Letters
Photo: Ananta Yusuf
The Wrath of the Majority
I want to thank the writer for such as an investigative report on the sufferings of the ethnic people at the hands of the Bengalis in Khagrachari. The feature delves into the historical background that has created conditions for such atrocities against the ethnic minority communities a sad reality. A country is as civilised as the way it treats its minority. By that measure how civilised we are as a nation remains to be seen. The indigenous people are citizens of Bangladesh and according to the constitution have equal right as you and I. The local politicians and their goons seem to have forgotten or simply ignored that fact. A proper investigation needs to be launched to find the culprits of these heinous crimes and brink them to book. The majority of the people of Bangladesh are tolerant of cultural diversity. We should not let a few miscreants ruin the image of the entire country.
Asif Dewan
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
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The Star magazine deserves my heartfelt gratitude for such a well written and well balanced feature on the recent attacks on the indigenous people of Khagrachari. I was horrified to read about the death of Asharani Chakma, a two month old baby girl. She died because of exposure to the torrential rains as her family had to take shelter in the forest during the attacks. Let us stop for a moment and think about the fear and insecurity the parents of Asharani were going through at that time. I believe that the State can do more to protect their rights as citizens and ensure their safety. The government should take immediate steps to punish the criminals who committed these atrocities.
Mofidul Islam
Mohammadpur, Dhaka
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Stay in Bangladesh!
I enjoyed reading the piece. A lot of us have lost faith in this county. We feel proud if our children can go to Europe or North America and settle there. We send our children to English medium schools and feel proud when they grow up to be completely ignorant of our cultural heritage and our language. We must change this mindset and take pride in our country and its language. Bangladesh is a beautiful country with immense potential. If all the brilliant people leave the country for greener pastures, who will work for its development?
Farzana Ferdousi
Gulshan, Dhaka
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The Original Healer
I want to thank the writer for this well written article on acupressure. I hope a lot of people will read it and learn about this scientific and natural method of healing.
Asad Zaman Khan
Faridabad,Dhaka
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The Marriage Plot
I want to thank the writer for this humorous but thought provoking piece. Whether arranged marriages produce loving, respectful relationships is a question almost as old as the institution of marriage itself. The writer points out both the pros and cons of arranged marriages. It is an interesting fact that India has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world — 3 percent according to some estimates. And we all know that most marriages in India are still arranged by the parents. Despite this statistics, I am not a big believer in such marriages and I strongly believe that individuals should be free to choose their life partners. Having said that, I think parents should be allowed to be involved in the process. It may 'reduce' risks.
Tahmina Khatun
Uttara, Dhaka
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Bhutan's Transition
I want to thank the Star magazine for publishing such a well composed feature. I was fascinated to read that the defeated party in the recently held general election in Bhutan did not make any accusations to suggest that there was any wrongdoing by the government to influence the outcome. It is a sign that Bhutan is gradually getting used to the culture of democracy. Even in Pakistan where anarchy is the law, they were able to conduct a free election. The transfer of power was peaceful and the caretaker government and the election commission did what they are supposed to do according to their constitution. I hope politicians in our country learn from these countries and have more respect in democratic processes. The world is watching.
Monzurul Karim
Tejgaon, Dhaka
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Do You Have Work “Experience”?
It is a hilarious piece. Keya's interview with a prospective client reminded me of something equally bizarre I experienced in Mauritius. From the US, I went to the beautiful island country in 2012 for an extended holiday. After exploring all the sea beaches and tiny islands of the country in just two weeks, I got bored and a local friend advised me to write a report on the tourism industry of Mauritius so that more Americans would know about this exotic place in the Indian Ocean. I needed some facts and figures. I contacted the government and the Board of Revenue. They were very happy to learn that I was going to write for the promotion of tourism in Mauritius. When I asked them how many foreign tourists visit Mauritius each year and how much money the government earns from this sector, they said that this information was 'confidential'. They expected me to write about their country but they did not want to share even the most basic information. I was dumbfounded by their behaviour.
Robert Wright
Florida, USA
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Irresistably Ananta
I loved reading this satirical piece. However, all humour aside, in my opinion, Ananta Jalil is the symbol of everything that is wrong with this country. A society has to be culturally and morally bankrupt to produce a film hero like him.
Frahana Jalil
Banani, Dhaka
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