Star Diary

LOVE GONE IN VAIN

I thought I would celebrate Valentine's Day by participating at the 'Clean-up Dhaka' event organised by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). What could be a better way to celebrate the day of love than express my love for my city? However, the scene that greeted me when I went to the designated venue was disheartening! The place was crowded and littered to the tilt. Dirty, smelly hay was stacked in one corner while plastic cups and wrappers were carelessly strewn around the place. I fail to understand what love we've shown to our city through such a 'dirty' gesture? While returning home, I realised that in our country it's usually words that are bigger than actions. 
Shumi Ahmed 
Dhanmandi, Dhaka

ADDED PRESSURE

My parents have been urging me to start some extra-curricular activities alongside my studies. I am a student of class 9, and will be giving my O-levels in a couple of years. So the pressure of studies is already overwhelming. Moreover, I have to attend coaching classes in the evening, and often play football with my friends on weekends, as that's my only respite after a whole week of hard work. Now, my parents want me to join the debate or music club so that it could "enhance" my university applications. I know that I won't be able to handle another activity but who will explain that to my parents? I wish parents and teachers would understand that there is only so much that we students can do. 
Arif Mirza 
Mirpur, Dhaka