Star Diary

The Ugly Side of Urbanisation 

Our bank usually holds annual picnics for its staff, and this year we planned a visit to the Padma Resort in Munshiganj. We had to cross the Buriganga River when we reached the Dhaka-Aricha highway, and the view that met us was shocking. The stench coming from the river prevented us from looking at the river that is so integral to our lives in Dhaka. Nevertheless, as we moved on, I was hopeful that we could see the scenic beauty of our country but instead, we had to be satisfied with the view of several billboards of housing companies cluttering the green lands. Some of them were set by dumping sands onto the land from adjoining rivers. These companies are not only hampering the scenic beauty but are also devouring the cultivable lands, thus hampering food production. It has become of utmost importance for the government to take active measures against these land grabbers who are ruining the lands.  
Md Zonaed Emran
Janata Bank Ltd

THE CRUELTY OF FATE

On Pohela Baishakh, while returning home with my mother, I could see happy people all around, welcoming the new year with songs, laughter and chatter. I remember being upset about something on that day, and was sulking in my car when a little boy of five or six caught my attention. He only had one leg, and was in the shabbiest clothes. This is a common scene in Dhaka; street children scrounging for a living even on festivals and special occasions. It was amazing, therefore, to see that the child was not living at the mercy of others, rather he was collecting scraps, such as bottles, used papers, and other wastes to earn his livelihood. His physical disability made it difficult for the little boy to collect and manage his small collection but he went about his work with confidence and a sense of pride. How different my childhood was from the one imposed on this young boy. I was fortunate enough to go to a good school and to be given every thing I could ever need. I realised that at times I would get upset about such petty things while this child had to be satisfied and happy with a little food in his stomach. I could feel tears well up in my eyes and understood how lucky I actually was. I truly wish that we could do something for these street children.
Fariha Tasneem Jessica
Viqarunnisa Noon College, Dhaka