COMPOSITIONS FOR HSC, SSC, JSC & OTHER EXAMS (A-3)

A Visit to a place of Historical Interest I had been dreaming of visiting a place of historical interest. I learnt many things from books about the beauty of 'Lalbagh Fort' in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. I got the opportunity when our school was closed for Ramadan vacation.

I, accompanied with some of my friends reached the Chittagong Railway Station in time and bought four tickets. We got into the second class compartment. We occupied four comfortable seats in the compartment. Then the train started for Dhaka at, 11.00 p.m. and we reached the Kamalapur Railway Station at 5.00 a.m. After staying there for a while, we reached our appointed hotel.

Dhaka is an ancient city. During the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was founded by Islam khan, in the year 1610. It stands on the Buriganga. Many ancient historical places are still found there. At first, we went to see the historical 'Fort of Lalbagh'. Md. Azam Shah, Subedar of Bengal and third son of Emperor, Aurangazeb built this port in 1678 and named it 'Kila Aurangabad' but later it became commonly known as "Lalbagh Fort". Shaesta khan, another subedar of Bengal, added grandeur to this fort. The fort is surrounded by great walls. There is a grave of shaesta khan's daughter, Bibi Pari, one mosque and a common bathing place. This fort is about 2000 feet from east to west and 800 feet from north to south. The gorgeous three storied main gate is on the southern wall and adorned with Mughal architecture. There is also smaller gates on different walls of the fort. The walls are made of thin red bricks. The beauty of these ancient relics really beggars description. The new town is very beautiful to look at. We visited some important places, such as-Natoinal Museum, Sangsad Bhaban, Mirpur Zoo, Botanical Garden, Dhaka University, Bangla Academy, Shishu Park, Jatiya Smriti Soudh etc. After five days tour we retuned home. The visit to 'Lalbagh Fort gave me a new vision and a new thought. That is, the majesti beauty of 'Lalbagh Fort' will remain ever fresh in my memory. Still feel, it was a remarkable visit indeed.

My Visit to a Place of Historical Interest Man has an infinite thirst for knowledge. He always wants to know the unknown and see the unseen to satisfy his curiosity and quench this thirst. Visiting places is a wonderful experience and has lot of educative value. I am always fond of visiting a new place, particularly if it is a place of historical interest. I have visited most of the main historical places in Bangladesh like the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, Mahasthangarh at Bogra, Sonargaon and Bagerhat. last year I had an opportunity to visit the world famous Taj Mahal at Agra in India

There is hardly an educated person who has not heard or read about the Taj Mahal in India. In my higher secondary English textbook, I read description of it. I came to know that it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It was built in the seventeenth century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz mahal. I became very curious to visit this wonderful place and was looking for a chance to go there. In February last year some of my friends and I made a plan for touring India, specially to visit Agra. It took us several days to complete our foreign tour formalities. We managed to procure passports and visas as quickly as possible. Then we fixed a date for our journey. When the day arrived, we said good-bye to our parents and friends and started our journey to India via Benapal border. We caught a morning train from Rajshahi and got off at Jessore. Then we went to benapal by bus. We crossed the border at about 3 o’clock. We hired a taxi to go to Bonpara railway station. By the time reached Bonpar all the four of us got very hungry. We ate some food at a restaurant there and caught the Kolkata-bound train at 5 p.m. In Kolkata we put up in a small hotel for the night. As we had a long journey from Rajshahi to Kolkata, all of us had a sound sleep. We spent the following day wandering here and there in Kolkata and visiting some important places. Next day we started for Delhi in the morning by train. The thirty-hour journey by train was extremely tiring but we somehow managed to keep ourselves fresh. After an overnight stay in New Delhi we started for Agra. The city of Agra is in Uttar Pradesh and to the southeast of New Delhi. From New Delhi it is five-hour journey by bus. We started our journey at 12 noon and reached there safe and sound at five in the evening. The moment we reached the premises of the Taj Mahal, we were overwhelmed with joy and forgot all the exhaustion and hazards of the journey. We fell in love with the Taj at first sight. We felt that no words would be enough to describe its beauty. Immediately we understood why twenty thousand men worked for twenty-two years to complete the complex. We saw that the mausoleum of pure white marble inlaid with semiprecious stones, is flanked