Star Diary

Corrupt and Unrepentant

Last week, after returning home from work, I caught a glimpse of the news on TV, which showed a man in his mid-fifties grinning amiably and waving his hands to the crowd while walking down the court premises. At first glance, I thought that the man might be on his way to receive some good news. Why else would he be so ecstatic? After a few minutes the television reporter informed the viewers that the man was a member of the parliament whose bail had expired. He was at the court to seek a new bail prayer, which he was denied. He was sentenced to jail on the charge of amassing illegal wealth and trading contraband drugs. What shocked me was that this former “people's representative” showed no remorse or regret, and neither did he repent for his corrupt actions. Instead, he looked overconfident and overjoyed. I always thought that public figures like members of the parliament would have the minimal decency to behave in a proper manner when the situation demands it. I wish that some sort of criteria would be set to select MPs who are well-educated, well-informed and have a certain amount of decency.
Md Farooque Hossain
Sr System Support Engineer
Thankral Information Systems Pvt. Ltd

Photo: Zahedul I Khan

An Ailment Called Dowry

It took me an hour to reach my home in Chandpur from Laxmipur where my office is situated. I usually take an auto-rickshaw back home with around two more people to share the fare and minimise costs. An elderly couple were my co-passengers on that day. Poverty was clearly etched on their faces. They got into the auto-rickshaw with a set of pillows, a pumpkin and many other domestic goods. I could not sit comfortably as the vehicle was filled to the brim. The elderly woman could see my discomfort and humbly apologised for the trouble. I was touched by her sweet approach and told her that everything was fine and that such things were common during a journey. We started a conversation, and I came to know that they had married off their daughter recently. Before the wedding, the groom and his parents did not demand any dowry, as they stated that they only wanted to take home a wife for their son. However, over time, everything changed. Their daughter's husband and his parents were constantly putting a lot of pressure on them for a number of things. The poor, old couple was struggling to fulfill their demands. In fact, all the goods that they had brought with them were actually being taken to their daughter's new family. After they got down the auto-rickshaw, I pondered over our conversation. We need to put an end to the vile, disgusting practice of dowry. Everyone, starting from the state to the society needs to show the courage and protest this terrible social disease. Otherwise, poverty stricken families will continue to think of their daughters as burdens and as a “curse”, thus, forever stunting their growth and development.   
Md Azam Khan
Uttara Bank