MAILBOX
We, the people
The 1972 Constitution is indeed the soul of our nation. It was the reflection of people's struggle for freedom from terror and discrimination meted out to Bengalis by the Pakistan military regime. It was also a dream of what we were to become as a nation and society. It is unfortunate that Bangladesh has become a different country than what was envisioned by the founding fathers of this nation. Many blame the Constitution for this. They need to understand that it is not the Constitution but people who run institutions and enforce laws. Constitution has no power---people do. Our current Constitution is far away from the principles on which this country won independence. In order to move forward in peace and prosperity, all parties and stakeholders ought to sit down and reach a consensus on fundamental issues like what our national identity is and what kind of a country we want to live in.
Rifat Sattar
Mirpur, Dhaka
***
As a freedom fighter, I very much appreciated the cover story on the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh. As the article points out, the ideals and principles that were the guiding light of the Constitution did not fall from the sky overnight. They emanated from the movements and value-based politics of the fifties and sixties that paved the way for the Liberation War. People wanted a free and democratic country. They wanted an end to the discrimination of man by man. When I look at my country today, I hardly recognise it. I find it strange that those who ideologically opposed the war benefitted from it the most. They are the ones who enjoy high positions in the society. I am not jealous of their wealth and power. I just wish they for once in their lifetime opened their heart and saw the truth. The creation of Bangladesh is Bangladesh's greatest achievement. Let us be united and build it together.
Idris Ali
Jessore
Photo: Prabir Das
Our Cruel Birth
I would like to thank the writer for his piece on our victory day but unfortunately he missed some significant points. What happened to Zahir Raihan? Why was General Osmani absent in the surrender ceremony? It would be better if addressed these issues in his article. About Bangabandhu's regime the article highly criticized the role of Awamli League but forgot to mention the difficulties they were facing in a war torn country. I think the writer should have a better study on our history before writing on this kind of nationally significant issues.
Nusrat Jahan Shorna
Laxmipore, Dhaka
Familiarly Yours
This witty but thought provoking article reminds me of an incident that happened in my early childhood. A 'guest' from our 'desher bari' was staying at our house indefinitely—until my father arranged a job for him, that is. One day he asked me how much 'extra money' my father made. Even at that early age, I knew about the honesty and integrity my father upheld while discharging his official duties. The 'guest' had committed two wrongs here---first, he assumed that my father was corrupt like many other officials and then, he asked a very personal question---how much bribe money does your father make a month? It did not occur to him that even a corrupt person would not disclose that information because it is an invasion into privacy. I am now in my early thirties and I am still a bachelor. “Why aren't you getting married?” is a question I have to answer with a half-smile to at least three people everyday. We, as a people, do not have the slightest idea about what privacy is.
Monjoor Morshed
Azimpur, Dhaka
Photo: AFP
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Mandela's philosophy of life was reflected in this paragraph in his autobiography: No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. How true his words ring in today's Bangladesh! We are a divided nation. Everywhere we look, we see hatred and violence. Let us learn to love. This country belongs to us all. If it prospers, we all enjoy the harvest. We hope the political parties will realise that and work toward taking the country further down on the path of prosperity based on love and compassion.
Ayesha Akhter Swapna
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Leaving 26
By deciding to give 16 December a miss this year, the author has actually proved how deeply he loves this country and how solemnly he reveres the sacrifices of those died and fought for the country. Maybe I will do the same. I wouldn't know what to celebrate this year.
Wahendunnabi Babul
Bailey Road, Dhaka
Victory Day
I want to congratulate the Star for bringing out a fascinating issue on the occasion of December 16. I appreciated all the articles in this issue including What We've Lost, When Words Became Weapons, Newspapers in the time of War and Our Cruel Birth. Great job, Star!
Kashfia Haq
Baridhara, Dhaka
Photo: Prabir Das
Our Cruel Birth
I would like to thank the writer for his piece on our victory day but unfortunately he missed some significant points. What happened to Zahir Raihan? Why was General Osmani absent in the surrender ceremony? It would be better if addressed these issues in his article. About Bangabandhu's regime the article highly criticized the role of Awamli League but forgot to mention the difficulties they were facing in a war torn country. I think the writer should have a better study on our history before writing on this kind of nationally significant issues.
Nusrat Jahan Shorna
Laxmipore, Dhaka
Familiarly Yours
This witty but thought provoking article reminds me of an incident that happened in my early childhood. A 'guest' from our 'desher bari' was staying at our house indefinitely—until my father arranged a job for him, that is. One day he asked me how much 'extra money' my father made. Even at that early age, I knew about the honesty and integrity my father upheld while discharging his official duties. The 'guest' had committed two wrongs here---first, he assumed that my father was corrupt like many other officials and then, he asked a very personal question---how much bribe money does your father make a month? It did not occur to him that even a corrupt person would not disclose that information because it is an invasion into privacy. I am now in my early thirties and I am still a bachelor. “Why aren't you getting married?” is a question I have to answer with a half-smile to at least three people everyday. We, as a people, do not have the slightest idea about what privacy is.
Monjoor Morshed
Azimpur, Dhaka
Photo: AFP
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Mandela's philosophy of life was reflected in this paragraph in his autobiography: No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. How true his words ring in today's Bangladesh! We are a divided nation. Everywhere we look, we see hatred and violence. Let us learn to love. This country belongs to us all. If it prospers, we all enjoy the harvest. We hope the political parties will realise that and work toward taking the country further down on the path of prosperity based on love and compassion.
Ayesha Akhter Swapna
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Leaving 26
By deciding to give 16 December a miss this year, the author has actually proved how deeply he loves this country and how solemnly he reveres the sacrifices of those died and fought for the country. Maybe I will do the same. I wouldn't know what to celebrate this year.
Wahendunnabi Babul
Bailey Road, Dhaka
Victory Day
I want to congratulate the Star for bringing out a fascinating issue on the occasion of December 16. I appreciated all the articles in this issue including What We've Lost, When Words Became Weapons, Newspapers in the time of War and Our Cruel Birth. Great job, Star!
Kashfia Haq
Baridhara, Dhaka
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