The Curly haired boy

litospherseThe Curly haired boyAshim Kumar Paul

I saw him having curly hair
Around nine or ten,
By the shrilly highway, under a tree
Selling books and pen.
Having been marvelled, spell-bound
Seeing the enchanting eyes,
Rejoiced face, black, shiny, curly hair
Appear all fair and nice.
Reflects like sunbeam his hair
Effulgent, curly, black,
As though clears the craggy path
With its mighty pluck.
His eyes like the gleaming moon
Float all of our woes,
Taking us to the Lethe forgetting grief
The blissful world shows.
Swathed, truly, in his alluring smile
Let me in heavenly amity,
Afflatus, insentience growing in heart
Tidy up on earth the lethal pity.
 

“Take a book for knowledge
Take it for pleasure”,
Loudly calling he as much possible
Despite being away them far.

A world of love, aspiration and dream hiding that of pains
I ferreted out on his eyes,
‘Lead the family, by removing the poverty
Happiness must again rise’.
Flows of tears trickling down my cheeks
Finding his ceaseless dream,
Wherever the desired lantern he seeks
Hiding his scream.
 I fear not to dare how long he can bear this massive weight
How long be deprived of inborn rights,
Against the gruesome, loathsome fiends
How long can continue his fights.
Day after day with a long restless night
Question myself lacking answer,
“Oh Mother! tell me the heyday of equality
Remains how far? Still how far? To view its internet edition, please click the following link: The Curly Haired Boy

 

Might is Right

Might is Right

One of my acquaintances had gone to his university administrative office to amend some errors on his graduate certificate many times. But each time he visited the office with a hope of receiving the amended copy, he got frustrated by the questionable conduct of the officials. At the last meeting, he asked the concerned official whether he would get the authorised paper this time as he badly needed it. Now the official looked exasperated and made him wait for a long time.

Just then, my acquaintance observed that the official engaged in conversation over cell-phone had made some slip-ups on another paper. Thus, he modestly requested the official to work with his paper thoroughly. The official was infuriated and spoke out that he would not amend the copy before the Durga Puja vacation. My acquaintance was stunned. He requested the official over and over again to complete the task but the enraged official was inflexible. At that time, a leader of a student wing who was also his classmate appeared at the place and asked my acquaintance about the matter. Then, the student leader chided the official for his delinquency and asked him to accomplish the job as soon as possible. This time the official changed his colour. At first he tried to show some legal hindrances but later he assured that he would finish his duty within a short period.

It is sad that a polite request has no meaning for these people and only crude words get the job done.

Ashim Kumar Paul

Government Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to view its internet edition: Might is Right

Our precious jewels

Our precious jewels

Every year, through the reports of some socially committed newspapers, we come to know of some underprivileged students who exhibit real talent in the public examinations, despite being deprived of the basic rights and opportunities which a student must be given. Rather, they constantly have to fight to survive and continue their education. Many have to bear the load of their family and the expenses of their studies by pulling rickshaws, working at the hotels and restaurants or working as domestic help, etc. However, despite the grand exhibition of their merit, many of them end up discontinuing their studies as they do not have financial support. Though some non-profit organisations and benevolent people come forward to help, most of these underprivileged students remain deprived and as a result, their dreams begin to fade. We must come forward to inspire our precious jewels and help to make their dreams come true.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Click the following link to see its internet edition: http://www.thedailystar.net/forum/2011/August/readers.htm

When Humanity Falls Apart

When Humanity Falls Apart

News of road mishaps has become more frequent than even. But, the lack of proper actions following the horrific accidents is aiding the recklessness of the drivers. Moreover, the malevolent attitude towards the victims forces one to question the sense of humanity left among us.

A private car driver I know had undergone a deadly mishap and its dismal consequences about two months ago. The dreadful accident took place on the Bangabandhu Multipurpose Bridge, as a truck had violently hit it. He was badly injured and was stuck inside the car. What happens by and large after such an event is that people flock around the accident spot. But shockingly enough, the hands these people lent were not to help him out but to snatch his belongings away! While the wounded driver was consistently crying out for help, these people kept on robbing him off, ignoring the call of humanity.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna.

