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

Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

In recent years, the mobile phone has proved its usefulness in everyday life. It has added a new dimension to the communication sector. But with the growth and popularity of the device, it turns out some odious troublemakers often violate the terms of use. Quite frequently, these people use the phone to harass others. For instance, mobile phone users, especially the females, often get unsolicited calls from unknown people at odd hours. These evil-doers aim to harass the receivers with inappropriate words. It turns most unbearable late at night. But it is a matter of sorrow that when the unfortunate victims complain to their concerned customer care hotlines about the particular disturbing calls and ask them to take effective steps, the officials usually answer that they can do nothing immediately. Rather they recommend that the sufferers should go to the nearest customer service point to fill out a form and make a specific complain to the concerned authority. But how is that possible at midnight? Besides, it is a long process and meanwhile the criminals can easily change the number. Though some operators have already launched the 'Call blocking service' to terminate the disturbing calls, it cannot attain its aim due to its high charge. That is why, it is highly desirable that the mobile phone operators should reduce the respective service charges and make it easy to block such misuse of the mobile phone.

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

Please click the link to see its original look:
Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

 

A Great Revolutionary

A Great Revolutionary

Unlike most other singers in the world of Bangla music, Feroza Begum stands supreme for her outstanding revolutionary quality. Undeniably, her contribution to Bangla music is immensely significant. I appreciate the Star's digging up the story behind her in 'A Legendary Voice' (December 5, 2008).

Feroza Begum is, no doubt, a great revolutionary. As a pioneer, she revolted against the fundamental attitude of the authorities insisting on rendering only their selections. She also rebelled against the constraining attitude of her family to her career as a singer. However, at that time her devotion to Nazrul Sangeet added a revolutionary popularity in Bangla music in Kolkata. Her superiority becomes more stable when her wedged decision brought about a renewal of Nazrul Sangeet at the HMV rehearsal room.

Feroza Begum has held up the glory and honour of Nazrul Sangeet throughout her life. Her revolution on establishing Nazrul Sangeet at its deserving pinnacle has successfully come true.

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

Click the following link to view the original look: A Great Revolutionary

Preparation for Natural Calamity

Preparation for Natural Calamity

Every year we suffer from natural disasters such as floods, cyclones etc. But we are still not taking any action to fight for our lives and resources. As a result, a great number of people are made homeless, die unnecessarily, and personal property is destroyed every year.

We should not waste our time any more and should take active and appropriate preparation. Famine, epidemics and damage of crops are the results of natural calamities. The price of commodities also goes beyond the buying capacity of an average citizen.

We must plan without delay for these inevitable calamities. The Government and the NGOs should take accurate steps and make people aware of natural calamities to save our economic environment.

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

Click the following link to see its original look: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/11/03/letters.htm

 

Lost Childhood

Lost Childhood

At the age when children should be in school and playing, those living below the poverty line have to do back-breaking work. As a result, they are losing the best time of their lives. I would like to give credit to The Star magazine for talking about the miserable condition of our children in 'Lost Childhood' (May 3, 2008).

Though Bangladesh has signed the UNCRC to provide children with education, health care, security and so on, most children are still being deprived of these basic necessities. Moreover, they are compelled to do very hazardous work. What is worse is that they are paid a very meagre amount of money for their labour although the work is more difficult for them.

These underprivileged children do not have the very fundamental rights. They are being brought up in a very hostile environment. We need to nurture the talent of these children to give them back the freedom of childhood and make a supportive environment for them.

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

Click the following link to see its first appearance: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/08/04/letters.htm 

Stop Trafficking

Stop Trafficking

Trafficking women has become a matter of immense concern. 'Trapped, Trafficked and Terrorised' (April 18, 2008) was a well-timed story to raise the consciousness of society. I heartily thank The Star magazine for this praiseworthy write-up.

The first trap that is set on the victims is the allure of a comfortable life. The fact that these women are in extreme financial hardship, are illiterate and frustrated with their lives make them easy targets for this trap. Besides, many educated and ambitious people are also convinced by the temptation with the high expectations the traffickers craftily sprinkle towards them. As a result many people are suffering unnecessarily abroad.

As the traffickers have organised themselves into a strong position, we need to raise the level of awareness. There should be awareness-raising programmes among the grassroots level of the society to create work opportunities for the underprivileged people. Removing gender discrimination at work can be a good defence mechanism from the traffickers. Besides, the government should strengthen the laws of trafficking so that the traffickers are aware of the consequences of their misdeeds.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt Edward College, Pabna

Click the link to view its original piece: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/07/03/letters.htm

Failure in English Language

Failure in English Language

Most of the students in Bangladesh at secondary and higher secondary level do not do well in English. The students have a lot of inhibitions about learning English. They prefer to stay far away from English. For them it is just important that they pass the compulsory exam.

The teaching methods applied in Bangladesh are not modern. They cannot help the students learn English well. In the towns it is easy for students to find essential study materials and better facilities. But the students of the rural areas are being deprived of getting these opportunities and are losing out on a lot. Moreover, there is a huge shortage of qualified teachers in the villages.

Since English is needed immensely in this globalised world, it is essential to do something to overcome the barrier for learning English. It is hoped that the concerned authority will give more attention to taking fruitful steps to improve the present condition of learning English in Bangladesh.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College
Pabna

Click the link to see its original look:  http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/06/02/letters.htm

Internet for All

Internet for All

Although the mobile phone operators have introduced wireless Internet to us for easy communication, it is yet to become available for use for the common people. Due to the high rate, wireless Internet is yet to become available to us. BTTB's broadband Internet is also extremely expensive. It seems that Internet is the luxury of the upper echelon of our society. Those who are not privileged enough are missing out on the blessings of science and modern communication technology.

But we do not want to stay in the dark any more. We want to be able to avail this marvelous invention and enrich our lives. I heartily request the concerned authorities to make Internet available for all.

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

Click the link to see the original piece: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/04/04/letters.htm

Speak Out against Corruption

Speak Out against Corruption

Corruption, no doubt, is a big obstacle for our socio-economic development. In spite of our people's hard labour, we are being deprived of good economic atmosphere due to corruption.
Nowadays, corruption has changed our everyday life with its aggressive claws. It is very unfortunate to note that even we cannot realise why and how we should uproot corruption. We often fail to understand that it is not impossible to wash away corruption if we want. In the past we showed our courage against many anti-moral activities. It is high time we spoke out and stood up against all evils that is stopping Bangladesh from becoming a corruption free country. And it should start from now.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt Edward College, Pabna

Click the link to see its original look: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/04/03/letters.htm

Voice against Poverty

Voice against Poverty

I must congratulate the band 'Bangla' on their great efforts to voice against poverty at the anti-poverty concert "Your voice against poverty" in Rostock, Germany while the G8 summit was going on. I would like to thank SWM for the article “Bangla's Voice against Poverty” (June 22, 2007).
Poverty, no doubt is a great curse for us. Though, the 33rd G8 summit has taken decision to help Africa and other developing countries to fight against AIDS, poverty, it is not enough to remove poverty if they do not consider for the poorest countries where the people are living under various crises.
I think it is high time that the rich countries spend more on uplifting people out of poverty instead of spending so much of their money on war.

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

Please click the link to view its original piece: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2007/07/03/letters.htm

My first writing in Daily Star

Welcoming the Comics Page

I would like to thank SWM for adding comics and also Sharier Khan for his endeavour. I hope it continues without disruption. I also hope the SWM would consider adding pages for readers who are interested in writing poems, short stories etc.

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

Click the link to see its original look:http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2007/06/04/letters.htm