by two red sandstone buildings, a mosque on one side and an identical building for aesthetic balance on the other. It stands on a high marble plinth with a minaret at each corner. It has four identical facades, each with a massive central arch, and is surmounted by a bulbous double dome and four domed kiosks. Just inside the outer walls, there is a corridor and from this corridor we looked through the carved marble screens to a central arch, and is surmounted by a bulbous double dome and four domed kiosks. Just inside the outer walls, there is a corridor and from this corridor we looked through the carved marble screens to a central room. ‘The bodies of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife lie in two graves below this room. No visitor is allowed to approach these original graves. There were thousands of people coming from different countries of the world to visit the Taj Mahal on that day and we also came to know that about eighty million people from all over the world visit the Taj Mahal every year. We were really impressed by the matchless beauty of the Taj. It was as if a dream in marble. However, we were shocked to see one thing. The great mausoleum stands on the river Jamuna but there was no water in the river. The river rather looked drab and dry. We felt that the Taj Mahal would look many times more beautiful if the river were full of water. We also visited the beautiful garden surrounding the Taj Mahal. The green trees of the garden made the white marble of the main building look even whiter. We also walked round the long pool in front of the main entrance to the building. When we looked in this pool in the evening twilight, we saw all the beauty of the Taj Mahal in the reflection in the water. We could not resist our temptation to take photographs of all the beautiful scenes. We had read that Taj Mahal looks best at night in moonlight. Fortunately, it was the time of the full moon. Therefore, we waited until night and the rise of the moon. Our wait became significant when we observed the effect of the moonlight on the white marble of the Taj Mahal. The dazzling whiteness of the marble mingled with the soft whiteness of moonlight created a magic world. We did not feel like leaving the site of the Taj Mahal which is known as one of the seven wonders of the world. But at one time we had to. We stayed overnight at Agra and made for New Delhi again the next morning with a sweet memory of visiting a wonderful place of great historical interest. Even today I feel proud to say that I have visited the Taj Mahal. After visiting India in 2000 Bill Clinton said, “The world is divided into two parties those who have visited the Taj Mahal and those who have not. I am lucky I belong to the first party. “Before visiting the Taj Mahal I considered myself unfortunate to think that I was a member of the second party but today like Bill Clinton I can also proudly say that I belong to the first party of people who have visited the Taj Mahal. The memory of the Taj mahal will remain ever fresh in my mind. My Visit to a Place o f Historical Interest Historical place means a place which bears testimony to history. Bangladesh is a land of historical importance. Everywhere there are places of historical interest. Visiting a historical place is truly interesting and exciting. Visits to such places have a great educative value too. Besides, it helps us to remove the dullness of the mind which occurs from the monotonous classes. So, after the test examination is over, we visited Mahasthangarh, a place of historical interest. On 20 October 2010, we started for our visit. We are four in number. On the appointed day, we all gathered at a pre-decided place named Gabtoli from where we went to Bogra by bus and stayed at night. The following day after breakfast we set out for Mahasthangarh. It was only a few kilometres away from the town. We went there by rickshaw. When we reached Mahasthangarh, a glorious chapter of old history opened up before our eyes. We all were enchanted seeing such a historical place with our own eyes. Mahasthangarh was the site of Pundranagar. Pundranagar was the capital of the Mouryas, Guptas, Senas and other Hindu kings. The old city was about 2000 metres long and 1500 metres wide and was surrounded by a wall. Once it was a very flourishing city. Mahasthangarh stands on the western bank of the river Korotoa. There are some elevated places near Mahasthangarh. These places are known as ‘Vitas’. ‘Kundus’, ‘Ghous’ and ‘Dhaps’. One part of the dried river is known as the ghat of Kankabati. There is a museum of Mahasthangarh. Some images, dice, ornaments and pots excavated from Mahasthangarh have been kept in the museum. We have seen all the relics of the past and learnt a lot of things about our past civilization. We spent the day at Mahasthangarh and started back for Bogra in the evening. The following day after breakfast we set out for Dhaka. A visit to a place of historical interest is always interesting to me. It was a great pleasure for me to be