MAILBOX

The Visionary
I do not have words to express my respect and gratitude for Professor Diba Hussain who has dedicated her entire life to help those who cannot see pursue higher studies at the university level. There is no reason blind students should not be able to study the subjects they like and qualify to study. Admission into the universities should be based on merit only.  Those who are physically or mentally challenged should be given a fair competition. The society must treat them with kindness and compassion. Kindness is the language even the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Thank you, Star, for such an inspiring story.
Raihan Rohan
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Photo: Prabir Das

Blind Spot
Last week's cover has prompted me to share with the readers what I saw in Singapore where education is made easier and inclusive for the visually impaired and students with disabilities. They have conducted studies that show that blind children grow, flourish, and achieve greater self and social fulfilment by being nurtured in the least restrictive environment. With proper technical assistance and consultation given to regular classroom teachers, and a broad educational environment, blind children are able to show their true worth; they are then more readily accepted socially by their sighted counterparts.
Statistics reveal that not even 10% of blind children in most of the developing countries are receiving any kind of education. I want to congratulate the visually impaired students in DU other educational institutions for their extraordinary achievements despite facing so many obstacles as mentioned in the story.  
Urmila Paul
Uttara-3, Dhaka

The Saviours of Our Time
Bangladesh has reached a new low with the recent arson attacks on innocent citizens in the name of political activism.  Amid all the mindless violence, however, emerged a beacon of hope in the form of the doctors at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. These lion-hearted doctors have proved that everything has not gone rotten; there are still people in the society who care about others and serve their fellow humans, forgetting their own comfort. It is an inspiring story of hope and compassion. Our country needs more people like these doctors.
Abdullah Matin
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Photo: Star File

Lessons Never Learnt
I want to thank the Star for drawing our attention to an issue that needed attention immediately after the tragic building collapse at Rana Plaza.  Our country did not have the proper equipment necessary for rescue operation back then. Our country does not have them now. If the loss of hundreds of lives is not a wakeup call, I do not know what is. Is our government absolutely insane or are we too poor to buy the necessary equipment?
Shahidul Islam Topon
From Barisal via Email

Absolute Power
Looking at the current political situation, it seems that the ruling party is enjoying absolute power which has given them a false sense of security and complacency.  They have forgotten that   no party or group of people has been able to hold power for long against the will of the people.  It is unfortunate that whoever is in power thinks that this time will be different. History teaches us it won't be.
Rosina Haq
Baridhara, Dhaka

Teenagers like Keshab Roy bring hope
Pick up any Bangladeshi newspaper today and the news pages are chock-a-block full with doom and gloom and reports of political unrest, sheer madness, disgraceful conduct, mayhem and human misery beyond belief.
It is truly a sad state of affairs when innocent children attempting to pay a social visit to their ill grandparents, end up in hospital in excruciating pain and scarred for life with burns to 90% of their body. To those responsible and those who encourage or condone such inhuman behaviour there is no glory to be gained, only shame and the wrath and revenge of the Almighty.

With this backdrop in mind, it was most refreshing to read an inspirational report about 18-year-old Keshab Roy from Nilphamari (Daily Star Magazine 27/12/13). It stood out like a rose among thorns, light at the end of the tunnel, and a beacon of hope – all combined.
He succeeding in preventing 25 child marriages and counselling over 50 school dropouts to return and continue with their education is most praiseworthy. There's always a need and a place in this world for people like Keshab.
Sir Frank Peters
Dhaka

The Art of Jamdani Weaving
 Jamdani weaving is a wonderful tradition that has gained its rightful place in the world with the recognition from UNESCO. I hope the weavers get to reap the harvest of this great achievement. Bangladesh has so many other traditions that, if presented to the world in the right manner, will bring glory to the country.
Barkatullah Rumi
Mohammadpur, Dhaka

The Game of Blockades
By taking away citizens' constitutional right to free movement within the country, the government has moved an inch closer to being a fascist regime. There ought to be a more logical way to “save the country from anti-liberation elements.” A child living in a faraway district in need of immediate medical treatment cannot die because the two parties cannot reach an agreement on how and when to hold an election. Just like the writer, I too am hoping for a miracle at this time in our country.
Pervin Sultana
Mohammadpur, Dhaka

Cricket Tips
In my opinion, the Star is one of the best magazines of Bangladesh because of its quality and variety of content--“Home and Abroad”, “Village Flute”, “Current Affairs”, “Musings”, “Art”, and “Health” etc. I have a request. Could the Star publish some cricket tips every week? A lot of cricket fans like me will highly appreciate it.  
 Zahidul Islam
Via Email