letters@thedailystar.net

Congrats to Shakib Al

Hasan

During Shakib's suspension for six months, Bangladesh cricket lost its rhythm, which returned with Shakib's return. We rejoice at his becoming a part of history, as he became the third player after Ian Botham and Imran Khan to score a century and claim ten wickets in a Test match which contributed to a comprehensive victory against Zimbabwe.

Bangladeshis, especially those of us who live abroad cheered up watching him play. We are truly blessed to have this cricket genius born in our country. Congrats to Shakib Al Hasan and Bangladesh cricket team.

Rubab Abdullah

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Misconceptions about Bt brinjal

The letter of Samshad Nowreen published in your column on November 1 needs correction on several points. Firstly, it is not true that most of the Bt brinjal plants grown by farmers in Bangladesh in the recent season wilted and died. Many farmers had an excellent crop, and 100 farmers are due to receive seeds in the next distribution - many more are reportedly eager to do so. Nor is it remotely true that Bt brinjal is an “invasive plant" which somehow mysteriously changes the "chemical composition of the soil." Bt brinjal is just like any other brinjal, with the single exception that it requires little to no toxic pesticides to grow. Those who grow and eat Bt brinjal are therefore subjected to less exposure to pesticide toxins than those who grow the conventional alternative, which is why the government of Bangladesh is distributing this important crop. Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis, naturally originates from a soil bacterium which is present everywhere around the world for thousands of years. Bt brinjal is toxic only for fruit and shoot borer caterpillar which is the main pest. Humans and indeed all other animals are not affected by the Bt protein involved, which is known to scientists as CrylAc. Cry proteins have been extensively tested by scientists for two decades, and used in large amounts of food and crops in North and South America, Europe and Asia that are consumed by people. Bt brinjal will actually reduce farmers' and consumers' exposure to pesticides by reducing the use of insecticides, many of which are genuinely toxic and cause grave health hazard.

Md. Arif Hossain

Lead, Bangladesh Alliance for Science & Visiting Fellow, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Reporting that's in bad taste

Last week and in the week before it, the print and electronic media of Bangladesh overzealously reported on the marriage of our railway minister as if it was a matter of great fun, though it was not. The way they reported tirelessly on the marriage, it has in fact encroached upon the personal life of the minister and his wife. When will we stop poking our nose in personal matters of other people? The op-ed, "The railway minister and his trophy wife," published in your daily (Nov. 7) is not tenable. Saying another person's wife a trophy is highly objectionable; no matter whether the person is a minister or a man from the street.

Faruque Hasan

Alaol Avenue

Uttara, Dhaka