Please click the following link to view its internet edition:  http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/07/01/diary.htm

Inept Professionalism

Inept Professionalism

 

Watching movies, accompanied by family, relatives or friends in cinema hall, is a great source of entertainment. But since last few years, the quality of films and noxious environment at the cinema halls have largely depleted this fashion. Nonetheless, a few cinema complexes, displaying refined films along with providing decent entertaining environment, are working out well to bring the audience back. But lack of efficient customer service and professionalism, as I experienced a couple of weeks ago, may trim this laudable effort off.

My friends and I went to a reputed Cineplex of Dhaka to watch 'Amar Bondhu Rashed, We reached the ticket-counter following a short queue. After talking about the prices, I asked the salesman if any offer or discount was available on the entry tickets. He simply replied 'No'. While we were about to pay the price, he suddenly informed us that a pop-corn cone or a glass of soft drink would be given if one had a connection of a specific mobile phone operator. As three of us used that operator's connection, we asked him about the offer. But his answer startled us all. The tickets, since, were already printed and therefore, the offer could not be given! Though we reminded him over and over about his error that deprived us of the special offer, our words went unheard!

These multiplexes are a welcome addition to the entertainment industry. But the concerned authorities should make sure that their service matches the cinema hall's sophistication.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Please click the following link to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/06/03/diary.htm

Heal the ailing Root:Final Part

Heal the ailing Root

Ashim Kumar Paul - April 11th, 2011

(From previous  issue)

In comparison with the existing status of private universities, the concerned higher authorities of public universities, many think, are highly expected to disapprove of the way of student-politics. Yes, the statistics about the private institutions is true but on the same, it should not be forgotten that most of our leading national political leaders and positively social movers as well as personalities are the creation of public institutions and had kept themselves engaged in and move for various kinds of national, political and socio-economic issues and worked for the student political wings from their study institutions. As their contribution to our national policy is worthwhile, the significance of student politics can neither be denied nor be taken out indeed.

Regardless of the present worsened condition of student politics in various higher educational institutions and their residential halls, student politics must be held in high esteem for its bright prospect in the ground of our national socio-politic and economic interests. It is student politics which can only bring about positive changes in the traditional outlook and movement of our national politics. Only rejoiced and spirited youths can be able to establish the true image of Bangladesh. Student politics, since, is considered the focal root of our national politics and its progress, necessary steps are now gravely required.

Although the present election commission has recommended the political parties to snap off any link with the wings of students (and such malpractice is also unwelcome to many minds), most of student wings are still propped up by the main political groups. Therefore, all political parties need to head for taking effective and sufficient steps to amend the prevailing status of student politics and to ensure for making our educational institutions a better place for learning and creative horizon and for the sake of creating competent and dedicated national leaders. 

Besides, cutting off the clandestine connection between the major parties and their students’ wings, encouraging meritorious, competent and liberal students to join and work for, meticulously maintaining order and discipline in student parties, ignoring nepotism and other bigotry, for instances, should be added to the vision of student politics. Also the authorities of educational institutions own some responsibilities to ensure the better practices of students’ politics. Organizing the students’ union election in right time, allotting the seats in residential halls based on not the political pros but on the merits, forbidding the external political activists on campus etc. can be stood as the right decisions for an enhanced and stable educational environment. I would like to conclude this write-up with my facebook bio where I have penned: “I am such like a man who is standing in the central line between optimism and pessimism—- often inspired by optimism and sometimes captivated by pessimistic views.” But as for a country of bright prospect in the ground of economy, (Ended)

Ashim Kumar Paul
A final year student of
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna.
Email: ashim_meghdutt@yahoo.com

Click the following link to read its internet edition: http://www.thekushtiatimes.com/11/04/2011/heal-the-ailing-root-2/

Heal the ailing Root: Part-01

Student Politics

Heal the ailing Root

Ashim Kumar Paul - March 21st, 2011

There is no doubt that today student politics has almost been corrupted and taken in. Nearly everyday are noticed the news of campus violence and its ultimate consequences as well from the printing and electronic media. In the wake of such repeatedly appalling incidents, the environment for proper education is also being contaminated and session-jam, intimidating educational environment and insecurity of both the teachers and learners have come visible. Besides, the image of the government is getting held back due to the tarnished activities in various educational institutions in the name of student politics especially as the wing of the ruling party.

