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     Volume 6 Issue 43 | November 9, 2007 |


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Dhaka Diary

Cursed Children

A few months ago I came across a newspaper article about two students. Both of them were S.S.C candidates but they were not allowed to sit for the examinations. Later on, however, the boy got to give the exams but the girl could not. In fact, the girl apparently had a very difficult time continuing with her studies. The reason behind this is that both of them are illegitimate and could not write the names of their fathers on the registration form. I simply cannot understand why the Education Board is unaware of the fact that every body in this country has a right to education, and it does not matter what their identity is. Those children were born out of rape and nobody has any right to curse them for the acts of some hooligans. People should urge the government to take steps for the well being of these children. These children came to this world through violence; we can ensure at least that they can live with love.

Sumaiya Taimur
Stamford University, Bangladesh


The Other Side of the Policeman

As I was hurrying for my class the other day. I was mumbling away cursing the policeman marooning the entire traffic. Being familiar with the usual portrait of the police, I could never believe what had happened before my eyes. A small girl wearing shabby clothes was trying to cross the road with her handicapped brother on a wheel chair. It was clear that the wheelchair was too heavy for her to push. All her attempts proved futile when the policeman came forward to help. He not only made the poor siblings cross the road but also gave them a ten-taka note. My thoughts about the police instantly changed.

Imran Hasan Siddiqui
Maple Leaf International School

 


Diary from Rajshahi

A Poor Man's Ordeal

Last Ramadan, I had gone to buy halim from a nearby shop where they were selling different kinds of snacks and delicacies for iftar. While one of the men inside the store was preparing my halim for me, a poor old man came forward and requested the shopkeeper to give him some begunis worth two takas. No one was paying any him attention. I looked at the old man and saw unshed tears in his eyes. They also showed dejection and humiliation at the fact that he could not even earn his own keep let alone afford a plateful of meal a day. I requested the shopkeeper to give him a full meal for iftar and that I was gong to pay for it. The old man looked at me with gratitude and surprise.

Jafrin Jahed Jiti
Chittagong Medical College

 

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