Letters
Good Effort by Tigers
The tigers have roared once again after a long period of inconsistency. For the first ODI triumph most credit goes to Siddons for his encouraging power and for always working with a positive frame of mind, which motivated and spurred on the players to bring the long-awaited victory from the Kiwis. In fact everyone expected Bangladesh to be completely washed out in the series, as many of the ace batsmen were absent. But absence of those players could not stop the first ODI victory.
In their first test match, the first three days were under their (Tigers') control. It's very important for us to win a test match in order to bring back the spirit of players. They have the guts to battle well in the ODIs with any team but they are still not strong enough to do well in a test match. No doubt this will give them a surge of confidence to do well more consistently, who knows, they may even win the World Cup at some time.
Hasnat
AIUB , Nikunja-2, KhilKhet
The Markets and the Government
A country's economy is closely related to its government. Throughout history, the type of government has greatly influenced the shape of a country's economy and the ability of its people to produce wealth.
But in the 18th and 19th centuries the Industrial Revolution brought about a great expansion of manufacturing. Machine power began to replace human and animal power. By the 19th century mercantilism was disappearing as businesspeople came to believe that government interference in trade and industry was harmful. They wanted to run their own affairs. This policy of little or no government control was called laissez-faire, a French phrase meaning “leave alone.” Adam Smith, a Scottish economist, promoted the idea of laissez-faire.
As a result we see that at the beginning in 1929 and lasting for about a decade, the Great Depression was an economic crisis on a global scale. It started from the United States, but it quickly spread to countries throughout the world. The result was a level of poverty, hunger, and homelessness that the country had never before seen.
But the present time we are seeing another crisis developing in the global economy. Many experts have said that it's the result of a free market economy. This economic crisis started from the United States and gradually spread out to many countries.
Today we are seeing the American government and also the government of the developed countries trying to interfere in their market. The market will be amended by itself and the balance of supply and demand will come automatically. Unfortunately no one believes these words anymore. Everyone is trying to implement an effective interference into the market.
Ali Ahmad Rubel
Department of Economics
M.C. College Sylhet
Death of Art and Literature
It is indeed true that a nation is known by its cultural heritage. In this aspect, Bangladesh has a wealth of folk songs, art and literature. It's also true that if a nation wants to stand up with dignity they will have to save their art world. A nation or civilisation may be destroyed but their trace of culture should live forever.
But it is a matter of great sadness that some obstinate fundamentalists have broken down the Lalon sculpture in the name of religion. I fail to understand how the sculptures can possibly hurt religious sentiments. It is a piece of art, which is a symbol of tradition or culture of our country. The government should have investigated this matter and found out what the real reason behind their objection was.
Md. Maidul Islam
MSS (Sociology), CU
***
It's a matter of great sorrow that religions zealots have once again shown their intolerance towards our culture and heritage. It seems that these people have a very strong voice on the goings-on of our country. These religious bigots are a threat to all our cultural activities and free thinkers of the country. But it is not clear to us how these people have managed to make such threats under the emergency and the government gave in so meekly.
If we look at the present situation of our country it becomes very clear that this army backed caretaker government isn't taking the necessary steps against these extremists. Their silence makes us confused. The Army Chief and the Chief Advisor of the caretaker government always delivers popular speeches on our glorious freedom fighters. But why are they so inactive, when our dream of 1971 is being destroyed by anti-liberation forces?
No doubt, Lalon, a vital part of our heritage, has an immense influence on our cultures. But the demand of these bigots are against our non-communal Bangladesh. They try to disturb this pre-election situation and become an obstacle in the way of democracy. The government should take strong steps against them.
Golam Rosul Maruf
Amar Ekushay Hall
University of Dhaka
Regarding 'Sports-Car crimes'
I have a profound belief that the articles published on Star Diary are non-fiction but was deeply shocked by the concoction on the semblance of truth by Anthea Taplette on her article 'Sports-car crimes'. She says that she heard people saying that the chotpotiwala was dead and also saw a toy in his hand from her balcony; quite unusual! The police usually cover and then carry the corpse, unlike dragging openly and mercilessly letting her see the toy. The crash produced great intensity of sound as the writer said but surprisingly, not that much damage to either the car or the driver as he/she sped away. How? And why was the ‘chotpotiwala' holding the toy in his hand? Did he know from beforehand that he would not be able to pass it on to his grandson or was he holding it throughout the day instead of selling chotpoti? People should keep their commitment to presenting the truth while writing non-fiction.
Newton Ahmed
Sarker Bari
Golora
Manikgonj
Announcement
We have changed our email address. Our new email address is <thestarmagazine@gmail.com>. Please write to us at our new address from now on.
Submission Guideline:
Letters to the Editor, Dhaka Diary and Write to Mita, with the writer's name and address, should be within 200 words. All articles should be within 1,200 words. A cover letter is not necessary, but every write-up should include the writer's name, phone number and email address (if any). While SWM welcomes unsolicited articles and photographs, it cannot accept the responsibility of their loss or damage. SWM does not return unsolicited articles and photos. Response time for unsolicited write-ups range from three weeks to two months. All articles submitted are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity.
All materials should be sent to: Star Weekend Magazine, 19 Karwan Bazar, Dhaka-1215, Fax: 880-2-8125155 or emailed to: <starweekendmag@gmail.com>
It is recommended that those submitting work for the first time to the SWM take a look at a sample copy beforehand. Our website is: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2008
