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     Volume 5 Issue 116 | October 13, 2006 |


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Dhaka Diary

Riding on Local Buses
terrible woes a dash of humour
The incident took place a few months ago, when summer was in full swing. After waiting for long hours at the bus station, a bus came along. All the waiting commuters were jostling to get a place in it. Luckily, I managed to board it, which was teeming with people as many were still trying to get inside. A passenger next to me asked the conductor, “Bhai, don't board anymore, it's already difficult to breathe in here.” A man at the door scathingly remarked, "If you had been waiting in the scorching sun for hours you'd be wanting to board a bus as crowded as this one. Besides, Bhai, why don't you get down and let me sit?"
The man not to be defeated quipped, "No, no, hop in, on your stump. And you'd better leave your feet outside, there isn't even room for feet inside."
Meher Chowdhury

Great Expectations
Bangladesh, although a developing country, is heavily dominated by males in every field. Although living in the 21st century, we still believe that a male child brings honour whereas a girl brings nothing but trouble. For instance, our security guard took a break from work to visit his newborn child. But when he came back, his face was gloomy! When I asked him the reason behind this, he said that his wife gave birth to a girl! He also added that a boy could support his parents when they are too old to work, whereas daughters bring nothing but poverty and sadness. Even my grandmother doesn't seem to be very fond of my sisters and adores me and my other male cousins. I think both boys and girls should be treated equally and fairly. This discrimination is a big factor that has been hindering the development of our beloved country since liberation, and this has to be stopped at once!
Redwan Islam Orittro
Maple Leaf Int. School

Diary from Chittagong
Behaving with one's teachers

Iam a student of first year Science Chittagong College. Last week, I had a bitter experience. While waiting for my math class to begin, I saw our English lecturer on his way to class when suddenly a reckless boy pushed him. The boy was probably in a hurry and did not recognise the teacher. It is the norm in our culture to respect our elders. But the boy rudely tried to defend himself and asked the teacher who he was. The lecturer slapped the boy then and there and said, "I am a human being, is that not enough?"
I was very shocked at this behaviour and ashamed that I belonged to his generation.

Samira Jahn
Chittagong College

 

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