Letters
The Music Invasion
I want to thank SWM and Hana Shams Ahmed for the praiseworthy cover story 'Breaking the Musical Status Quo' (February 16, 2007). When band music started stagnating, the young generation of our country started showing their interest in western and Hindi music that had a negative impact on our culture.
A few talented artists entered the music arena and turned the whole thing around. Nowadays Bangla songs have once again taken hold of the music scene with its mindblowing lyrics and innovative use of technology. I am very fond of Bappa Majumder's aesthetically pleasing music compositions. Some other new sensations are also doing very well. Our musicians have the potential to compete with the best from the western and Indian counterparts. There is no reason to be so hypocritical about the use of technology in music. Many people spoke against it but ultimately were pleased with the end results. But piracy should be stopped as it is destroying opportunities.
Jewel Rana
BAU, Mymensingh
***
'Breaking the Musical Status Quo' was an interesting cover story by Hana Shams Ahmed dealing with the new developments in the music industry. I remember when I went abroad for higher studies, Andrew Kishor, Kumar Biswajit, Tapan Chowdhury, Shubhro Dev, Azam Khan, Miles, etc were sharing the power of the music world in Bangladesh.
Last year, when I visited the country, I had to accept the changed scene. My once favourite tunes have been replaced with new beats. It is really nice to see the Bangladeshi music industry existing in its own style in spite of an invasion of the Bollywood film songs. New technology, new producers, private TV channels and mobile phone operators have contributed to the music scene of Bangladesh. It is also nice to see the FM radio stations playing a major role in popularising music.
Bangladesh is a music-loving country. Probably, no nation sings so often. The marriage between the FM radio stations and today's new music industry will surely insure a 'happy life'.
Kamil Khan
Varby, Sweden
Lack of Trained Teachers
Teaching is one of the most dignified professions. Unfortunately, even the leading schools in Dhaka city lack qualified teachers. Owing mainly to financial reasons, those that are qualified, switch over from teaching to other professions. And those who remain lack proficiency. They instruct their students in a very stereotypical manner.
In the developed countries, there are monthly and yearly courses for the teachers which include practical tests where they take classes of the students under observation of the concerned authority. These children are being taught by well-informed and qualified mentors. There are very few teachers in Bangladesh who have attained such degrees ( i.e. B.Ed and M.Ed). The concerned authorities in our country should take the matter into consideration.
Zihad Azad
Kalabagan, Dhaka
Hail to Caretaker Government
The prime responsibility of the caretaker government is to create an environment for free, fair and credible parliamentary election so that every competing party can take part in the polls. Their endeavour in this regard is praiseworthy and they are moving in the right direction.
In a very short time the CG has shown its prudence in controlling the overall situation of the hapless country. As a student, I personally think that they have taken a bold step in restraining students and teachers from getting involved with politics.
The new CA has said that his government will fulfil all the pledges made and we hope they will be successful in removing all the thorns from the path of a fair election. In addition, bold and focused steps should be taken to address all the major tribulations that will set an example for the next elected government.
Md. Nuruzzaman Khan Hira
Dept. Of Applied Chemistry &
Chemical Technology, DU
Why this Unfair Treatment of Pilot?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has recently announced the 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup to be held in the West Indies. The chief selector Faruque Ahmed has said that he wants a balanced team with young and experienced players.
With due respect to the chief selector, I would like to say that it was really unfair to drop an experienced player like Khaled Mashud Pilot ahead of such an important tournament like the World Cup. I know that Pilot's recent form is against his inclusion of the team. However I must say that no other player is capable of replacing Pilot.
Pilot is a highly experienced cricketer and a genuine fighter. He can play crucial knocks at critical times as he has proved before. Dropping a player of his stature ahead of the World Cup is very unfortunate. Pilot has served for a long time in Bangladesh Cricket and he rightfully deserves an honourable farewell. I would like to request the BCB to include Khaled Mashud Pilot in the squad so that he can say goodbye to cricket in a respectable manner.
Nazmus Saquib
Bashaboo, Dhaka
Welcome, Dr Yunus
I consider it a blessing for Bangladesh that Nobel laureate Professor Dr Yunus is entering the political arena. He is the icon of an inspiration that, if we wish to do something we have the aptitude to make it a reality. His personal letter to the citizens published in The Daily Star (12 February, 2007) is a reflection of the long-cherished hope of the people of this country. A new generation political party with radical ideas to change the society from poor to a prosperous one is the necessity of the time. I hope people will support Dr Yunus to establish a party which will always consider the people's feelings first and foremost.
In democracy, good governance as well as mutual understanding between political parties is always needed and I hope Dr Yunus will introduce a new era of accomplishment and harmony among the parties. Let us dream for a society where poverty and corruption will exist but only in the showcase of the museum.
Amzad Hossain
Dept. of English, DU
Cheers for Yaatri!
Progress is an incumbent part of our life and it is really good to see the evolution of Bangla music. The sudden sprout of talented Bangla musicians like Fuad, Rajib, Kazi, Topu and many more proves that we can also make great music.
Their efforts to promote the music industry in our country is a success. Their work will surely bind a person, as it has done to me, to grow passion to listen to music and love them. I hope they will always keep on entertaining us with their creations. The work done by Yaatri was a unique piece of work and a treat for people who love soft music. The melody, tunes and lyrics were very touching. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all these music promoters and wish them the very best for the future.
Kamrul
Lalbagh
CORRIGENDUM
In the cover story 'New Wave Music' published on February 16, 2007, the acronym for MAP was given Musicians Against Piracy. It should actually read Movement Against Piracy. The mistake is regretted.
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