But these are not the true spirit and aim of student politics at all. If we remember our historic language movement, it was the then students’ society which came ahead to voice out against the browbeaten choice of the ruling government. Similarly, student politics continued its exertion in the crucial moments of 1962, 66 and 69 which consequently generated the spirit of freedom and birth of this nation in 1971. Even during our glorious Liberation War, our students actively involved themselves keeping hands on hands to free the motherland and its people from the shackles of the inhuman Pakistani forces. Notwithstanding the glory and highly regarded status of our student politics, it is now a matter of shame that we are to see the snaps of student activists carrying arms and mercilessly assaulting other groups or individual!

Thus, reviewing the prevailing scenario, many concerned veteran personalities opine that student politics in educational institutions must be banned to restore the normalcy and congeniality to learning arena. But banning student politics can, in no way, be termed the right solution. It would be apparent as if to cut off your head is to get rid of your headache! Even if it is obvious that student politics has roughly gone astray and is mostly misguided by some morally bankrupt people, it should be neither banned in nor removed from the educational institution. Like the ailing plant, student politics now requires intensive care and to be nourished.

However, it is often argued that as the private universities are altogether free from the malpractice of student politics, they enjoy the privilege of healthy and hospitable educational environment, session jam free education system and tight sanctuary for their learners. In comparison with the existing status of private universities, the concerned higher authorities of public universities, many think, are highly expected to disapprove of the way of student-politics. Yes, the statistics about the private institutions is true but on the same, it should not be forgotten that most of our leading national political leaders and positively social movers as well as personalities are the creation of public institutions and had kept themselves engaged in and move for various kinds of national, political and socio-economic issues and worked for the student political wings from their study institutions. As their contribution to our national policy is worthwhile, the significance of student politics can neither be denied nor be taken out indeed.

Regardless of the present worsened condition of student politics in various higher educational institute

Ashim Kumar Paul
A final year student of
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna.
Email: ashim_meghdutt@yahoo.com

Click the following link to read its internet edition: http://www.thekushtiatimes.com/21/03/2011/heal-the-ailing-root/

Eve teasing: Fall of Humanity

Ashim Kumar Paul - November 29th, 2010

As an engulfing social curse, eve teasing has, in recent times, appeared as a deadly phenomenon with its lethal paws at different corners of Bangladesh. Almost everyday newspapers are covered with the shocking news of such dreadful brutality towards the women community. 

Today, eve teasing is not confined to the verbal abuse on the women only. They are exposed to physical harassment even while they are on the way to their educational institutions, work-places or other destination. As a matter of fact, no place is completely secure for the women. However, the hands of the teasers have lavishly been so forceful that the members of such vulnerable community even feel insecure at their own house. Thus, extremely insecure at both home and outside, the helpless parents are mostly compelled to either stop their study or get them married off! Besides, those utterly vulnerable girls sometimes are forced to commit suicide to get rid of the torment forever!

There are certain number of reasons behind the viciously expansion of these social diseases. It may be guessed that erosion of religious and moral values, social injustice, laxity of family bonds and norms, reckless growth of cyber world with no assurance of security, socio-economic dwindling culture etc. are vehemently responsible for degenerating the minds of some young people. It is really conspicuous that with the aggression of western satellite culture and thriving development of information technology, our social, moral and religious values are now mostly on the wane. Moreover, some people have chosen the negative flank of tech-benediction instead of the positive one. And the technology based advantages are over and over abused to strangulate the bright prospects as well as luminous dreams of many girls.

Though the victim in few cases comes forward to protest the humiliation she faces, most of the occurrences are hardly focused. Besides, the offended girl can scarcely find the society beside her in the critical moment. Often she is unjustly blamed for the harassment she has to endure. In most cases, she is even coerced into withdrawing the allegations lodged against the felons. Otherwise, the security of her life and her family is at stake. It is obviously notable that most of the gangs of teasers are almost directly or indirectly involved in the native politics. As a result, they also enjoy the privilege from their political godfathers.

