Notes for Chattogram College The paragraphs marked with Dark Red colour were in the suggestions of Sumon Sir, Najmul Sir and Yasin Sir. The paragraphs marked with Blue colour were in the suggestions of Sumon Sir and Najmul Sir. The paragraphs marked with Purple colour were in the suggestions of Sumon Sir and Yasin Sir. The paragraphs in Black colour were only in the suggestions of none else but Sumon Sir. COVID - 19 The coronavirus family causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), according to the WHO. They circulate in animals and some can be transmitted between animals and humans. Several coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. The new coronavirus, the seventh known to affect humans, has been named COVID-19. Common signs of infection include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure and death. The incubation period of COVID-19 is thought to be between one and 14 days. It is contagious before symptoms appear, which is why so many people get infected. Infected patients can be also asymptomatic, meaning they do not display any symptoms despite having the virus in their systems. China alerted the WHO to cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan on December 31. COVID-19 is thought to have originated in a seafood market where wildlife was sold illegally. On February 7, Chinese researchers said the virus could have spread from an infected animal to humans through illegally trafficked pangolins, prized in Asia for food and medicine. Scientists have pointed to either bats or snakes as possible sources. The WHO declared the virus a pandemic on March 11 and said it was “deeply concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity” of the outbreak. The WHO recommends basic hygiene such as regularly washing hands with soap and water, and covering one’s mouth with one’s elbow when sneezing or coughing. Maintaining “physical distancing” – keeping at least 1 metre (three feet) between oneself and others – particularly if they are coughing and sneezing, and avoid touching one’s face, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands can also be effective. Speech of March 7, 1971 The 7th March Speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a speech given by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a Bengali nationalist leader, on March 7, 1971 at the Ramna Race Course Maidan in Dhaka to a gathering of over two million people. He spoke at a time of increasing tensions between East Pakistan and the powerful political and military establishment of West Pakistan. The Bengali people were inspired to prepare for a potential war of independence, amid widespread reports of armed mobilization by West Pakistan. During the speech, Sheikh Mujib proclaimed, "Our struggle is for our freedom. Our struggle is for our independence" He also announced the civil disobedience movement in the province, calling for "every house to turn into a fortress". The speech started with this: "Today, I come to you with a heavy heart. You know everything and understand as well. We tried our best. But the streets of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Rangpur have been dyed red with the blood of our brethren. People of Bangladesh today want freedom. They want to survive. They want to have their rights. What wrong did we do?". The extempore speech lasted about 19 minutes, with more than 1100 words. In this speech, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib mentioned a 4-point condition before joining the National Assembly meeting on 25th March. Sheikh Mujib also articulated several directives to the nation as part of civil disobedience movement. At the end, raising his fist, Sheikh Mujib cried out at the top of his voice: “OUR STRUGGLE THIS TIME IS A STRUGGLE FOR OUR FREEDOM, OUR STRUGGLE THIS TIME IS A STRUGGLE FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE. JOY BANGLA.” This historic address was a de facto declaration of Bangladesh’s independence. Food Adulteration Public health is now facing a major threat due to adulterated foods. Food items are being adulterated by mixing with various chemicals and sold to the consumers. A section o dishonest businessman is engaged in this illegal practice to make windfall profit. They are making food items attractive by using chemicals to draw consumers in big numbers. Consumers, out of their ignorance, are buying and eating these foods and thus inviting various diseases. Adulteration is not limited only foods served at hotels and restaurants. A wide range of essential commodities – such as fruits and vegetables are not left out of adulteration. Unscrupulous traders spray a kind of chemical on these perishable items to keep them fresh for a longer time. Innocent consumers are captive to these dishonest traders since they have no alternative but to buy these daily essentials. They suffer from various diseases after eating these items. Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute, a stage-run organization, has recently launched a drive across the country to stop adulteration of food. This organization has already identified some restaurants, which were selling adulterated foods and being run in unhygienic atmosphere. It imposed fine on them and in some cases, nabbed a good many restaurants owner involved in this illegal practice. But despite this drive, this social ill is yet to be removed. Health is wealth. One can’t think of any success in life with ill health. Unhealthy people are the main obstacle to making over all progress of a nation. Taking into account the dire consequence of food adulteration the government as well as different Socio-culture organizations should come forward to fight against food adulteration for making a happier nation. DIASPORA The term ‘diaspora’ refers to the movement of people for from their ancestral homeland to live work in other country. Diaspora’s origin is traced in thousands of years back. In the Bible there is reference of diaspora. In the history of human civilization, we find a number of events of diaspora. In the history of mankind, Jews people were the first diaspora. Their ancestor Abraham was forced to leave Iraq and took shelter in Egypt. In Egypt he was a diaspora. Then his offspring Jews were forced to leave Egypt and settled themselves in Palestine. In Palestine the Jews were the diaspora. Later many of them were forced to leave Palestine during Islamic era. These Jews people became diaspora in Europe and then America. Recently scholars have distinguished between different kinds of diaspora, based on its. causes such as imperialism, trade or labour migrations or by the kind of social coherence. 2l century has seen a number of diasporas. The Aryans also left their central Europe thousands of years ago and settled in Indian continent. Globalization has facilitated people to people connection. Diaspora in one country helps to bridge gaps between nations, hence it strengthens globalization. So globalization has great influence on diaspora. FOLK MUSIC Folk music is a music that belongs to a community and that are not influenced by any sophisticated music rules or any standard music styles. Folk music includes both religious and secular songs; the history of folk music composition can be traded back in third century between BC during the Gupta dynasty. Generation of rural poets; composers created enormous tradition Bangla folk music. Most of the folk songs are composed based on rural people, culture and environments which differ from region to region in Bangladesh. Folk music has great variety in Bangladesh. They are Bhatiyali, Bhawaiya, Baul, spritual song, Jarigan, Sarigan, Murshidi etc. Bangladesh has a good number of instruments of her own. They are Dotara, Dhole, Bhasi, Mapdira, Khajani, Han, Kumkum and Zara etc. Some famous singer has made the folk music popular among the people of Bangladesh. They are Lalon shah, Shiraj saiah, Shah Abdul Karim, Hasan Raja, Abbas uddin, Abdul Aiim and Radha Roman are the notable folk singer in Bangladesh. Tribal custom, culture, and life styles have an effect on it. Folk music may be sung individually or in chorus. At present the condition of folk music in our country is very poor. Nowadays rich traditional folk music is inevitably influenced by western music and culture. So, we should avoid the foreign music. Because we should not neglect our rich traditional folk music. Climate Change Climate change is a long-term change in the weather patterns that might have started from decades to millions of years before. It is a change in the average weather conditions likes greater, fewer extreme weather events. In recent years, there have been many alarming reports that the world’s climate is undergoing a significant change. All these reports provide strong evidence that world temperatures are increasing day by day. This increase in global warming is caused by increased amount of carbon dioxide around the earth. Most climatologists believe that the ‘greenhouse effect’ is the most likely cause of this global warming. Greenhouse effect is the gradual warming of the air surrounding the earth as a result of heat being trapped by environmental pollution. This is exemplified by the destruction and burning down of tropical rain forests, by traffic that clogs up city streets, by the rapid growth of industry, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in packaging and manufacturing commercial products, the use of detergents such as washing powder and washing –up liquid and so on. The oceans are also said to be affected both because of human waste and because of pollution caused by industrial waste products, oil seeping from damaged supertankers and from other