MAILBOX

The Power of Social Media
It has been weeks since Facebook and several other social media websites have been blocked in Bangladesh. Besides hundreds and thousands of its users, many entrepreneurs and small businesspersons who used to rely on these platforms to run their ventures have faced severe economic loss. Many popular campaigns which used to raise community awareness on different issues have been foiled by this ban. This bar has created a suffocating situation for millions of Bangladeshis. The government should realise that social media, nowadays, has become an indispensable part of our lives. I would like to thank the Star Weekend for publishing a spotlight on this significant issue (published on December 4, 2015).  
Ishmam Kadir
Shankar, Dhaka    

The Woe of Homelessness
This is a very unfortunate fact that transgender people are considered 'undesired elements' of our society. Most people in our country see them as thugs and miscreants even after social recognition given by the state. They cannot get enough space to live, and they are refused rented flat purchasing. I would like to thank the Star Weekend for publishing an article about homelessness of these people (published on November 27, 2015) and I hope it will raise enough awareness to accept them as a part of our society. 
Moniruzzaman
Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur

Save the Heritages of Bangladesh
This is regarding an article published in the Star Weekend titled "Save the Heritages of Bangladesh" published on November 27, 2015. It is true that not everyone feels a connection with their cultural heritage, but many people do. Some may think that traditions are archaic and no longer relevant, and that they are unnecessary during these modern times. However, it is for sure that exploring cultural heritages offers a robust variety of benefits. Culture can give people a connection to certain social values, beliefs, religion and customs. Visiting cultural heritage sites automatically creates a sense of unity and belonging to our nation and its history. It also allows us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we belong. I would like to thank the group 'Save the heritages Of Bangladesh ' for coming up with an excellent initiative to discover and preserve our heritage sites.
Bappi Sadhu
Islamic University, Kushtia 

***The opinions expressed in these letters do not necessarily represent the views of the Star Weekend. Photo: courtesy