at Mahasthangarh. It was indeed a rewarding visit. It is still fresh in my memory. AN EXPERIENCE OF VISITING A HISTORICAL PLACE From the tank we went to another side of the ‘mazar’ where there is a big deep well with transparent water. The water was continuously coming from an unknown place A visit to some historical place is a fascinating adventure. Last winter, I happened to visit Sylhet, an ancient town of Bangladesh. It is famous for the ‘mazar’ of Hazrat Shah Jalal and the ‘mazar’ is a memorable historical site. From my childhood I was cherishing the hope of visiting the ‘mazar’ as I heard many imaginary stories about the ‘doves’ named ‘Jalalee Kabutar’ and the big fishes ‘madari, gazari’. We went to Sylhet last year to visit the ‘mazar’ during the Muharram holidays. We availed ourselves of the Surma mail which started at about 9 p.m. We reached Sylhet station at about 8 p.m. next morning. We hired a rickshaw. When our rickshaw came near the ‘mazar’ we found many small shops on both sides of the road. The shop-keepers were calling us to take their commodities which were mostly some candles, ‘agarbati’ and ‘haluas’ of different kinds and other sweets. After passing the shops we came to the courtyard of the ‘mazar’. In one corner there were spacious vacant rooms where the pilgrims stay at night. There are arrangements for bathing and cooking. But our attention was diverted to the songs of the ‘pigeons’. There are several small cages with round shaped entrance. Some of them were taking corns from the ground. Then we went to the ‘mazar’. On the gate we kept our shoes. The ‘mazar’ is situated on a small hill. The excellent structural beauty testifies the skill of Muslim architecture. There is a tank adjacent to the ‘mazar’. The tank has hundreds of very big sized fishes called ‘madari’ and ‘gazari’. It is believed that if anybody appeases the hunger of these fishes with small fishes, he would be blessed by the saint and the desire of his soul will be fulfilled. When anybody wishes to offer something, the care-taker loudly shouts by calling ‘madari’, ‘gazari’. They appear within a minute and swallow the offer with great relish and then go back to the well through a narrow drain. We found some small fishes moving happily in the water. They were multicoloured. Some of them are golden, some red, green and blue. A care-taker was sitting on the entrance. We gave him some coins. We took one bottle from him and took a little holy water of the well. We spent an hour and a half in visiting the ‘mazar’ saying our prayers and giving some offerings. The visit to the ‘mazar’ filled our heart with joy. We could think about the sacrifice of Hazrat Shah Jalal who left his sweet home for the sake of religion. It is the duty of everyone to sacrifice self-interest for a mission. A VISIT TO A SCIENCE FAIR A science fair is an exhibition that enables us to visit and have the experience of different scientific inventions and discoveries. My elder brother who studies in BUET invited me to pay a visit to their campus on the occasion of a science fair. Accordingly, I went there and enjoyed a lot. In the fair what I saw was a fantastic arrangement of exhibitions of all kinds of scientific experiments done both by the students of BUET and by students of other science institutions. The exhibition was being held in a 4-storeyed building. On the ground floor we saw many posters of great scientists of the world like Newton, Einstein, and Prof. Abdus Salam. Some of the wall papers contained memorable statements on the importance of science. The third floor had the most interesting practical exhibits to show. The students of BUET had arranged it. All their exhibitions were the result of their laboratory experiment. One object drew my attention. It was about the optical illusion. A small iron ball was shown to be travelling upward on a narrow plank of board, without any additional help. Later, I realised that the board was originally set with the upside end actually lower than the downside end, for which reason it gave the illusion that the ball was rolling upward, when actually it was gliding down. In the aviation room they put blown up pictures of Apollo 11 making its historic voyage to the moon. A short-film was also shown on the astronauts: Neil Armstrong who first set feet upon the face of the moon, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins. I visited different stalls. I could only guess what tremendous development has been achieved in different branches of science. In the fair I gathered almost up-to-date information about the development of Physics, Chemistry, Medical Science and Technology. Indeed, the science fair increases our zeal about science facts. We feel that we must know more about the mysteries of nature. A science fair has a great educative value. I spent full six hours visiting the science fair and learning and enjoying a world of new things. It has left a deep impression on my mind. A VISIT TO A VILLAGE FAIR A village fair is an annual affair in rural Bangladesh. It