MAILBOX

Photo: prabir das

Going Deshi
Bangladeshi fashion houses should stop blaming customers for buying Indian or Pakistani dresses and try to improve the quality of their products. Customers will buy what they like and think is worth their money. You cannot stop people from buying something merely by shouting patriotic slogans. Consumerism cannot be restricted by geography and nationalism. If a product is good, a consumer will not care about where it was made.
Shabnam Ali
Baridhara, Dhaka
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We as a people have no pride in ourselves. We prefer foreign goods even if products made in our own country are sometimes have the same quality. How many of us want to buy a Grameen punjabi on the occasion of Eid? Dr Muhammad Yunus delivered the Nobel acceptance speech wearing one.
Rahmatullah Khan
Lalbagh, Dhaka

The Stateless People
I was shocked to learn that there are more than 10 million people in the world who are stateless. It is simply unacceptable that despite so much talk about the world becoming a “global village”, such a huge number of people live outside the purview of modern states. It is not a complex problem to solve. If governments were sincere, so many people would never have become stateless in the first place. I hope more attention will be given on this issue and soon each one of them will have a country to call home.
Layla Laboni
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar
Lataji's songs were like lullabies during my childhood because of their sweet melody and the singer's beautiful, soothing voice. Among Lataji's songs, my most favourite are “Neela Aasman" of Silsila, "Maye Ni Maye" of Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, "Ki Likhi Tomay", "Jhilik Jhilik Jhinuk", "O Mor Moyna Go" and many more. Lataji is called the 'Saraswati' in the world of Indian music. May the Almighty grant her a long and healthy life.  
Raki Khan
On Email
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Published on October 3, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed's tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on her 85th birthday is a collector's item. A detailed poetry on Lataji's life till date, it is fitting tribute to one of the most melodious voices in the history of music.
Mushtaque Ahmad
Uttara, Dhaka

Don't Jump
The write-up under the above title was indeed an intriguing feature published on September 26, 2014. The feature on suicide was a timely piece to make people aware that collective action is needed to prevent such sad mishaps. It points out how social media has become a tool for self alienation for many young people. The writer adequately explains the limitations of social media and links it to suicide. Here, the same media can be used in a more positive way. I would suggest that media should take up the responsibility to educate the masses by providing information on where and how to get help. It can also work to break the negative attitudes surrounding mental disorders by running awareness campaigns. On an individual level, if anyone tries to help the vulnerable person, he or she  may be unwilling to talk. It is important to let the person know you understand the severity of the situation. Do remind the person in specific terms why his/her life is important to you and others. Only if we can learn any lesson from these unfortunate suicide cases we may be able to avert such crisis in our own lives.  
Anika Tasneem
East West University
Dhaka

Chintito
This has reference to Chintito's article published on September 26, 2014. It was a pleasure reading this well written column. Chintito always points out what we feel inside our heart. Securing the first position in the class isn't everything that matters. Einstein always was a backbencher in his student life but that did not stop him from becoming the most brilliant mind in history. As Chintito said, everyone has to know and recognise his or her potential and has to be a good human being. We have more examples of successful people than good hearted individuals.  I think parents should focus on moral development of their children instead of pressuring them to be what parents want them to be. Let us give our children some more space.

Naznin Sultana Niti
University of Dhaka

The Star in My Sky
I am a regular reader of the Star magazine. I am much thankful to this great magazine that has helped expand my horizon ever since I was a student of eighth grade. It is obvious that there is a brilliant, hardworking team that works tirelessly to present the readers with features on topics ranging from art to science, from economy to music. I enjoy reading all the sections of the magazine every Friday. However, I like the “Mad Genius” best. I pray to God that the Star will be more popular in the future because it is no doubt the best English magazine of the country.

Shahadat Alam
Kaliakior
Gazipur