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair”, a famous line extracted from Macbeth, one of the masterpieces by the greatest dramatist William Shakespeare, can here be applied to illustrate the spoiled mentality of those people who are incessantly keeping the valuable lives turn into a dark hole and creating hindrance in the way of progress. Their pesky activities or ill-treatment with the opposite community gives them a perverted pleasure. In practice, their sense of morality and humanity has been occupied by the outright abhorrent psyche.

It is concurred by all with the fact that the development of an entire country requires the equal participation of both male and female communities in the developing sectors and hence, to speed up the wheels of progress, their rights, security and evaluation should be maintained in the same manner. But what we see now is nothing but a true reflection of inequality and socially victimisation of the female who can not pace with their male compeers due to eve teasing and other social tyrannies and injustice towards them.

To be a progressive nation, we need to purge the prevailing curses from the society resulting in our retreat from the path of humanity as well as development. Hence, to eliminate the root of this social curse from our society and make a secure place for the womanhood, we need to change ourselves; our perverted attitude to women should be transformed into humanity. I must believe we can do this standing on our head!

Ashim Kumar Paul

4^th year student of

Department of English

Govt. Edward College, Pabna.

Email: ashim_meghdutt@yahoo.com

Click the following link to view its internet edition: http://www.thekushtiatimes.com/29/11/2010/eve-teasing-fall-of-humanity/

Arable land on the decline

Arable land on the decline

The population of Bangladesh is constantly on the rise while the agricultural fields are declining alarmingly. Compared to the population growth and the basic needs of the people in order to maintain a moderate lifestyle, the situation of decreasing cultivable land is cause for anxiety.

Apart from the growing population, land-grabbing for trade and industry is the major concern for the diminution. In order to enhance their business, many commercial organisations try to occupy fertile lands in rural areas because of low prices in comparison to land in urban areas. In some cases, the owners are coerced into selling their land due to the continuous threat on their lives. As a result, both food security and natural balance are now at stake. Besides, due to their clandestine relationship with some unscrupulous administrative officials, many of these land grabbers escape legal consequences.

Though the ministry for land, reviewing the worsening picture of grabbing of arable land, is going to ordain an act that will sternly forbid any type of construction or non-agricultural establishments on agricultural land, it is expected that the act will not be limited to being on paper. It must be made effective as a law for the people.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Please click the link to see its internet edition: http://www.thedailystar.net/forum/2011/june/readers.htm 

Devoid of Decency

Devoid of Decency

It was the first day of the MA final exam that started from the first week of this month. The room was set silent and the invigilators seemed on their guard to avert any awkward experience. All of a sudden, one of my departmental seniors heard some sound. Being disturbed by the vague noise, he looked around but found nothing. He then resumed writing. Within few moments, he sensed that the sound was coming from the next candidate sitting just behind him. The man, posing as a deeply conscientious candidate, was clad in a full-sleeve shirt and was writing his answer script leaning on his left shoulder. Finally, my brother discovered that the sound was coming from a headphone of a cellular phone, tied up with his left arm under the long sleeve. The examinee was communicating with the other party to get help. Surprisingly, those watchful invigilators failed to catch the technological manipulation!


Though the modern communication technology has been contrived to provide privileges to the people for the fair, decent and best communication, a section of derailed students, with their abysmal mindset, are turning the wheel of this wonderful invention towards the pit of moral corrosion and gnawing away at its blazing rank.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Please click the given link to see its first appearance:http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/05/04/diary.htm

On the Eve of Pahela Baishakh

On the Eve of Pahela Baishakh

Ashim Kumar Paul

THE culture and heritage of Bangladesh have a long tradition in the social, economic and above all national context. They represent the bond that touches every heart of its people. Among the local and national festivities, Pahela Baishakh curves out its idiosyncratic sketch in the lives of the people of the country. In other words, Pahela Baishakh every year adds new colour, taste, fervour and inspiration to lead our life with renewed spirit.