is a great periodical gathering held in some open place. Here goods of various kinds are brought for show and sale. Many forms of amusements are held for the villagers. It is the chief attraction for the children and even the grown-up people. Men, women and children eagerly wait for the day. This year I had the opportunity to visit a village fair in my native village. It was the 12th of ‘Chaitra’, the last month of the Bengali year. I went to pass some days in my village home. There I came to know that the annual village fair was being held. So, I along with one of my cousins went to visit the fair. Immense crowds were making their way towards the fair. The fair was held over the open space around the shrine of a Muslim saint. We got into one of the moving crowds and made our way with it to the field where the fair was being held. When we reached there, we were rewarded with the sight of a spectacle which I think I shall never forget. What caught my sight first was a vast assemblage of men, youths and children in fine dress over an extensive field. There were long rows of booths with broad passages between. In these booths were displayed almost all sorts of things ---- toys, cosmetics, knives, whistles, earthen wares, brass wares, fruits and sweets. It seemed to be a kind of exhibition in miniature of cottage industries. The rural artisans and craftsmen brought their handmade articles to the fair. Wherever we rent, our sense of hearing was greeted with the shrill music of flutes and the harmonious and discordant sound of mouth-organs. To all this were added the loud trade-cries of hawkers and the haggling of customers. The noise that all these combined to make was, in short, deafening. As we neared the shrine, a sweet music was greeted our ears. We advanced and saw a group of people sitting in the veranda of the shrine. They were singing ‘Kawali’ to the accompaniment of a number of musical instruments. We stood still for sometime and listened to it with rapt attention. Different forms of amusements were also accommodated to provide a happy diversion to the rural people. ‘Travelling jatra parties’, ‘Nagar- dolas’ ‘Circus parties’ etc were showing their feats and performances. A magician too was found under a small tent ready to show his tricks to the people against small sum. But the largest crowd gathered around the place where jugglers exhibited their feats. My cousin insisted me to get into the circus tent for enjoying the circus show. As we approached, we heard rapping on a drum accompanied by the sound of some wind-instrument. So we purchased two tickets and entered in. We understood that they were meant to attract attention. We then went in and witnessed some very thrilling performances. We had our money’s worth. Coming out, we took a turn and saw a large crowd of boys and girls. We went there and saw a large crowd of boys and girls. We went there and saw a merry-go- round revolving with small merry-makers. These children looked very much pleased. Someone in the crowd told his companion that it was near sunset. This brought us the realisation that we had stayed too long. We remembered that my uncle had advised us to return home before sunset. We then making no more delay, set out for home. After visiting the fair I realised that the fair really inspired the skilled hands of cottage industries and helped the farmers by building their economy. It was a means of recreation, change and social get-together of the village people. But one thing I noticed that the fair had lacking in arrangement for proper sanitation. The experience of visiting the fair is really engraved in my heart for long. A WEDDING CEREMONY In Bangladesh there are festivities and often grand festivities on the occasion of a wedding ceremony. A wedding ceremony is performed according to the wealth and status of the bride and bridegroom’s parents. Last month I enjoyed the marriage ceremony of my cousin. The marriage ceremony was solemnised in a grand way. A beautiful gate was erected at the entrance of the house. An artist with his group was engaged to do it. He made such beautiful decorations that it looked really attractive. A big ‘pandal’ and ‘shamianas’ was erected for the bridegroom and other guests. The gate, the pandal, the house, the trees were illuminated with colourful lights. The light revolved in so many directions that our eyes marvelled at the scene. All our relatives, many of my uncles’ friends and invited guests began to come in the evening. Every guest brought a gift or a present. My uncle and other elder relatives received the guests. The ladies and children sat in a separate room. The bridegroom reached the bride’s house at 8:30 p. m. As soon as the bridegroom got out of the car, a group of little boys and girls swarmed around him near the gate. They formed a barricade near the gate so that the bridegroom might not enter the house. There were bargains between the children and the people of the bridal party about the amount of their tips. The children demanded one thousand taka. At