& çâÌæÚUæð´ ·¤è ¥ôÚU Îð¹Ùæ ÁæÚUè ÚU¹ð´ ¥ÍæüÌ ¥ÂÙð ÜÿØ ÂÚU ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´Ð ãæÚU Ù ×æÙð´, €UØô´ç·¤ ·¤æ× ·¤ÚUÙð âð ¥æÂ·¤ô ©gðàØ ·¤è Âýæç# ãôÌè ãñ ¥õÚU ÁèßÙ ·¤æ ¹æÜèÂÙ ÎêÚU ãôÌæ ãñÐ ÖÜð ãè ÁèßÙ ×ð´ ç·¤ÌÙè Öè ·¤çÆÙæ§ü €UØô´ Ù ¥æ°, çÁ™ææâæ ¥õÚU ©ˆâæã ÕÙæ° ÚU¹ð´Ð ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´, ÜÿØ ã×ðàææ ¥æÂ·Ô¤ Âæâ ãôÌð ãñ´ çÁ‹ãð´ ÂæÙð ·Ô¤ çÜ° ÂýØæâ ¥æÂ ·¤Öè Öè àæéM¤ ·¤ÚU â·¤Ìð ãñ´Ð

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
letters@thedailystar.net
Misunderstanding secularism
Waheed Nabi's article titled "Secularism in search of truth" glimpses over the history of secularism. Though his historical analysis regarding the Muslims' backwardness in this subcontinent seems right but the analysis of the present situation is not right at all.
In the book "The Indian Mussalmans", William Hunter says that the Indian Muslims did not learn the Persian language during Muslim rules. They did not change their mindset during the British rule and were unwilling to learn English. On the other hand, the Hindus learned English and so the Muslims lagged behind. Perhaps this situation inspired many Indian Muslim leaders to demand a separate state for the Muslims. And they thought it could save them. Unfortunately, it could not save us. Rather the partition made the environment favourable for communal conflict. Now the situation is that many Muslims believe that secularism is atheism. This happened because secular leaders did not explain secularism to the people in light of the actual teaching of Islam, and, many political leaders supporting secularism appeared as totally corrupt. Mobarak Ali
Gopibagh, Dhaka
Debates in US election
In USA's election process, open debates take place between the presidential candidates. It gives them chance to explain their stances. While the presidential candidates speak, a panel of intellectuals and guests sit in front of the dais. There the candidates come up with their political plans. They also explain how it will be implemented and how the people will be benefited from it. The audience has the right to make every single query. The good thing is people are convinced in this transparent process.
Election is knocking at the door of Bangladesh. Bangladeshi political parties can also follow the above noted democratic practice. They must not give blurry hopes to people to get votes. If our politicians follow this practice of open debates, it will be easier for the people to cast their votes for the right candidates.
Ms. Jesmina Shanta
Executive Committee Member Bangladesh Peace Council Mohammadpur, Dhaka
Our national leaders!
I have gone through the post editorial titled, "Stubbornness is not leadership" by Mahfuz Anam. He has described the quality of the leadership that this nation is in need at this critical juncture. We must not forget that Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia became leaders by virtue of being daughter and wife of our past leaders and did not undergo the process of becoming leaders.
So, it is futile to expect any leadership from them that can salvage the nation from the present crisis created by them, more specifically by the present PM. Dr. Kamal Hossain, the pioneer team member who wrote the Bangladesh Constitution has opined that the present constitution had been mercilessly operated by AL at the wishes of the PM to realise their aim to retain power. On the other hand, to have a dialogue to find out an acceptable formula for holding the next general election, Khaleda Zia should refrain from such silly activity of celebrating her controversial birthday on national mourning day. Until now, history will remember them as two quarrelling women causing endless suffering to the people of this poor nation.
Engr. Md. Aminul Hoque East Rampur, Dhaka
Comments on post editorial, "Is AL asking itself why it lost the latest elections?" published on August 30, 2013
AshC.
Another super write-up by Mahfuz Anam. But why ask about only the latest elections? What about other elections AL lost since Bangladesh earned its freedom?
Ehsan Abdullah
It is really sad to see someone in the stature of Mr. Mahfuz Anam has taken the unfortunate path of partisan journalism.
agent_47
Can you please let us know which information was incorrect in the article?
Nds
I entirely agree with the observation that extreme arrogance and overblown ego of the AL leadership constitute the prime cause of the fall of its popularity.
Saif Shahid
It may be difficult to resolve the issues like Padma Bridge, stock market scam, Sonali Bank, Destiny, Rana Plaza, etc., in the few months that's left, but how about saying 'sorry' to Prof. Yunus? It could be a good start.
truthprevails53
Mr Anam is mostly right. Can he write in a similar fashion about BNP and also about the risk Jamaat brings to the nation?
Nasirullah Mridha, USA
Wise people learn from grave mistakes. Our Prime Minister never goes through that way.
K Ashfaq
The observations made by the editor are relevant. These issues should be taken seriously by the party in power, but obviously they won't be bothered.