MAILBOX

Bangabandhu and Lapses in his Security

Photo: archives

I read this week's cover story with a great deal of interest as I was expecting some insights into how the assassination of the main architect of an independent Bangladesh was planned and then executed. Although very well written, the story does neither. Common sense tells us a president of a country cannot be assassinated by a small posse of junior military men without bigger players acting behind the curtain.
Md Zubair Hussain Molla
Khulna
***
Forty three years have passed by since our independence in 1971. Much has been written about the liberation war and the bizarre chain of events that unfolded in the following years leading up to the assassination of Bangabandhu and the other architects of the liberation war. I am 25 and I still do not know why they were killed. Some say the coup was executed to rid the nation of the one party misrule that plagued the nation immediately after the independence. I am not sure of that. What followed can hardly be called democracy.  Some argue he was killed because he was too soft on India. Others, including non-partisan foreign policy experts, say that the firmness with which Bangabandhu tackled the then Indian leadership is unprecedented. It would be nice to know what the truth is.
Salma Akhter
Lalmatia, Dhaka

Launch Capsize at Mowa
Some 100 people are missing since the launch capsized in Mowa, Munshigonj. Most of the ill–fated passengers were returning after having enjoyed Eid with their near and dear ones. It was reported that the launch was taking more people on board than it was supposed to carry. It was known from the media that the vessel capacity was just 85 but more than 300 people crammed on the board, which is evident of negligence of the concerned authority. Moreover, there was bad weather that day and the waves were high. The launch was illegally navigating the route as its permit had expired. Neither did it have any life saving equipment on board. It is not an accident; it is crime committed by some people greedy for money. It is not the first time such an 'accident' happened. The government must try the owner for negligence that led to the loss of so many lives.
Md Zonaed Emran
On Email
***
I felt very sad to see so many people getting killed in accidents during the Eid holidays. The media, as usual, has blamed the government. While the government is responsible for the safety of its citizens, the latter have some responsibilities as well. Why not wait a couple of hours more if you see a small launch with hundreds on it already? Blaming the government for everything will not solve all our problems.
Shayla Khan
Baridhara, Dhaka

Discrimination against Women
Although sexual harassment against women is common in Bangladesh, the male-dominated society often tries to sweep the issue under the carpet. We face harassment in public buses, at schools and universities, at work and sometimes at home. There is little we can do about it other than just tolerate it without speaking up. Men do it because they know they can get away with it. That has to change. Laws must be implemented. Sexual harassment is not only physical, it can be verbal too. It has very serious consequences on the victim. I request men to treat women with respect and love.
Shamima Tasnim
Lalmatia, Dhaka

Folk Music
There is no tonic better than music. And if that music has moral and spiritual lyrics, it should be on the daily diet. Dr Mahbub Pial is carrying out a magnificent job of presenting the folklore of Bangladesh. Folk music is the heart of our country. We have jari, shari, bhatiali, bhawaiya, palagaan, baul songs and many more. Each genre has its own amazing texture and temperament. The unique feature of these songs is that they endeavour to connect the human soul to the divine. These songs need to get promoted by the educated, urban musicians and music-lovers not only for the betterment of the country's folk music but also for the enrichment of our soul. I believe once a person listens to and perceives the core meaning of a folk song, he or she will have a better understanding about life and the universe.
Raki Khan
University of Dhaka

Beautiful Minds
[Re: The Other Side of the Spectrum, August 15, 2014.] If properly educated and trained, children with autism can learn like any other children and grow up to contribute to the society instead of becoming a burden on society. In developed countries, autistic kids are treated with special care at school and home. Society is much more accommodating. The government supports their education, training and rehabilitation. It breaks my heart to learn that in many parts of our country autism is believed to be caused by satanic possession. I want to send my heartfelt gratitude to the founder of “A Beautiful Mind”, a school for children with special needs.
Sonia Haq
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Photo: Prabir Das