maritime disasters. However, the main culprits for global warming are carbon dioxide gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels and forests and pollutants such as methane and chlorofluorocarbons. Climatologists predict that by midway through the next century temperatures may have risen by as much as 4.C. This could catastrophically reduce mankind’s ability to grow food, destroy or severely damage wildlife and wilderness, raise sea levels and thereby flood coastal areas and farmland. The alarming news about Bangladesh is that as a result of the rise of the sea level the lower southern part of the country may one day go under water. Digital Bangladesh Digital Bangladesh is at present a buzzword to the people of all classes. It means digitalizing Bangladesh by ensuring an ICT based society where information will be available on line and where all possible tasks of the government and other non-government or semi-government will be performed using digital technology. The motto of digital Bangladesh is to establish technology based digital governance, e-commerce, e-agriculture, e-production, e-education, etc. emphasizing the overall development of the country and the nation. The benefits of digital Bangladesh are many. If we can establish a digital Bangladesh, corruption will be drastically reduced be enhancing transparency and accountability. It will make people think globally and connect them with the whole world economically, politically, socially, academically and even culturally. It will improve banking and financial activities. Agriculture, health, education, commerce----all these sectors will be highly benefited by making Bangladesh a digital one. For implementing this dream of digital Bangladesh government has to take certain initiatives. First of all uninterrupted power supply has to be ensured. We also have to train our people to acquire ICT skill and ensure equitable access to digital governance services for all strata of the society. Digital governance will curb crime and corruption and pave the way for our country’s rapid development. So to see our country a digital one, government’s commitment and people’s co-operation are urgently required. Finally, our education should be computer based and in primary and secondary schools student’s should get easy access to the computer. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman The founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu (Friend of Bangla) Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman, was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara village in the Faridpur district in erstwhile East Pakistan. He was the third child of Sheikh Luthfur Rahman and Sheikh Sahara Khatun. After the partition of India in 1947, Mujibur built his career in East Pakistan as an active politician championing the cause of Bengalis. Mujibur was emerging as a prominent leader in the wake of the imposition of Urdu as the official language. His Muslim Students League formed an All-Party State League Action Council in March 1948. Mujibur, also called Mujib, became the joint secretary of the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League (called the Awami League from 1954) when it was formed in June 1949. In 1952 the police brutally crushed the movement to make Bengali one of the official languages of Pakistan. Cracks had already opened in united Pakistan, and it was Mujib who spearheaded the cause of separation from the west. Mujib contested as a candidate of the United Front, which had been formed by the Awami League for the 1954 general elections. The following year the Awami League demanded autonomy for the eastern wing of Pakistan. Mujib spelled out a six-point program in February 1966 demanding autonomy for all provinces of Pakistan. He was accused of engineering the secession of East Pakistan, and proceedings were initiated against him in the Agartala Conspiracy Case of 1968. In the 1970 elections to the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mujib’s Awami League secured an absolute majority, winning 162 seats out of 313. The new president of Pakistan, Muhammad Yahya Khan, was in no mood to give power to Mujib. The convening of the National Assembly was postponed. On March 25 Mujib declared the independence of East Pakistan, which was renamed Bangladesh. He was taken to West Pakistan in March 1971 to be tried for treason. With Indian military assistance Bangladesh was liberated on December 16, 1971. Meanwhile, the government of Pakistan had sentenced Mujib to death. But because of international pressure, he was finally released and became the first prime minister of Bangladesh on January 12, 1972. Mujib faced the difficult task of governing the nation, which faced the challenges of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Awami Party won the elections of 1973 with a massive majority. But poor governance, corruption, opposition from disgruntled elements, and natural disasters created problems. Mujib declared a state of emergency in 1975. A presidential form of government was initiated with Mujib as president for life. In June the Awami League became the only legal party. On August 15, 1975, Mujib and 15 of his family members were assassinated by young army officers. The military government that followed passed the infamous Indemnity Ordinance giving indemnity to the assassins. It was not until 1998 that the culprits were sentenced to death, when the Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Mujib, came to power. The Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman The Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or Mujib Borsho has been declared by the government marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was born on 17 March 1920 in the Gopalganj Mohokuma. His father’s name was Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and mother’s name was Sayera Khatun. He was an intelligent boy from his childhood. He took his primary and secondary education in Gopalganj. After that, he got admitted to Kolkata Islamic College and achieved a B.A. degree in 1947. The country was then under British colonial rule and the oppressors were looting the resources of this country. He raised his voice against the oppression of the regime. In 1947, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two countries named as India and Pakistan. Our motherland was referred to as East Pakistan but it was far away from its west counterpart. After the division, this country was again being oppressed by the West Pakistani rulers. Sheikh Mujib protested to this and became the villain in the eye of West Pakistani oppressors. He had to face jail several times for serving his country’s purpose. Finally, the West Pakistani rules planned a genocide to stop the voice of this country. Though they conducted a general election in 1970, in which Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman achieve the majority vote but wasn’t been able to form the government. This also fired the cartridge among the people of East Pakistan. On 7 March 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave a speech in front of millions of people which encourage the people of East Pakistan to fight for their liberation. This was the turning point of the people’s eagerness for the ultimate independence from the West Pakistani oppressors. Bangladesh gained its victory after nine months of bloody war against the Pakistani Military Force. After the liberation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu started his work to enrich Bangladesh in Finance and other aspects. But he wasn’t been able to perform his actions as he was murdered along with his family on 15 August 1975. This was one of the saddest incidents in the history of Bangladesh. But still, we remember him as the father of the nation and will be remembered forever. Govt has declared his 100th birth year as the Mujib Borsho and will be celebrated with the utmost respect. His life and struggle will always teach us to work for the betterment of the people of our country. The Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh Bangladesh celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence March 17, 2021 to March 27, 2021. The country commemorated national holidays for founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birthday on March 17 and Independence Day on March 26. Government offices and most commercial establishments were closed for the holidays. The government held a 10-day golden jubilee celebration in the Dhaka region; main events occured at Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho (National Martyrs' Monument) in Savar, the National Parade Square, and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. The grand celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, which marked the physical attendance of five heads of states and governments and virtual attendance of other global leaders, started on March 17 at the National Parade Square in the presence of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The 10-day grand celebration ended following the celebration of the Independence and National Day with the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person as the guest of honour. Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering joined the grand celebration in person since March 17. Marking the day, the government took elaborate programs maintaining the health guidelines in view of the global pandemic coronavirus. On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen living both home and abroad. The National Memorial at Savar was the main venue of the celebration of the day where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs. People from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, also placed wreaths at the national memorial in the morning of the day. The day’s programs began by heralding a 50-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted Independence in 1971. The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings with the rising of sun while all streets and important city intersections were decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons. Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands were illuminated with colourful lights. National dailies brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels aired month-long special programs on Liberation War and highlighting the significance of the day. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other social and cultural organisations arranged discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition while painting competition for children, essay and debate competitions were organized virtually. Special prayers were offered in all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and all other patriotic sons of the soil. Improved meals were served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres to mark the day. The country’s all children’s parks and museums remained open for all. All children parks and museums remained open for all in terms of maintaining health guidelines while naval ships of Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard were exhibited at Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla and Payra ports and the jetties of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in the city’s Sadarghat, Pagla in Narayanganj, Barisal and Chandpur from 2pm until the sun set. Different political parties including ruling Awami League as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations also took various programs to observe the day in a befitting manner. Importance of Wearing Masks Wearing face masks is recommended as part of personal protective equipment and as a public health measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The perceived risks of the disease varied in the public discourse—some considered it just as “a stronger influenza”; others drew parallels with the very deadly Spanish Flu outbreak in the 1918–1920, and many were simply not sure what to believe. Nevertheless, most felt the novel and unpleasant feeling of being vulnerable to the invisible threat of the infection or to be contagious themselves. The issue of wearing face coverings in public comes up frequently these days. A common sentiment is, “If I am not personally at high risk for COVID-19, why should I wear a mask?” The CDC has recommended “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” The reason for this is that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread even before symptoms appear, by such things as coughing, sneezing, or even speaking at close range. Cloth face coverings have been recommended due to their low cost and ready availability. By using cloth face coverings, it preserves surgical masks and N-95 masks for healthcare workers who may be involved in direct care of patients with COVID-19. The importance of using face coverings in public is illustrated in the graphic seen here. If a person wears a mask to protect another from him, and that another person wears his/her face covering to protect the first person from him/her, then all can dramatically decrease their risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. This, in conjunction with social distancing and frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, will be important in limiting the spread of COVID-19 as we return to our usual activities. COVID Vaccination COVID-19 is a highly infectious and, in some cases, highly dangerous disease. Some populations, including the elderly and persons with underlying medical conditions (i.e., comorbidities) are at greater risk for severe symptoms and even death. Natural immunity combined with vaccine-induced immunity appears to be the most effective means of safeguarding against COVID-19. Once we receive our first shot, our body begins producing antibodies to the coronavirus. These antibodies help our immune system fight the virus if we happen to be exposed, so it reduces our chance of getting the disease. There are three vaccines available for use. It’s true that we can still become infected after being vaccinated, but once more of the population is vaccinated, those chances are further reduced thanks to something called herd immunity. So, getting vaccinated not only reduces our chance of being infected, it also contributes to community protection, reducing the likelihood of virus transmission. A new study found that expectant mothers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine create antibodies to the virus and pass those to their unborn baby through the placenta. During studies, the three authorized vaccines have shown to be effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. So even if we were vaccinated and become infected, we are very unlikely to become severely ill. The clinical trials for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines showed they were 100% effective at preventing severe illness. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed 85% effectiveness against severe illness. The vaccines are also effective against the new variants we're beginning to see circulate, such as the Delta variant. Much like the original strand, all three vaccines will protect us against severe illness and reduce the likelihood for hospitalization. Studies have shown vaccinated people who do get infected have mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 compared to those who aren't vaccinated. So, our risk of hospitalization and death because of COVID-19 is nearly eliminated once you are fully vaccinated. The vaccine is the final step in our effort to get back to a more normal way of life. Public health measures such as mask wearing, physical distancing and hand-washing were implemented to slow the spread of the virus, and they have proven to work. Although masks are still recommended indoors in areas with high infection rates, the vaccine is our path toward eventually moving beyond them. Evidence suggests that vaccinated people who might be infected with the coronavirus have fewer virus particles in their nose and mouth and are less likely to spread it to others. This finding is important as getting vaccinated now not only protects you, but also limits spreading the virus to loved ones and friends. As more people continue to receive the vaccine, we might reach herd immunity, which means the spread of the virus becomes unlikely. It’s important we all receive the vaccine to help us achieve this public health goal. Environment Pollution There is no denying the fact that the world we live in is full of things – both natural and artificial. These things constitute our environment. If there is any abnormal change in chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the environment, it is called pollution. Environment pollution is a direct consequence of industrialization. Today, environment pollution poses to be a great threat to the healthy and safe living conditions of the whole universe. Now it has become a global problem. Our environment is being exposed to severe pollution frequently by many ways. Of them, massive industrial development in the big cities causes serious pollution in our environment. Smoke and gas emitted by many big industries seriously pollute our environment. In the big cities many vehicles, such as cars. buses and trucks emit huge amount of smoke by burning diesel and petrol. Our farmers use chemically made fertilizers and pesticides in their paddy fields to increase their food production. By so doing they pollute our environment immeasurably. Waste matters of our mills and factories are thrown into the rivers which also cause serious water pollution. Indiscriminate cutting of trees and plants. contribute to the ecological imbalance of our environment as well. And again, horns and whistles of large number of vehicles. Improper use of mikes and loud speakers. cause sound pollution endangering our global environment. Finally, odour pollution from dumped or untreated human waste which causes serious discomfort to our sense of smell and attracts diseases bearing creatures such as rats and flies. To stop environment pollution some steps should be taken. We can not stop the functions at factories, vehicles etc. to make our environment pollution free. We can only try to control it. The factories should be set up outside the locality and the owners of the factories should be warned not to dump waste materials in the river. Vehicles, emitting black smoke, should be banned. Laws should be strictly enforced. Moreover, all of us should be aware of the pollution and should take different steps to reduce it, for having a habitable place of living. The green planet is losing its beauty. We have to do something to save our mother planet so that we may not feel shame to face our next generation. Mobile Phone Science has brought the wide world into the palm of our hand and now we are running through the ages to reach the final frontier of life. The Pegasus of science is taking us to the final destination. Modern science has invented newer and newer miracles and one of them is Mobile Phone. Mobile phone is an important medium of communication and correspondence which helps intercommunication with the people in the shortest possible time. The use of mobile phone is more convenient than telephone call. The man who sends the message will have to pay the bill but the receiver can respond to the message without any payment. Especially businessmen and the service holders are much benefited through the use of mobile phone. It is useful for the doctors, businessmen and high officials. It is also useful for the people in shopping and supplying in valuable information in his house. But it is unfortunate that it has some negative aspects too. Sometimes, the criminals are using it to maintain their secrecy. By using the mobile phone, the terrorists and criminals carry out their evil designs and commit crimes without much difficulty. It causes some health hazard. Scientists believe that it causes brain tumors by its invisible and uncontrolled radio activity. Specially the pregnant women and children should not use it at all. In spite of this, there is no better alternative to mobile phone to make the latest civilization for communication and correspondence. Victory Day Victory day is a national occasion in Bangladesh celebrated on December 16 to honor the victory of the Allied powers High Command over the Pakistani powers in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. On the sixteenth December 1971 Bangladesh turned out as a free country. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a war of autonomy, which brought about the severance of East Pakistan from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and built up the sovereign country called Bangladesh. The war set East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan, and kept going over a length of nine months. A standout amongst the most fierce wars of the twentieth century, it saw expansive scale barbarities, the mass migration of 10 million exiles and the Killing of 3 million individuals. On 16 December 1971, Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, CO of Pakistan Armed Forces situated in East Pakistan marked the Instrument of Surrender. The surrender occurred at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka on December 16, 1971. Consistently this day is seen with extraordinary gravity and solidarity. The entire nation wears a happy look. This day starts with firearm shot. Our national banner is lifted on the highest point of every foundation, shop and shopping center. Gatherings, courses and dialogs are held in different spots. Individuals go to the national dedication to indicate regard to the saints. On this day, we take promise against any sort of foul play, oppression and deception. In any case, it is multi day of delight, expectation and motivation. This day will remain ever new and ever green in the core of every single Bangalee. An Ideal Student “How can a child be taught to love beauty when it never sees beauty except in books?...... And how can it wish to improve its own surroundings when it has never seen anything better?” Mere study can’t make a student a complete student in this competitive world. Hence the circumference of the duties of a student has also increased to a great extent. Besides study, he/ she has to perform certain other ordeals which will crown him/ her with success. The word ‘ideal’ wants that a student must acquire such qualities as would attract any student to follow him. An ideal student is a student who is eager to know more till his last breath and act according to what he learns. He must be punctual, early rising, obedient to parents. He must be well – disciplined. He studies while it is time to study and plays while it is time to play and enjoys a sound mind in a sound body. He must behave with others in a polite way and he must be modest. He must show habitual respect to his teachers and other superiors. He must be co – operative with the students of the class. He should never be rude to the weak students. He should rather be always prepared to help him in their studies. An ideal student must be a good sportsman. Without playing he cannot enjoy a healthy life. An ideal student must be a patriot. He prepares himself to shoulder the responsibility of a nation in future. He can bring glory to the country. An ideal student is conscious of politics but does not take active part in politics or would not become the cat’s paw of the shrewd politicians. In short, his ideal would be plain living and high thinking. The Sundarbans The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It has been declared the 52nd World Heritage Site in the world. The Sundarbans is in south west part of Bangladesh in the district of greater Khulna . India shares a bit of the forest with Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna on the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. The total area of the forest is about 38,000 square kilo meters. The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in Sundarbans in large number. The Sundarbans is famous for its unique ecosystem and a rich wildlife habitat. It is the natural habitat of the world’s famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards and many more. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, fuel wood, honey, shell and fish add to the serene, natural beauty of the Sundarbans. It provides an aesthetic attraction for local and foreign tourists. Moreover, it is the single largest source of forest produce in the country. The forest provides raw material for wood based industries. In addition to traditional forest produce timber, fuelwood, pulpwood etc. large scale harvest of non wood forest products such as thatching materials, honey, bees-wax and fish resources of the forest takes place regularly. So, its role in our national economy in no way can be ignored. Drug Addiction Drug means substances that some people smoke, inject etc to give them pleasant or exciting feelings. It is kind of intoxicating element which seriously affects the structures and functioning of living beings. Drug addiction refers to imprecation to the addicts at any age and any time. It is a very age-old thing. But it is a matter of great regret that drug addiction has increased alarmingly during the last three decades. There are a number of things which are used as drug. They are ganja, opium, heroine, chorus, brown sugar, phensedyl, morphine, pethidine, cocaine etc. The miscreants and the dishonest sellers of the drugs call every drug by separate nickname. There are so many reasons why people take drugs. The main causes of drug addiction are frustration, bad company, availability of intoxicant, tobacco, unemployment problem, indifference of parents towards their children etc. Drug addiction leads a boy or a girl to the paths of hell. It destroys a prosperous life. A drug addict becomes habituated with telling ties, theft, robbery, cheating, hijacking, murder and what not. Drug addiction brings unrest and destroys the happiness of both the family and the society. To save young generation from the clutches of drug addiction, the government, the NGO’s and the social organizations should come forward. Drug important should be banned with an iron hand. Young people should be kept under strict watch of their parents. To build up a good nation, the young generation should be saved from being drug addict. Lockdown Lockdown is a temporary condition imposed by governmental authorities (as during the outbreak of an epidemic disease) in which people are required to stay in their homes and refrain from or limit activities outside the home involving public contact. It is an emergency protocol initiated by the authority preventing people from leaving an area. All organizations are usually closed and citizens are required or at least strongly encouraged to stay home to avoid a certain negative consequence. Lockdowns are imposed when the public safety is at risk during situations like political riots or when there is a risk of spreading an infectious disease. Recently COVID – 19, the respiratory illness caused by Novel Coronavirus has forced the countries worldwide to impose complete or partial lockdowns to check the spread of the disease. The first lockdown during the pandemic was implemented in Wuhan on January 23, 2020. By early April 2020, 3.9 billion people worldwide were under some form of lockdown—more than half the world's population. More than a million have been infected within months and it eventually has reached Bangladesh. The effects of lockdown are many. In low-income and middle-income countries, the lockdowns have both immediate and long-term impacts. Bangladesh is one of the countries that has imposed lockdowns to reduce infection and the mortality rate and has suffered socio-economic losses. At the same time, child marriage, domestic violence, and violence against women have also been on the rise due to the lockdown. A lot of people became unemployed. The Covid-19 pandemic has rendered about 3% of the country's labour force jobless and created an estimated 16.38 million “new poor.” Day labourers, numbering about 1.08 million, working in construction, informal services and transport, lost jobs, noted the report, “Impact of Covid-19 on the labour market: Policy proposals for trade union on employment, gender and social security for sustainable recovery” by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Bangladesh government has initially imposed partial lockdown in several areas where patients have been diagnosed of COVID – 19 and later a complete lockdown throughout the country has been initiated. It is always a challenge to restrict and control the public movement in a densely populated country like Bangladesh. It is hard for the people who enjoy free movement and socializing in a large scale to be confined in their houses for an indefinite time. Our worst fear is if the lockdown prolonged, the wheel of economy not only of our country but also of the