swoosh-swoosh-swoosh!
[Re: The Value of Ghee] It seems like the Star is on a roll with its mission to promote milk and milk products. First a cover story titled “Got Milk?” and now a fascinating article on ghee. Good job, Star!
Humaira Khatun
Lalmatia, Dhaka

Some Milk Facts
The Star's effort for writing an article about Milk was as good as milk itself. I love milk and milk products. I hope this article will go a long way to remind us of the nutritional value of milk.
Shamima Tasnim
Via Email

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Conditional Condolences
Only in Bangladesh can 9 people be burnt alive without the media giving any serious coverage to such a horrific act of mindless violence. What's worse is the fact that the culprit is associated with the ruling party. Human lives have no value here. It is even more so with the Biharis. Pakistan did not take them back. Successive governments in Bangladesh have used them for political gains. We have forgotten that they are humans just like you and I. Let us integrate them in our society.
Sohel Rahman
Banani, Dhaka

An Ominous Journey
My heart goes out to the Rohingya refugees who fall prey to human traffickers and sometimes go through unspeakable sufferings or even die trying to go to Malaysia for a better life. I do not know what the solution to this problem is. Recently a high ranking official has stated that the government cannot do anything to help these people because they make such journeys outside the knowledge of the government. While he makes some sense, the government cannot totally deny responsibilities in this regard. They must crack down on illegal human trafficking rings and reach out to people living in villages to make them aware of the dangers of illegal immigration.
Shaheen Dewan
Dubai, UAE

Photo: Saiful Huq Omi

A Moving Musing
Last week's musings "To my Black Bearded Baba" (June 13, 2014) is one of the best musings I have read in my life. I have gone through the article countless times—it is written in simple but very powerful language.  I have recommended it to many of my friends who have enjoyed reading it as well.  
We expect many more articles like this from the writer. You are an amazing writer, and I am sure an amazing daughter too.
Nandita Ali
Via Email

Increase income tax slab-limits
In the recent budget for 2014-15 financial year the finance minister did not propose increase of free income tax limit from existing Tk 2,20,000. The other slabs also were not raised. The limited income group and service holders will suffer most according to this policy. The free taxable limit should be raised to Tk 300,00 and income tax may be imposed at the rate of 5 percent on next Tk 500,000, 10 percent for next Tk 500,000, 15 percent on next Tk 500,000 and 20 percent for the rest Tk 500,000 and 25 percent on rest amount amount in 2014-15 financial year. Per capita GDP of Bangladesh has crossed US$1,100. Limited income group, service holders should get the benefit with increased purchasing power. Reduced income tax will aid to increase their real income. The measure will reduce tax evasion. It is high time to compensate government income because of reduced income tax slabs government should open income tax offices at Upzila level and bring medium business communities working in rural Bangladesh. The government needs to review rates of income tax slabs and reduce income tax burden to limited income group.
Mohammad Ashraf Hosain
120, Bashabo, Dhaka1214

Maya Angelou
I was deeply saddened by the death of this great poet who became a voice of the oppressed. It's good to see the Star remember the iconic poet who belonged not only to the American people but to the entire humanity. I admire her poetry very much. One of her lines—Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud—touches my heart and encourages me to feel empathy for others.
Romena U Ahmed
Baridhara, Dhaka