Feature



Muntaser Rahman Abir

Dear readers, we belong to a country where traditionally we have not enjoyed much of a success. Moreover, we haven't adapted the culture of 'thanking others'. But I am sure you can take some time out to thank this country and the countrymen.

By nature we are self-centered, always devoted to our personal benefit. We do not get much of a chance to celebrate the achievements or be inspired by our countrymen, who are involved in great deeds.

Our country has given us few reasons to celebrate success, like the language movement, the liberation war, our scholars and their brilliant achievements, our cricket team who won against Australia and Pakistan, our athletes winning medals and very recently Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank winning the Nobel Peace prize, the greatest achievement by a Bangladeshi. Still, our achievements in the negative aspects are much more highlighted the positive ones. Rotten by corruption, shredded by terrorism, poverty, illegal residents abroad, natural disasters and many other stories like this are fodder for the western media.

We are so pessimistic a nation that the great act of honesty by one of our brothers, Osman Chowdhury, who is a cab driver in New York, has gone unnoticed. About a month ago he returned a bag carrying 31 diamond rings to the passenger who had mistakenly left it in his cab. Almost all the news channels and dailies in New York highlighted him, whereas people hardly know about it over here. While our media is busy covering how many politicians are barred, how many deer, peacock and snakes have been recovered, they knowingly or unknowingly ignored this great act by a minor Bangladeshi who is fighting to survive in a totally different environment away from home. When our corrupt leaders and government officials are on the news for grabbing people's property and money illegally, a person battling hard with his life set the best possible example of honesty and dignity. He had the willpower to evade the greed of thirty expensive gems, teaching a lesson to those who live as slave to their greed. Our parliament members are so financially unstable that they can't control their temptation for relief goods, but the person who barely earns few dollars can easily overlook million dollar jewels. Osman Chowdhury not only provided us the chance to celebrate this awesome act but also provided us an occasion to feel proud as a Bangladeshi. He proved that we Bangladeshi's can also be in news that will amaze everyone. Thank you Mr. Osman, thank you.

Media and Communication
Independent University Bangladesh