Star Diary

FLYING FREE

My sister and I are both animal-lovers. Ever since we got our first house cat, we have been avidly rescuing and rehabilitating animals. I would have to admit that my sister's passion and love towards animals is far greater than mine. And this, I learned early on. Since I was quite young, I would watch my sister do something every Pahela Baishakh. She and I would always be very frustrated about the selling of birds on the streets. These little birds, of different breeds and sizes, would be caged throughout the day, only to be sold to homes who would again keep them caged up. So every Bengali New Year, my sister would purchase a cage with a bird or two, and then she would take them up to the roof and release them. The ecstasy with which the birds would spread their wings and fly would bring a magnificent smile on her face. Some of these birds actually still come and visit us! This beautiful act was one of the reasons I joined her in the quest to save animals. 
Sumaiya Idriss
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

WOES AND SACRIFICES OF BANKER

One of my banker friends who is working in a second generation banker told me that he is still uncertain he could celebrate the Eid with his family members. He has long been dreaming to pass the holidays with his beloved family. His home district is in the northern parts of the country which is far away and it involves huge hassle regarding money and time. Most of the time, he avoids home going due for these reasons. He gets few chances to go to his ancestral home, and chooses the Eid holidays as the perfect time frame. To avoid the ticket hassle, he booked tickets earlier this time, during Eid Ul Fitr. However, later he came to know that he had to do office in between the holidays for special purposes, for the greater interest of the nation as instructed by higher authorities. He had changed the ticket dates twice and to get this ticket he had to chase after sellers for several days. He was not in a position to sell the ticket and so he had to bear the loss of buying the ticket earlier. His family members were counting days for when their beloved member will come. When he informed them that he would be unable to come home during Eid holidays, they were disappointed. He gave them solace saying that he will surely join them for the upcoming Eid ul Azha holidays. This hasn't just happened with my friend, but is a common scenario for most of the Bankers. They have to be vigilant during the holidays to keep rotating the wheels of economy and interest of the country by sacrificing their personal lives.
Md Zonaed Emran
The Farmers Bank Ltd