entire world will be at stake. Quarantine Quarantine has become something of a buzzword that’s splashed over front pages and rings out of radios and televisions all over the world. Quarantine is a state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed. The word quarantine comes from the Italian word, ‘quarantena’, which means ‘forty days’. Quarantine during the time of the coronavirus means separating and restricting movement for anyone who is or may have been exposed to the virus. This means confining the person in question to one place, be it a medical facility or their home. Being in quarantine means one can monitor when symptoms develop and, if it turns out he/she has been exposed, he/she will not spread the virus to others as he/she and the virus will remain in his/her home. Quarantine is a public health strategy and the World Health Organisation advises that it “may delay the peak of an epidemic in an area where local transmission is ongoing”. Unless a person lives alone, when living in quarantine, WHO recommends he/she should make sure he/she has a room to oneself that is ventilated. Preferably, he/she will also have his/her own bathroom. He/she should not leave the house for non-essential reasons (eg to go to work if you can work from home) and he/she should not come into contact with any other people. Quarantine should last for the length of the incubation period of the virus, that means the time between being potentially exposed and potentially showing symptoms. For coronavirus, this has been recommended by the CDC to be 14 days. If a person develops symptoms during quarantine, he/she should start his/her period of isolation again. Quarantine is a preventative measure so he/she should consistently take note of how he/she is feeling. If he/she feels any symptoms, no matter how small, he/she should note down what he/she is and when he/she first felt them. This will act as guidance for any potential next steps, eg starting day 1 of 7 days of self-isolation. According to the CDC, quarantine is medically “very effective in protecting the public from disease”. Though often requiring huge effort and brutal change, following quarantine measures when required is a small price to pay for long term public health. PAHELA BAISHAKH Pahela Baishakh is one of the most important and celebrated occasions of the people of Bangladesh. It is an integrated part of our culture and heritage. The first day of the Bengali New Year is called Pahela Baishakh. It is the day when all the people of our country gather in one stage unitedly, forgetting their religious differences and personal conflicts. This day is celebrated with traditional festivities across the country. It is a government holiday. People become very much happy to celebrate this day. They wear Punjabi and pajamas of different colours to show their love for the age-old tradition. Different cultural organizations throughout the whole country chalk out cultural programmes to mark the day. In Dhaka, people throng at Ramna Batamul from the early morning where a leading cultural organization, Chhayanat, organizes a programme. In the port city Chittagong, similar programme is arranged at the foot of D.C Hill. Bangladesh TV and Radio Bangladesh air special programme. Many colourful processions are arranged throughout the country. People cook different delicious foods to celebrate it. The businessmen take the day as an especial occasion. They open halkhata (fresh account book) and offer sweets to their customers and clients. Marking this auspicious day newspapers bring out special supplements. Pahela Baishakh of the year 1405 though made us upset, sad and devastated as a number of people died at Ramna Batamul in a bomb explosion. We hope this will not happen again and this day will not lose its real colour and lustre. Road Accidents When a vehicle collides with another in the road is called road accident. It is a common phenomenon in our country. Road accident is increasing by leaps and bounds day by day. It is the most gruesome of the daily occurrences. It occurs in Bangladesh primarily owing to the reckless driving of the drivers. They often go almost made to overtake without caring for traffic rules and regulations. Various factors such as reckless driving, narrow roads, lack of consciousness of traffic rules, weak application of traffic rules may be held responsible for the accident. But reckless driving tops the list of causes. Drivers vie with each other when they are on the road causing accidents. Road accident can cause irreparable loss and injure anyone badly. Sometimes it takes a toll of great many valuable lives. The effect of road accident is pathetic. A little mistake can cause a lot of tears to anybody. Somebody loses his/her dear and near ones for ever. Pedestrians are the worst sufferers. They are often run over by the wheel while crossing the road. However steps should be taken to make sure that drivers abide by traffic rules. Exemplary punishment should be given to those who are held responsible for road accidents. The old vehicles should not be allowed to ply in the road. Drivers must be well trained. Driving license should not be issued leniently. It must be brought under a uniform rule. Pedestrians should be encouraged to use the footpath and over bridge while crossing the road. The people from all walks of life should come forward to tackle the problem jointly. In fine, if proper steps to curb the accidents by way of framing laws for reckless driving are not taken, the situation will be almost like: where there is a wheel, there is a kill. Stories: THE HONEST WOOD-CUTTER Once upon a time there lived a poor woodcutter and his wife. They had three children. The family lived in a little house near the forest. One Saturday the woodcutter got up early. He said: ''I will go to the forest at once. Many people will go to the market today. They will want to buy firewood to cook their food'' The woodcutter's wife said, ''Take some food with you. Then you will not be hungry. Be careful on your way.'' ''I will,'' said the woodcutter. The woodcutter walked as fast as he could to the forest. He began cutting wood as soon as he got there. But the head of his axe was loose. It fell into a lake nearby. The woodcutter jumped into the lake. He dived into the water. But he could not find his axe. He dived again and again. Soon he felt tired and cold. So he sat on the bank of the lake. The woodcutter was very sad. ''Oh! Oh! I shall have no wood to sell today,'' he said. ''Where shall i get the money to buy our food?'' Just then a lovely fairy came. She said, ''My good man, why are you crying?'' ''My axe fell into the water,'' said the woodcutter. ''I cannot cut wood to sell today. My children will have no food tonight.'' The fairy jumped into the lake. She came out with a golden axe. ''Is this your axe?'' she asked. ''Oh, no,'' said the woodcutter. ''My axe is not made of gold.'' The fairy jumped into the lake again. Soon she came out with a silver axe. ''Is this your axe?'' asked the fairy. ''Oh, no. That's not mine. My axe is only made of iron.'' The fairy jumped again into the water. Then she came back with an iron axe. ''Is this the one?'' she asked. The woodcutter jumped up for joy. He said, ''Yes, it is. That is my iron axe. Thank you, kind fairy, now, i will be able to cut wood.'' Then the fairy said, ''You are an honest man. You may have the gold and the silver axes too. You may sell them. The gold axe costs much. You will have plenty of money.'' On the way home the woodcutter met a rich merchant. When the merchant heard the woodcutter's tale, he ran to the pond and dropped his wooden axe in the river. "Woe is me!" he cried. The spirit appeared with a silver axe. "That one is mine!" the merchant said quickly. "You know it is not," said the spirit, and disappeared. The rich man's wooden ax stayed on the bottom of the deep pond. A Thirsty Crow It was the month of Chaitra. The day was very hot. There was scorching sun around. There was no water anywhere. One day a crow grew thirsty. It flew here and there in search of water, but in vain. So, it began to fly towards its nest. All the way it was looking for water. All the watery places that came into its sight were dry due to the extreme heat of summer sun. It went to a lake that was near its nest. To its utter dismay it found that the lake had also been dried up. It found no other way to satisfy its thirst. Losing heart when it returned to its nest, it saw a pitcher in a certain forest. Its heart leaped up in joy. It thought that it could again make its thirsty throat wet with the drops of water. At once the crow landed there. But fortune was playing tricks with it. It found that there was a little water inside the pitcher. The water was at the bottom. It was out of its reach. It tried again and again to turn the pitcher. But all his attempts were ended in smoke. It could not turn the pitcher so couldn’t drink water also. It gave up its hope of drinking water. Being disappointed, the crow prepared to go away. Suddenly it noticed a heap of pebbles near the pitcher. An idea came to its mind. It thought that if it could put the pebbles into the pitcher then the water might rise high and it could drink the water. It began to take the pebbles into its beak and dropped them inside the pitcher. As it put the pebbles, the water rose high and high. At length the water came to its reach. The crow drank its full and flew away with a happy mind. A Liar Shepherd There was a shepherd in a village. He used to tend sheep in a nearby field beside the forest. The shepherd was a great liar. He enjoyed himself making fun with people. He often cried out, “Wolf, wolf.” The farmers who used to work in nearby field thought that really a wolf was appeared. So, they all rushed to the spot to kill the wolf and save the boy. But each time they were deceived. When they reached the spot they found there was no wolf but the boy. When the farmers could find no wolf, the boy giggled and made fun with them. This happened for more than three times. At last the farmers got angry and decided not to come anymore to help the boy. One day a wolf really came. The boy was as usually tending the cattle. He never saw a wolf in his life. But now when he saw the wolf he was horrified. The wolf was so fierce looking that he forgot to run. In fact he felt himself unable to move. He could not think of anything to do. He thought of shouting to ask help from the others. So, the boy now shouted aloud to his capacity. He cried for help. But this time there was no response. The farmers were working in a nearby field. They heard the sound. But they thought that the boy was again making fun as usual with them. This time the wolf found the shepherd alone and tore him to pieces. The liar shepherd was thus punished for his lie. