Star Diary

THE UNATTAINABLE REALITY

Ideally footpaths are meant for pedestrians only. However in Bangladesh, having footpaths only reserved for pedestrians is an unattainable reality. Every day my car drops me off at a certain point and I prefer walking from there to my office. To do so, I have to walk through a number of footpaths in Uttara and I face many obstacles throughout my journey. Bi-cyclists and motorcyclists are the worst traffic hazard at all times, as they don't mind at all riding into the path of a pedestrian. There is a series of pushing and shoving by other male pedestrians. Sometimes they stare, with their eyes almost popping out with amazement. Walking past them becomes more difficult as the sidewalks are mostly occupied by street side vendors and their customers. To the best of my knowledge- most of these are just illegal settlements. If the sidewalks are meant for the people like us, why do we have to share with other people who are not meant for that place?
Sabrina Halder
Gulshan, Dhaka

A DISGUSTING ENCOUNTER

This silly incident happened as I was standing in the immigration line at the Shahjalal International Airport the other day. A man, who seemed like a broker with a straight face came up to me and whispered in my ear, "How many alcohol bottles have you got in your handbag?" For a moment I became dumbfounded and then I realised, being a broker he was trying to take advantage of me. I got irritated with this unsolicited question and preferred remaining quiet. Then he approached me face to face giving me the assurance of getting the bottles cleared without any immigration and custom hassles. As I replied, "No alcohol bottles", he went on to ask the person standing behind me. As I crossed the immigration formalities and collected my luggage from the carousel, I saw an old man sobbing. I got intrigued and went up to him to get the whole picture. I got to know that a broker asked him lots of stupid questions and frightened him with arrest as he was unable to answer them. He got rid of him by giving him bribe as demanded.  He could not hold back his tears as he felt assaulted and shocked to the ribs. I sympathized with him and helped him collect his luggage. By the time as Igot out of that area, I discovered a handful of brokers having arguments with people accusing them of carrying illegal items in the luggage. I realized these brokers extort money by frightening innocent people.
Samiul Raijul
North South University, Dhaka