However, it is noticeable that Pahela Baishakh is observed in Bangladesh with much more enthusiasm than any other national festival. Truly, it is a festival of the people from all walks of life. People of different religions, caste, culture, age, and political belief welcome the new day of the first month of Bangla year. Wearing new dresses and having Panta-Ilish, a traditional food of the country, are the age-old traditions of the day.

To make the day memorable as well as delightful, different social and cultural organisations feature various colourful events like Baishakhi Mela, cultural sessions and morning rallies. Of them, Baishakhi Mela is the embodiment of a social as well as cultural throng where different types of local and national traditional programmes like puppet show, nagordola etc are displayed.

Besides, Pahela Baishakh to the common people comes with a different kind of significance. The day epitomises the strong unity, warm brotherhood and above all a patriotic sense of love for their own culture and heritage. It is often argued that the young minds are now more inclined towards the western culture through the aggression of satellite culture, virtual web etc., and that they are showing a lack of interest in their own culture, tradition and heritage. But such notions do not often tell the whole truth. Those who raise these objections are perhaps not familiar with the festive mood of the national festivals, celebrated earnestly by the young generation.

Pahela Baishakh comes back to remove the debris of the past year, and to welcome all that is pure. As the day is a symbol of our national unity, amalgamation of our young minds and a display of our cultural heritage, the progress of our country cannot be far away from the desired goal. In fact, the appeal of Pahela Baishakh goes across the country with the renewed pledge to say goodbye to poverty, corruption and fundamentalism.

Please click the following link to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/campus/2010/04/03/feature_baishakh.htm

Fake Cellular Phones

Fake Cellular Phones

In Bangladesh, the mobile phone operators with their ceaseless efforts are toiling to bring the people under the umbrella of advanced communication technology. Along with the mobile phone operators, the world's top class cellular phone manufacturers, providing latest features through their products have successfully been able to create a niche market in Bangladesh.

But according to the news, the markets have outrageously been overstocked with fake cellular phones! A group of importers are involved in bringing fake phones to Bangladesh from China and other countries where the products of some leading mobile phone companies are manufactured. Since these devices are packed with many lucrative features and come in cheap prices and have fake warranty cards, many people are willing to purchase them. However, within a few months, these counterfeit phones begin to come apart. What is more upsetting is that not only are people being duped, but the government is also losing huge revenue and taxes on these items.

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers glued to these cellular phones, which are used to prevent from the theft and mugging, are also fake. As a result, the consumers are also deprived of hi-tech security. It is, thus, well expected from the BTRC to keep a lookout for these corrupt importers to secure the rights of consumers and the revenue of the government.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the following link to view the original look: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/05/letters.htm

In need is Indeed

In need is Indeed

With the advent, development and implementation of information technology in the banking system, it is now a matter of few seconds to withdraw money if a person has an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) card. Along with the success of the ATM card, many, like me, undergo some undesirable troubles in extracting money from the booth in some bleak moments that eclipse the growing status of this crucial facility.

It was mid-December when my friends invited me to join a recreational excursion in Bandarban, St. Martin and Cox's Bazar. As an ATM card holder of a reputed private bank, I decided to load the expenditures on my ATM card for safe transfer.

Following a dreary journey, I arrived at my friend's dormitory in Dhaka University where the rest of my friends gathered to set off. Since there was no ATM cash point in the hill tract district Bandarban and the coral island St. Martin, I decided to withdraw cash from my ATM card. Before the beginning of our journey to Bandarban via road transport, one of my friends and I watched out for an ATM booth. Within walking distance from the bus station, we found our looked-for cash booth. But we were unfortunate, as we were unable to withdraw our cash due to network-jam. Since there was no cash point nearby, we were, tragically, in a real quandary over the difficulty. Fortunately, other friends retained their money with them and we could ward off some probable hurdles during our tour. If money cannot be withdrawn in needed time, why do the authorities of the banks pledge their support for withdrawing money any time around 24 hours?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Click the given link to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/05/01/diary.htm

 

Unfair Fare

Unfair Fare

Photo: Zahedul I Khan

Riding vehicles often creates some bitter or repellent experiences especially if you are on the move via public transport. I too had to confront such a repulsive experience a few months ago. My masi (aunty) and I went to Dhaka via rail-transport with a view to visit her son who is a residential college student in Dhaka.