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE One day a hare met a tortoise. He laughed at the tortoise and said, “You have as many legs as I have. But I am sure; you can’t run as fast as I can. Perhaps, you can’t run at all.” The tortoise became very angry. He answered quietly, “You can run quite fast, no doubt. But I think, you can talk even faster than you can run. “However I agree to run a five mile race with you.” At this the hare was much amused. So she said, “Come along, let’s fixed a date for the race.” They fixed a date. A fox came to see the race. The fox was selected as judge. The tortoise and the hare came to the starting point. The race began. The hare began to run very fast. She jumped and jumped. She ran a mile in a few minutes. Soon she found the tortoise far behind her. Then she stopped. She said to herself, “What’s the use of going so fast? Perhaps, the tortoise has gone only a few yards by this time. So I can very well have a good sleep before he comes up.” Saying this, the hare went to sleep in a bush. In the meantime the tortoise walked on and on. He did not stop anywhere. When he came to the bush, he saw the lazy hare lying fast asleep. He smiled and quietly passed by her. Many hours passed. The hare woke up. She saw that it was already evening. She immediately got on her feet. She began to run very fast. But alas! The tortoise had already gone far. She came in sight of the goal. But the tortoise was already crossing the winning post. The hare felt much ashamed. She now said to herself, “It is true that slow and steady wins the race.” DIGNITY OF DRESS Sheikh Saadi was a great poet of Iran. He led a very simple life. Once the king of the country invited Saadi to the court. Saadi started on foot. He walked the whole day and at night took shelter in a rich man’s house. Saadi had very plain dress. Considering him very ordinary traveler the rich man and his servants did not entertain him well. Saadi left the rich man’s house and reached the king’s court the following day. The king received the poet with great respect and gave him new clothes. On the way to return Saadi stopped at night in the same rich man’s house. Saadi did it intentionally. He knew that earlier only for his dress the owner of the house didn’t pay any attention to him. So this time when he was wearing a royal dress, he wanted to see what the owner would do. When the rich man saw Saadi in his royal dress he came out with a broad smile on his face. He welcomed Saadi. Different types of delicious foods were served. He invited Saadi to have the meal. But then happened an interesting incident. When the servant brought the dishes before Saadi he started putting the food into his pocket. The rich man became astonished at his strange behaviour. He said to Saadi, “What’s wrong with you? Why are you putting these items in your pockets?” then Saadi smiled and gently said, “Dear Sir, it is the dress that deserves these delicious dishes. When I was in an ordinary dress, you did not give me good dishes and now, as I have put on royal dress, you have served so delicious dishes.” The man became very ashamed of his behaviour and begged pardon. Saadi then introduced himself to the rich man and took leave from him. The Cobbler and the Rich Man A cobbler worked in his shop from morning until night, and as he worked he sang. Tired people who heard him were rested, and sad men and women were cheered as they came near the shop. Children visited him and watched him at his work and heard him sing. They called him "Jolly Gregory." "How can he sing when he works so hard and makes so little?" many asked; but still his singing went on. Across the road from the cobbler lived a rich man. His home was beautiful, his clothes fine, and his fare the best that money could buy; but never in his life had he been known to give to anyone who needed help. He was really poor, for he lacked one thing which he very much wanted—sleep. Sometimes he could not get to sleep until early morning; then his neighbor's song would waken him. He wished that sleep could be bought for money. One day he said to himself, "I believe I will help that cobbler over the way. He has a hard time to make enough money to buy his food and clothes." So he sent for the cobbler. "Honest Gregory," he said "how much do you earn in a year?" "How much a year?" replied the cobbler, scratching his head. "I never reckon my money in that way. It goes as fast as it comes, but I am glad to be able to earn it. I cobble on from day to day and earn a living." "Well then, Gregory, how much do you earn each day?" asked the rich man. "Why, sometimes more and sometimes less," answered the cobbler. "On many days—the holidays—I earn nothing. I wish there were fewer of these; but then we manage to live." "You are a happy man now," said the rich man, "but I will make you happier," and he handed the cobbler five hundred dollars. "Go spend this money carefully. It will supply your needs for many days," he said. The cobbler had never dreamed of so much money before. He thought it was enough to keep him in food and clothes all his life. He took the money home and hid it, but he hid his joy with it. He stopped singing and became sad. He could not sleep for fear of robbers. He thought that everyone who came into his shop was trying to find out his secret, or wished a gift. When a cat ran over the floor, he thought a thief had slipped through the door. At last, poor man, he could bear it no longer. He took the money, hurried to the rich man, and cried, "Oh, give me back my songs and my sweet sleep! Here is your money, every cent of it. I made a poor trade." The rich man looked at him and said, "I thought I had made you happy. I have not missed your songs, for, strange as it may seem, I have been sleeping soundly ever since I talked with you." Greed Begets Sin, Sin Begets Death There lived a greedy farmer in a village. He had a nice goose. The goose laid one golden egg every morning. the farmer soon became very rich selling each egg in the market. But he was not satisfied with this. He felt that he could have all the eggs in a day and could become richer overnight. He hit upon a plan. He thought he would kill the goose the next morning and would out take out all the eggs at a time. He told his plan to his wife. His wife said, “Dear, are you mad? Don’t do this. If you don’t get any eggs after killing the goose then we will lose all what we are getting now. So have patience and be satisfied with what you have.” But the farmer couldn’t check his temptation. That night he was building castle in the air thinking what he would do with the money that he would get by selling the golden eggs after killing the goose. He planned to buy a new house and some lands. He was thinking how luxuriously he would lead his life. Next morning he got up very early. He took a sharp knife and went to kill the goose. The farmer’s wife forbade him again and again. But the farmer didn’t pay any heed. He took the knife and cut open the belly. But alas! He found no egg at all in it. The goose died at once. The farmer became speechless for a few moments. He could not believe his own eyes. Slowly he understood what he had done. He understood that with the goose he had also lost the prospect of golden eggs. He could understand that he was ruined. He burst into sobbing. He wife tried to console him saying, “I told you not to be greedy. Now you can see for your greediness we have lost everything. That’s why people say, ‘Greed begets sin, sin begets death.’ An Ant and a Dove Once upon a time, an ant lived on the bank of a river. One day it suddenly slipped into water. All its efforts to come up failed. Luckily for the ant, a dove was sitting on a branch of the tree. She saw the ant in trouble and it once moved to action. Plucking a broad leaf from the tree, she flew to the ant and dropped the leaf just near it. The ant mounted the leaf and then drying its wings, flew away to safety. A few days later, the dove was caught in a bit danger. She was sitting on a tree-branch when an archer aimed at it. The dove thought of flying away but a hawk was hovering just overhead. So, death started her in the face. Luckily for the dove, the ant came there. Seeing the dove in danger, it stung the hunter on his right hand. So, the arrow went off but missing its aim. Instead, it hit the hawk and killed it. The dove was saved from the jaws of death. A FOOLISH CROW AND A CLVER FOX One day a crow stole a piece of meat from a butcher’s shop in the market. She flew away with it and sat on the branch of a tree. A fox was passing under the tree. As soon as he saw the crow with the meat in her beak, he felt greedy to have it. The fox was very clever. He hit upon a plan. At first he made some attempts to have the meat. But all his attempts went in vain. Then he thought for sometime. A treacherous smile blushed on his face. He found what he should do. He understood that he wouldn’t get the meat as long as the crow opened its mouth. So he decided to flatter the crow. He said to the crow, “Good morning, Mrs. Crow. I haven’t seen such a beautiful bird like you.” The foolish crow moved a little. Then the clever fox again opened his mouth to move the crow’s heart through flattery. He said, “How wonderfully God has created you! How beautiful your feathers are!” But the crow didn’t answer. Then the clever fox made his last attempts. He said, “ But alas! You too have some lacking in you. Everybody says that your voice is very harsh. Your voice is not as beautiful as you. It’s really a matter of pity.” The crow became very angry with the jackal. She didn’t understand what the real intention of the fox was. To prove that she had a soft and pleasing voice, she began to sing loudly. But alas! As she opened her lips to sing, the piece of meat fell off. The shrewd fox was waiting for this. He at once took it. He said, “I know there are less creations in this world as fool as you. Now continue to sing and I’m leaving.” Saying this he ran away. The crow could realize her foolishness. Honesty is the Best Policy Once a boy named Arif was coming home from his school on foot. Suddenly he noticed a money bag lying beside the road. He stopped and he thought for a while. He found nobody coming along the way. He took the bundle and carefully put it into his pocket. He looked to be nervous and shaky. So he looked around if anybody noticed him. He had a number of ideas in his mind to make of his money. He decided to buy some dress for him and thought of visiting a place of interest with his friends. He also planned to treat his friend with good food in a Chinese restaurant. This way he thought. He would spend twenty thousand taka for his own enjoyment. The rest of the amount he would give to his mother for the use of household necessities and other purpose. He came back home silently. He did not disclose the matter immediately to any of the members of his family. He bought some good dresses for him and spent money lavishly with his friends. This made his parents suspicious of him. They asked him where he had got the money to buy dresses and treat his friends. At first he tried to hide the fact, but when his parents grilled him with questions, he had to confess the truth. He told them how he got the money and about his plant of using them. At this, his parents became shocked and very angry at the same time. Both his parents scolded him and ordered to inform the matter to the police and hand over the money to them. “Honesty is the best policy” said his mother. “If you want to succeed in life you must be honest and hard working.” The boy agreed to do so and he promised to lead an honest life. ROBERT BRUCE AND THE SPIDER There lived a king in a country. His name was Robert Bruce. His kingdom was invaded by enemies. The king fought bravely but lost the battle. He wished to regain his kingdom at any cost. He made six attempts one after another to curb his enemies but failed. During the last attempt all his soldiers were killed. He fled from the war field and took shelter in a cave. He kept himself there hidden. One day he was lying there in a pensive mood. He was thinking about his lost kingdom. He was making plans after plans how to regain his kingdom. But none of them seemed appropriate to him. So he was in a little bit melancholic mood. Then he could see a spider trying to reach the ceiling of the cave. At first he didn’t pay any attention to this. But gradually it drew his attention. He saw that the spider failed repeatedly. But still it didn’t give up hope. The king began to count how many times it was failed to reach the ceiling. The king found that the spider became successful to climb up the ceiling of the roof by the seventh attempt. The king found out a kind of similarity between him and the spider. He saw that like the spider he was also failed for six times to regain his kingdom. Now a hope began to rise up in his mind. He thought if he would make another more attempt he might win like the spider which had won its goal at its seventh attempt. He felt inspired. He became resolved to fight again. He gathered an army of strong men and attacked his enemies. This time fortune favoured him. He became successful to defeat them and regained his lost kingdom. The Lion and The Mouse One day a lion was sleeping in a cave. A mouse was playing nearby. The lion caught hold of the mouse. He became so angry that he wanted to kill the mouse. The mouse became very much frightened But he did not lose heart. He said to the lion, “O king of the jungle, I am very tiny creature. I made a big mistake, please forgive me this time. I may be of some help to you any time.” Hearing this the lion smiled and let the mouse go. Days, months and years passed by. One night the mouse heard the roar of a lion. The mouse came out of its hole. He could recognize the roar. The mouse went to the place from where the sound was coming. Having reached there he saw the lion trapped in a hunter’s net. The net was strong for the lion to break. The mouse understood that the time had come to repay the lion’s mercy. The mouse gave his identity and requested him not to make any sound. So it set about nibbling the cords of the net and set the lion free in no time.. The lion was freed before dawn. The lion expressed his gratitude to the mouse. The mouse said in reply, “Even the smallest creatures can be of great help to the giants.” The Pied Piper of Hamelin A long time ago, the town of Hamelin was faced with a great problem. It became full of rats. The rats were so big and fierce that they fought the dogs, killed the cats and bit the babies in the cradles. In no way people of the town could protect their belongings and even lives from the attack of the rats. So, they were leaving the town in groups. In this situation the mayor of the town called a meeting of the elite persons to discuss their problems and way outs. The meeting went on for a long time but there was no result. At that time a strange person appeared in the town. His dress was strange and colourful. He had a flute in his hand. He asked the people of the village about the mayor. People showed him where he could get the mayor. The man slowly went to the mayor’s office. The mayor was busy in the meeting. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. The mayor said, “Come in.” the strange man got into the room. He said, “If you want I can drive all the rats away from this town.” The mayor and the other people present there was surprised. They thought that he was making fun of them. But the mayor took it seriously. He said to the man, “What do you want form us in exchange of this?” He demanded one thousand guilders for the job. The mayor as well as the people present there did not believe him. But at last the mayor decided to give the strange man a chance. He also agreed with his demand. Then the strange man went out on the road. He started to walk along the street. The pied piper went to the street and took out a pipe from his pocket. Then he began to play the pipe. Soon from every house in Hamelin came out the rats tumbling. There were hundreds of thousands of them. The man still playing his pipe, moved along the streets and the rats followed him. He went down to the bank of the river Weser and waded into the river. And every single rat that followed him was drowned. Letter Writing: 1. Write a letter to your friend describing how to improve English. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear Moon, Hope this letter will find you hale and hearty. I know how you’re feeling after missing the 1st place in the last examination for getting poor marks in English. But as you are now really interested in improving your skill in English. I think, the situation must change. Here I am giving you some hints following which you can improve your English. You know, every language has four parts- listening , speaking, reading and writing. If you want to have a good command over an language. You must be proficient in all these four skills. For listening you must listen to English news on television and radio and watch English movies whenever you can. Though it will be difficult at the beginning to understand what they are saying, gradually when you’ll be accustomed with that you’ll find it easier. Then the most important part speaking skill. To improve you’re his skill you must converse with your friends and teachers whenever you can. You’ll find that at the beginning you are stumbling an making mistakes but slowly you will over-come this when you’ll gain fluency. To improve your reading skill read English newspapers are English story books. While reading these things whenever you come across any new words, pick it up, take the help of your dictionary and write down the words in your note book with some synonyms of it and make some sentences with these words .Then write at least one page each and every night on any topic in English which will enrich your writing skill. You must pay attention to grammar and try your best to enrich your vocabulary. Just follow these and write to me just after a month about your progress. Hope it will help you to reach your desired goal. Another thing, you must write the next letter in English so that I can see your progress. Bye , take care. Yours ever Arpa 2. You received a letter from your father yesterday. In the letter he warned you not to spend much time in facebook. Now, write a reply to this letter. 