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

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 

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

 

Avoiding 'short-cut' method

Avoiding 'short-cut' method

Money is considered an essential ingredient for a balanced lifestyle. No one can deny its significance. However, people are, somehow, busy producing more money in different ways. The most lucrative way, many prefer, is to make money in a 'short-cut' scheme. People are likely to reach the peak of wealth through the easiest, most hassle-free and least laborious ways. This trend is now commonly visible among a certain quarter of students. Financial insecurity may be the root of such necessity to generate the wheel of their education. But it exceeds the boundary of needs when they are busy making money at the cost of their academic obligations. Enticed by a comfortable and opulent lifestyle, these students are easily caught in the net of some marketing houses and agents, tempting them to become rich through 'honest' and 'short-cut' ways.

While the importance of money is a reality, it must not take priority over everything else, especially students' academic obligations. As the future builders of this nation, they should avoid the inducement of 'short-cut system' of making money and fulfil their own responsibilities.

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

 Please click the link to see its internet edition: Avoiding 'short-cut' method