After stepping out of the railway station, I was looking for a CNG-run autorickshaw at its premises. I congratulated myself on being fortunate enough to catch one within a short moment. But the triumphant feeling did not take much time to be evaporated when we reached our destination. When I paid off the fare that appeared on the metre, the driver insisted on receiving an extra twenty taka from me. The more I reminded him of the rules and regulations ordained by the government lately, the more he became adamant in demanding additional pence and also began to jeer at and curse upon the decision of the government! He even threatened about getting no single CNG-run auto-rickshaw on the street in the coming days if we do not swallow up their deserving exigency. Compelled and embarrassed, I had to pay him what he demanded.

While our legislators are trying to abate the sufferings and harassment of the city-dwellers on streets, this type of mischievous CNG-run cab and auto-rickshaw drivers are, on the other side, found busy inventing new ways of bullying, compelling the passengers to meet their unlawful demand and blocking the transportation privileges as well!

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Please click the given link to see its first appearance: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/04/dhaka.htm

No More Tears!

No More Tears!

Photo: star File

With high expectation and great optimism, Bangladeshi cricket fans dreamt of the success of the Bangladeshi cricket team in the grand ICC Cricket World Cup tournament. But their exit from the group stage shattered the dreams, broke the hearts, and caused the stream of tears. Like all the fans, my heart was also cracked with sting and despair. But a flow of deliberation geared me up for being hopeful and proud as well!

Along with two other Asian cricket giants: India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh boasted of hosting eight matches with organising the magnificent opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup on its home-ground. It was a great opportunity for Bangladesh to uphold its culture and tradition before the world and we did it. Thus, displaying the picturesque illustration of our culture, heritage and traditional values arrested the appreciation of the viewers around the globe. Similarly, the beefed up security measures also made the event comfortable and secured.

Despite the disgraceful defeats, Tigers won against England, one of the trophy winning expectant teams, and other two teams. Two hosting cities were embellished with festive look and full of sporting fragrance. The grand festive buzz celebrated with ardent enthusiasm brought about the name and fame to our nation. In fact, it would not be exaggerated to say that we have earned much more for ourselves and for our loving country than what we have lost. So, it is time to embrace the achievements and let go of the failures and sorrow!

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Please click the following link to view its internet edition:  http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/03/diary.htm

Berserk Boys

Berserk Boys

A few weeks ago, an older brother of mine was going to attend a job interview at Banani. He recently completed his MBA from a private university and was incessantly looking for a job. As the job vacancies are not sufficient compared to the growing number of jobseekers, he, like others, became much tensed about his career.

Finally, he was called by a corporate house for a job interview. The day he was going for the interview via a bus, a set of students of a renowned college waved their hands to halt the bus to get in, when the bus was crossing the Mohakhali flyover. But since the bus was a 'gate lock' service, the driver overlooked their call.

Being infuriated, those students began to stone the bus. My brother was sitting beside the window of the bus and suddenly felt a piece of stone hit his forehead. Within few moments, a flow of blood was rolling down on his cheek. With the help of other passengers, he was rushed to an nearby hospital. He was lucky that his eyes dodged the stones. But unfortunately, he had missed the opportunity to meet the long cherished job-interview he had managed. It was the futile, despicable agitation and rampant attitude of those perverse students that not only left him physically injured but blighted the image of their own institution.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the link to see its internet version: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/01/diary.htm

No Respect for Rules

No Respect for Rules

A few days ago, I had gone to Dhaka just to attend the grand celebration of “Celebrating life-2010” with the theme 'Indomitable Bangladesh'. Notwithstanding some probable difficulties caused by political programmes, I had undertaken the journey. However, while enjoying the lively evening with a bouncy mood, I felt happy to see the patriotic sense of our people, especially that of our youth.

Following the jubilant evening, I headed out for my home by bus. Due to acute drowsiness, I soon fell asleep in the bus. Around two hours later when I woke up, I found the bus had stopped at a filling station. To wake up from my drowsiness, I got down and started walking around the station.