21 October, 2021. 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear Father, Hope this letter will find you hale and hearty. I received your letter yesterday. In the letter you have warned me no to spend much time in facebook. In this regard, I am glad to assure you that I have never been addicted to Facebook. I use Facebook just to keep connected with my near and dear ones so that I can share necessary information for my academic and social life. It is also noteworthy that I have fixed up particular time for using Facebook. The time is just between afternoon and evening and of course in free time. So, I think you need not to worry at all about my facebooking. I am sincere enough in my studies and other co-curricular activities so that I can make your dream come true. Just keep trust on me and pray for my success. No more today. Convey my best regards to mother and affection to Anika. Bye, take care. Your loving daughter, Arpa 3. Write a letter to her describing your country. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear X, I am glad to receive your letter. I feel very much happy to see your interest in our country and her people. Let me introduce my country to your today. Bangladesh is constitutionally known as the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. It’s a democratic country of 1,47,570 square kilometers. It is bordered by India on the west, east and north, Myanmar on the east and the Bay of Bengal on the south. It won impendence in 1971 from Pakistan through a bloody war. Its geographical formation is worth-noting. It is a great delta like a green carpet. It has the longest sea-beach in the world. Such a plain and green earth is hardly seen in the world. The country has a tropical monsoon climate. Its economy mainly based on agriculture. Jute, rice, tea, tobacco and cotton are the man crops of the country. It has some world heritage site i.e. the Sundarbans, the Shat Gambuj Mosque of Bagerhat, the Cox’s Bazar, ect. Bangladesh is a riverine country. The Padma, the Meghna and the Jamuna are the main rivers here. It has a population of nearly 130 million. The majority of them are Muslims and the rest are Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. They live in peace and harmony with each other. Almost all the people speak Bangla, English is also widely used. The national dress for men is pajama and panjabi and sari for women. We have a cultural heritage of thousand years. That’s all for today. Please write me back. With best wishes. Your friend. / Y 4. Write a letter to your younger brother describing him the danger of smoking. 21 October, 2021. 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Hope this letter will find you hale and hearty. I am surprised to know that you are addicted to smoking. It’s a bad habit. Smoking is the most dangerous of all habits. I consider it a bad habit. It has a damaging effect on human health and life. It breeds many fatal diseases. It causes cancer, bronchitis, tuberculosis, heart-attack and many health hazards. Smoking prevents free flow of blood and supply of oxygen in the body. This leads of serious heart problems. A chain smoker cannot enjoy sound health. A smoker also causes harm to a non-smoker. Besides, smoking pollutes the air and leads to environmental disaster. Still, the worst sufferer is the man who smokes. He cannot but suffer in the long run. Recently smoking in public places has been banned by the government. As smoking is a slow poison, banning smoke in public is a commendable initiative. Hope you will understand this and give up this bad habit. Ever yours, Moon 5. Write a letter to your describing how you celebrated Independence Day at your college. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear Arpa, My best love to you. I think you are well by the grace of Almighty Allah. In your last letter you wanted to know how we celebrated The Independence Day at our college. Here it goes. The Independence Day’ was observed with great enthusiasm and due solemnity at our college premises A special committee was formed earlier to celebrate the day. The Vice-Principal, Mr. Nirmal Rebeiro was the head of this 7-members committee. The committee launched on the occasion a number of programmes including discussion meeting, milad Mahfil etc. The college premises were decorated beautifully. An artistic gate was built at the entrance of the college field. Some special guests as well as our guardians were invited to attend the programmes. At 7. am. The programme began with the hoisting of our national flag by the Principal. Students brought out a colourful procession and paraded round the main street of the town. Then a discussion meeting was held in college auditorium. The Deputy Commissioner, Chittagong, Mr. Rafiqul Islam was the Chief guest. He delivered an important speech full of patriotic Zeal. Among others Mr. Motaher Hussain. Mr. Saleh Ahmed and on behalf of the students this reporter spoke on the occasion. The Principal Mr. Shafiqur Rahman presided over the meeting. At the end a milad and doa mahfil was held. Maulana. Nur Ahmed conducted it. Please write me ab out your celebration. Hope to meet you soon. Arushi. 6. Write a letter to your brother advising him to read English Newspaper daily. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear Rony, Father’s last letter surprised me a lot. From that letter I came to know about a great change in you. I have learnt that now you are using your leisure time by reading newspaper and newspapers vendors were asked to give two newspapers both English and Bengali, by you. That’s a very good sign. The newspaper is the most essential mark of modern civilization. The newspaper contains information about things that are happening in different parts of the world everyday. Mere book-knowledge is not sufficient for an educated man now-a-days. You are to keep yourself fully informed of the current affairs of the world. The newspaper tells you every important thing that you need to know. Reading a newspaper makes a man fit to participate usefully in a cultured society. The newspaper will help you to find and interest in the world in general. It will tell you not only of political or sensational events but also of new-inventions. The special articles contained in the newspapers have much educative value. I would like to suggest you to read English Newspaper because that will help you to enrich your word stock. You can learn the sentence pattern. You will be more fluent if you read English Newspaper daily. So, you should read them without fail. Hope you’ll not give up this good habit like you did earlier. Continue this habit and you’ll see the harvest within a month. No more today. Bye, take care. Yours loving Richi. 7. Write a letter to your friend thanking him for his hospitality. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. I reached home safe yesterday. You will be happy to learn that I had not the least trouble on the way. I can never forget the days that I spent at your house in your midst. What a world of care you and your brother and sister took of me! How affectionate your parents were! Even the servants of your house were always alert about my comforts and conveniences. I always remember the amusing stories that your grandfather used to tell us every night. I think the sweet recollection of your family will remain ever green in my mind. Allow me, my dear friend, to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt thanks to you and other member of your family for your kind hospitality. I shall be highly glad if you come and stay with me during the next vacation. With best regards to your parents, love to you and the rest. Ever yours, MooN. 6. Write a letter to your brother advising him how to remain free from COVID --19. 21 October, 2021 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear Rony, Hope this letter will find you hale and hearty. Actually, I am a bit anxious about you as you are living outside the home during this pandemic situation. Though you have been vaccinated, it does not assure that you will not be affected by this disease. So you must take some precautions. You must wear a mask whenever you go outside of your house. Try to avoid congested area. Try to avoid gatherings. Whenever you touch something, use sanitizer to kill the virus. After coming home, go straight to the washroom and leave your clothes there. Wash them properly. Take a bath. Wash your hands, face and hair properly. You know, vaccination can only reduce the severity of the disease. But cannot stop it affecting you. So, be careful. No more today. Hope you will take care of yourself quite well. God bless. Your loving brother, Anik. 7. Write a letter to your friend congratulating him on his fight against COVID – 19. 21 October, 2021. 37, Broken-Heart Lane Chittagong. Dear ‘A’, Congratulation! Surely you have understood why I am congratulating you, haven’t you? I heard few weeks ago that you were affected by COVID – 19. Today I have learnt from a friend that you have won against it and now you are quite well. Congratulations on it. You know since the outbreak of this virus it has taken millions of lives. It has devastated lives across the world. Sometimes the COVID patients take serious turn so fast that it becomes hard for doctors to come to any assistance. However, by the mercy of Almighty, you have come round. But don’t be reluctant. Follow the rules of health. You must wear mask wherever you go and use sanitizers always. Thumbs up to you! Keep the stone rolling! Bye, take care. Ever yours, ‘M’