The contentious issue of whether monkeys are our ancestors has no bearing on this piece. We were attracted by a newp item published in this paper on Saturday about the escapades of a group of monkeys in the once remote district of Madaripur. We hardly knew that Madaripur is the residence of so many monkeys who have passed hard times for want of food during the recent floods like their more rational human neighbours. In the absence of natural food, the highly intelligent animals took recourse to snatching foods from people and shops. Monkeys have always been a fascinating species, specially for children, a proof of which can always be obtained If we care to observe the crowds In front of monkey cages in any zoological garden.

As many as 2000 monkeys, a very heartening figure Indeed, live in 'godowns and abandoned houses' in Madaripur: and as food has become scarce for them they are on the prowl to snatch whatever food they can from the local residents. What can the monkeys do in the absence of VGF cards or FWP or even Test Relief programmes for them? Unfortunately for them they cannot qualify for any of these doles and handouts meant only for human beings. The results are obvious: they are ganging up against humans and trying to survive the hard way. But in doing so they try to preserve there distinct identity as three different groups franchised to operate in three different areas and any overshooting of territory calls for Immediate fighting among the Bazar Group, Adamjee Group and Gala Group as the locals named them. Well, doesn't it remind us of similar grouping in some other areas of our society?

How can these monkeys go without food for such a long time in spite of the presence of 'anlmal-friendly' organised groups?