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      Volume 11 |Issue 26| June 29, 2012 |


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Letters

A Road Map to Destruction

The cover story published on June 22, is a matter of great public concern. I would like to thank the Star to bring this issue to light. The article depicted the sufferings of the common people living in the capital. The sufferings of the people reach its zenith during the monsoon. It creates terrible traffic jams as the concerned authorities do not arrange an alternative source of movement both for the people and vehicles. At home people suffer from the shortage of gas, electricity and water. So basically, people are in trouble both at home and outside. The cover story tells us that the authorities have been ignorant of the sufferings of people. In my opinion, the delays in the road take place due to the lack of transparency and accountability at all levels of the Dhaka City Corporation. I would like to request the government and other stakeholders to try to resolve this issue as it continues to be a grave concern.

Md Musfikur Rahman Jony
Baneswar, Rajshahi


The Rent Spiral

I have been living in a rented apartment with my family since 1996. I, therefore, can understand the difficulties of tenants staying in apartments in Dhaka. Though some tenants curse their house-owners for being rude to them, my landlord, however, is extremely nice and courteous.

The Rent Control Department of our Government doesn't function properly and favours the house owners in any dispute regarding the increase in rent, discouraging tenants to go to the court. As a result, "The Rent Spiral" goes on. Such problems can be solved if the landlords and tenants maintain a good relationship. Lack of communication can only make the problem worse.

Abul Ashraf Noor
Uttara, Dhaka


A Humanitarian Crisis

We have to remain vigilant of the events taking place in Myanmar. These kinds of issues can destablise a nation. Although we aren't obligated towards providing the Rohingyas with shelter, in my opinion we should help the refugees. These are one of those times when humanity should prevail over politics. It's true that Bangladesh itself is struggling due to the lack of resources and other internal problems; however, by helping the Rohingyas, we can set a good example before the entire world.

Sabidin Ibrahim
Dept of English
University of Dhaka


Playful Dogs and Wary Cats

This letter is in response to an article published on June 15, 2012, entitled “Playful Dogs and Wary Cats.” The well-written article made me realise how poorly animals in this country are treated. What many don't know is that apart from providing noble principles for us, Islam has also set guidelines regarding the treatment of animals. A hadeeth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states that a lady was punished because she imprisoned a cat and was responsible for its death. The doors of heaven were closed for her since she neither gave it food nor water, [Bukhari Vol.4, Book 56, #689]. Another hadeeth narrates the tale of how a woman was forgiven for her sins, as she drew water, for a thirsty dog, from a well. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) even said that there is a reward for serving animals or any other living beings. I'd like to end my letter with another saying from the Quran, "Allah, the most Merciful, showers mercy and kindness to those who are kind. So you have mercy on the people of the earth, you will receive mercy from the one who is in the heavens." I hope the article makes people realise the pain that the street animals endure and do their best to treat them with compassion.

Anika Nawal Ahmed
Dhanmondi, Dhaka


Tax on Public Transport

The middle and lower income groups in the city suffer while commuting within the capital. An affordable and comfortable transport service is almost non-existent. Majority of the city dwellers depend on rented vehicles in order to commute which are extremely expensive.

The public bus service doesn't cover all the areas in the city. In addition, women and children find it extremely difficult to travel by bus. Low-cost rickshaws have also been barred, in a bid to control the traffic.

Amidst the scenario, many people expected the government to reduce the import duty on CNG-run baby-taxis, in this year's budget. It was also expected that the officials concerned would withdraw the administrative restrictions to increase the availability of these vehicles in Dhaka. However, the budget did not propose any such changes.

I urge the MPs to amend the proposed budget to incorporate these changes, as I believe that they can make a huge difference.

Md Ashraf Hossain
Central Bashabo, Dhaka



Photo: Amirul Rajiv

Friend or Foe?

The cover story, "Friend or Foe?" published on June 8, 2012, shocked me to a huge extent. In my opinion, the police force has hit a new low! The public can no longer depend on them for their grievances. I blame the ruling administration for the decline in the standards of policing in the capital. They are not free to perform their duties independently and are always under pressure. I hope that the law enforcement agencies can come out of this dire state.

Md Shah Alom
English Department
Govt Saadat University College
Tangail

***

I thank the Star for their story entitled “Friend or Foe?". The attacks on journalists and the sexual harassment of a 15-year-old girl have eroded the people’s trust in the police. The manner in which our Home Minister reacted to these incidents was extremely shocking. How can she say that the law and order situation is much better than before?

If authorities concerned do not take any action, the law enforcement agencies will be encouraged to commit many more crimes.

Our law enforcement agencies such as the police, RAB etc. were established to cater to our needs. However, lately it seems as though they are following the instructions of various political leaders. I hope this scenario improves for the better and that the home ministry takes the right steps.

Mostafa Al Mahmud (Mamun)
Department of BBA
Chittagong University


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Letters to the Editor, Star 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 The Star welcomes unsolicited articles and photographs, it cannot accept the responsibility of their loss or damage. The Star does not return unsolicited articles and photos. Response time for unsolicited write-ups ranges from three weeks to two months. All articles submitted are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity.

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