Meanwhile, I went to the fuel bank and began to talk to a staff member of the station. I came to know that the bus was being fuelled by CNG. I was staggered to a great extent since it was about 7 pm but the government has imposed constraint on selling CNG from 3 pm to 9 pm. I asked the vendor how they were doing such a deed that violated the government rules and regulations. He simply replied churi kore dicchi (that he was stealing)! Though his confession was candid and therefore commendable, it is really a matter of shame that all we do is think of ourselves disregarding the interest of our country itself.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna.

Click the following link to view its first appearance: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/12/03/diary.htm

Compromising Integrity

Compromising Integrity

About three weeks ago, I went to visit the holy place Shree Shree Loknath Brohamachari Ashram located at Bardi, Narayanganj. I started from my hometown Ishwardi while my uncle, aunt and two of my cousins joined the trip from Dhaka.

After staying at the ashram for two days, we rushed off to Dhaka in order to board a train for Ishwardi. It is comparatively easy to reach our home town Ishwardi by train from stations near Dhaka. So we went to a station adjacent to Dhaka and asked for tickets. The ticket-seller replied that no tickets were available for Ishwardi. I humbly requested him to manage the tickets somehow. Following a long negotiation, he agreed to sell me two tickets, which were reserved for the next station. Finding no other alternative, I had to give extra money to buy the tickets.

Since the train was yet to come, we decided to meet one of our relatives living near the station. When we came back to the station, the train had already arrived and was ready to set off within few minutes. As I was yet to buy a ticket for myself, I rushed to the ticket counter and urged the ticket-seller to give me another ticket beside the first two. To my utter surprise, the ticket, serially next to the other two tickets he had sold me earlier, was destined for our exact destination, Ishwardi! Yet he whisperingly demanded that I should pay an extra amount above the regular fare to get a ticket for Ishwardi. As the train was set on to leave, I gave in under his illegitimate stipulation. We were all very disturbed by the reprehensible practice of the railway clerk and lost our festive mood.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Edward College, Pabna.

Please click the given link to read its internet publication: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/11/03/diary.htm

Celebrations Hampered

Celebrations Hampered

During the auspicious Durga Puja that passed a few days ago, my friends had planned to celebrate the Mohaaustamee (the holy eighth day) in Narayanganj. We rented a microbus and accordingly set off on our trip. Amidst a festive spirit, we reached our destination in the evening following a daylong journey. The magnificent decorations of the temples dazzled us. Hordes of people along with their families and relatives were on the move to attend the festival. However, in spite of the huge number of visitors, concerned authorities did not organise the event properly, and among other things there was a lack of security and the entrance and the exit were one and the same.

We had to jostle ourselves into the massive crowd to pray and watch the colourful show of the mythical tale about the festivity displayed on the stage. In the meantime, one of our friends discovered that his cell-phone had been stolen from his pocket while he was managing his way into the entrance. With this revelation, our cheerful vibes were transfigured into anguish and trepidation.

As if this was not enough, a thief tried to snatch a ring from another friend's finger as we were returning from a different temple. Luckily, the friend was alert and therefore, could avert the occurrence. Feeling insecure, we shortened our schedule and went back to our houses. Had the concerned authorities deployed more manpower and effort, the devotees and visitors could have celebrated without the familiar trepidation that can often be felt in many crowded places over the country.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the link to see its internet version: Celebration Hampered

Misled whiz kids

One evening, my cousin was busy chatting with her family-members. As she stays far away from her house for educational purposes, she hardly ever gets the opportunity to spend quality time with her family. Recently she recieved an unsolicited phone call. Since some of her relatives often call from unknown numbers, she received the call promptly.

However, the dialer was neither a relative nor anyone familiar. The caller had apparently collected the number from facebook and wanted to be her friend. He also informed to the shock of my cousin that he knew everything about her family, which he actually did. My cousin was utterly flabbergasted at this information. Also she did not have any Facebook account. The following morning, she faced a similar experience from another caller who also said that she got her information from Facebook.

