MAILBOX

I, Who?
The well researched cover story deals with one of the oldest and most fundamental questions of all time. We often hear songs and read poems that preach knowing the self but they offer little insights into how to achieve that feat. The article presents the reader with ways to do it. It is an unusual but timely cover story. In order to create a better world we must strive to be better than what we are. It is often said that God has created man in his own image. That means He expects better from us. Therefore we must look deep into our soul and examine what we are. Only then can we correct our mistakes and become better.
Khodeja Khanam
Baridhara, Dhaka

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I was deeply moved by the cover story because it makes the point that philosophy is very much relevant in our lives. I agree with the argument that without knowing the self, we cannot determine the right education. Education is more than learning skills to make money. True education teaches us to grow compassion for fellow human beings  regardless of race, colour and creed. To have empathy for others is the highest virtue. And that we can attain through self-knowledge. It is a thought provoking cover story and we expect more articles like this in future.
Lalarukh Asif
Dubai, UAE

Photo: Prabir Das

The Golden Temple
I am an Australian living in Bangladesh for the last six months. I did not know that such a marvelous, hill-top temple exists in Bangladesh. Before coming here, I heard that Bangladesh is a tolerant, multicultural country despite the many challenges it faces. The more I am getting to know the Bangladeshi people, the more I am impressed with their openness and tolerance. The Buddhist Golden temple of Bandarban is a shining example of the peace and harmony of the Bangladeshi society.
Jon Howard
Gulshan-2, Dhaka

Netaji’s Tragic End
To me, the death of Subhas Chandra Bose was always shrouded in a cloud of mystery. However, Brigadier Habibur Rahman's testimony of Netaji dying from third-degree burns caused by a plane crash cleared up all the confusion in my mind. I want to thank the writer for such an amazing article which is written with a personal touch.  The writer himself is part of history for knowing Brigadier Habibur Rahman and Colonel MZ Kiani personally. He a valuable contributor to the Star and I congratulate him on this brilliant piece of writing.
Abdul Hannan
Shegun Bagicha, Dhaka

Photo: Prabir Das

Melodies of Nazrul
It's nice to know that the Daily Star arranged such a great programme to pay homage to Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of the greatest poets of Bangla literature. As a lifelong fan of the rebel poet's work, I am grateful to the Daily Star for such a noble initiative. Kazi Nazrul Islam was a humanitarian whose equal Bangla literature will perhaps never see again. He was a poet of the people. Nazrul believed in the harmony of all men. If we discern the true meaning of Nazul's songs, poems and novels, society will be a lot more peaceful. For reasons unknown to us, the study of Nazrul's work is neglected in Bangladesh. Universities should create opportunities to conduct research on Nazrul's music and literary work. A man like Kazi Narul is born once in a thousand years. Let us give him the proper honour he deserves.
Farhana Majid
Mohakhali, Dhaka

The Deadly World of Fake Medicine
This has reference to the cover story published on August 22. Thanks to the Star Magazine for publishing such an important cover story with facts & figures. Medicine is a basic necessity. If money can't buy medicine that's safe, I think that indicates a total collapse of a society. Food vendors mix formalin and other toxic chemicals in foods. That has been going on for a while. The government took some initiatives to stop that. The business community responded with hostility—sometimes violent. Now people are manufacturing fake medicine that kills. How much lower can we go? Isn't there a limit where we will stop? In my opinion, the government should have zero tolerance on crimes like this and ensure capital punishment to those who commit such crimes.
Rassel Iqbal Rumel
Rampura, Dhaka

A Shock of Colours
I was highly impressed with the way the writer describes the vivid exhibition Show: Yourself at Athena Gallery. The article is articulate, crisp and conversational. I particularly liked the way the writer narrates the paintings of Rezaun Nabi—“His mostly abstract art depicts a calm Bangladesh, a landscape we may not be too familiar with in this day and age.” The short but eloquent feature is a welcome breeze from the usual coverage of art and exhibition published in the Star. The writer seems to understand art. That's why, instead of just giving physical description of paintings, she illustrates their meaning as well. And that's exactly how an art exhibition should be covered.
Tariqul Islam
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