As it is possible to create fake accounts in facebook, she requested me to check out the truth. However, while surfing the Internet, I found no account in her name. I comforted her that it was a new way of pestering girls. At that time, I was surprised and amused to discover the tech-based shrewdness of our young people. If only these they applied their innovative talent for more positive purposes!

Ashim Kumar Paul

Government Edward College

Pabna

Click the link to see its internet edition: Misled whiz kids

 

Academic Deceit

Academic Deceit

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the way to the campus by bus. At one stop, a man got into the bus and soon after squeezed himself past me when he observed another familiar face on the bus.

During the noisy conversation that followed between the two acquaintances, I came to comprehend that their relationship was that of a student and a teacher. To my utter astonishment, when enquired about his academic qualifications the student asserted that he had recently completed his graduation in Fisheries from a college I know very well. At first, like me, that teacher was taken aback to learn the existence of the particular subject in this institution. But finally he seemed convinced by his student's unrelenting words. The subject that he mentioned is not taught in the college at all. As a student, I really felt ashamed at his deceitful reply towards his respectable teacher.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt Edward College
Pabna

Please click the given link to see its online edition: Academic Deceit

Receding Creative Dreams

Receding Creative Dreams

It was a sun-drenched day when I had gone to Rajshahi University to meet my friends. Since they were yet to come, I decided to walk around the campus. While wandering about the green campus, I saw some people selling books under the trees. Meanwhile, a school-teacher, came there and asked “Is there any Srijonsheel (Creative System) model questions' guide-book on Bangla 1st paper for class seven?” The book-seller smiled and pointed at one of the displayed books which, he claimed, would be a very good guide for making question papers! This very frustrating picture really made me sad. Though the teachers are expected to make the question papers on their own, many of them feel inclined to follow guide-books instead. And if a teacher chooses the guide-books to make the question papers, why will the students not do the same?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to view its online edition:  Receding Creative Dream

Prejudiced Officials

Prejudiced Officials

About two months ago, I had gone to a university with my cousin who was going to join the university. While we were waiting at the administration office of the hostel to complete the admission process, a young lady who, from her own speech, studies in a reputed private university came to admit her younger sister into the female hostel. Surprisingly enough, the officials refused to initiate the process due to the absence of her parents. When she mentioned that her parents were, then, abroad, she was asked to present a male relative who would be the acting guardian for her sister. She replied that as she had completed the whole admission process, she could take charge of her sister. But the officials did not pay attention to her since she was a woman! I was thunderstruck! If the officials of an educational institution think in this fashion, how will the students be enlightened?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt. Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to see its original piece: Prejudiced Officials

Decaying Young Minds

Decaying Young Minds

 

A few weeks ago, one of my relatives had gone to a nearby shopping mall. After getting done with her shopping, she stepped out and was looking for a rickshaw to go home. As there were no rickshaws in front of the mall, she started to walk ahead to look for one. Suddenly, she heard some malicious remarks thrown at her by some young people who were loitering about on the streets. She was utterly surprised and shaken! It is simply because that those who were teasing her with nasty words were the students of Class 12 of a reputed college in Pabna. She could not understand why or how these boys could make such spiteful remarks so openly about an elderly person on the streets. This attitude shows how perverted our teenagers have become.
 

Ashim Kumar Paul
Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to view its first piece: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/08/01/diary.htm

Unbearable living cost

Unbearable living cost

These days, price-hike of essential commodities has become a great concern for people across income levels and has also turned into a headache for policy makers who are busy implementing new policies to keep the prices of commodities under control but, in most cases, in vain. Even the OMS (Open Market Sale) programme through TCB (Trading Corporation Bangladesh had little impact. While living costs are on the rise, income levels remain the same, and those belonging to low income groups are at a loss as to how to make ends meet. On the other hand, the rich are getting richer, often by unlawful means, hoarding commodities among clandestine syndicates. The social balance has obviously been broken. Though perhaps only a few groups are causing these dire difficulties for the masses, they are yet to be nabbed and punished. We demand that they be brought to book and the prices of essentials controlled.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Please click the given web-address to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/forum/2011/april/readers.htm