last it was settled on five hundred taka. Then started the religions rites. After that the grand feast began. Roasted chickens, mutton, ‘biriani’, ‘borhani’, curds and sweets were served. Everybody ate to his heart’s content. After the feast the bridegroom was led to the inner portion of the house to meet the bride. The bride sat on a beautifully decorated stage. Many young beautiful girls surrounded her. The bridegroom sat on the right side of the bride. They exchanged sights. Everybody laughed at them. After the programme the bridegroom accompanied by his bride started for his house. The whole jolly atmosphere became serious. The parents and relatives burst into tears when they bade farewell to their dear child. However, I enjoyed the marriage ceremony. I felt delighted that the occasion gave me an opportunity to meet many at one place and to enjoy a pleasant evening. ACCOMMODATION PROBLEM IN DHAKA CITY Our capital city, Dhaka, has become the centre place of all trade and commerce, better education, better treatment and better living. Thousands of industries have been set up here to boost up the economy and provide jobs to millions. The standard of living and education facilities are also relatively high. All this leads to the flocking of people to Dhaka from other corners of the country in search of job, for better education or for better standard of living. There are all kinds of people here ---- rich businessmen, office clerks, labourers and even beggars. The last census shows that at present the population of Dhaka is over 1 crore which is certainly much more than holding capacity of the city. This has given rise to many problems among which the accommodation problem is the most acute. The migrated people are facing problems to pay such a high rent for their houses. Moreover, the number of houses is less than that of people. Though the well-off people can find shelter in the apartments of high rise buildings, the lower middle-class and the poor people face serious problems in this regard. Again the high rise apartments have appeared to be a new trend in solving the accommodation problem in Dhaka city. Due to scarcity of space, there is a growing need of apartment among the citizens. The property developers are also competing one another to make higher edifices. Though these apartments look posh having all amenities, they are very expensive and beyond the reach of the middle class buyers. They are also putting pressure on the existing infrastructure of the city. Moreover, these high rise buildings can be death-trap since Bangladesh is an earthquake prone country. In opposite to these happy dwellers of the apartments we see thousands of poor people passing their lives in the open streets of Dhaka. If one walks through the streets of Dhaka, one will see countless people sleeping in line on the pavements, over bridges, railway station. The vendors are sleeping in their baskets, the rickshaw pullers on their rickshaws. Some lucky people can find shelter in the slums though the life is abominable there. These street people are from the villages who have come to Dhaka in search of work. Though these people are leading a distressed life, they seem not to care about it as they work hard all day long and enjoy sound sleep at night. But the situation is worse for the middle class because they can neither live in costly apartments nor on the streets. None thinks of them. Even the government can hardly find any solution to their accommodation problem. Hence concerted efforts are needed to solve the accommodation problem in the city of Dhaka. ADULT LITERACY Education is the backbone of a nation. No nation can prosper without education. A nation's development depends on the achievements of education. The developed countries have 99% to 100 percent educated people, whereas our percentage is very meagre in comparison to them. Illiteracy is a serious problem for the overall development of the country. Again the rate of literacy cannot be enough except adults are educated. So the necessity of adult literacy programme arises in Bangladesh. A nation with illiterate masses cannot utilise the benefits of modern science and technology. The illiterate people do not know how to cultivate land by scientific method. The rules of health and sanitation are unknown to them. They are ignorant of the gravity of population explosion. To make the people responsible citizens and the country prosperous and capable of maintaining sovereignty, adult literacy is a must. About 85% people in Bangladesh live below the poverty level. They are more than poor. Their pressure of poverty keep them busy to earn their livelihood. They cannot think the importance of education. Their children grow up without basic knowledge of reading and writing. They become ignorant of their duties and responsibilities for themselves and for the welfare of the state. Moreover, illiterate people become superstitious. It creates social vices. As a result, it creates so many hurdles against all round progress and prosperity of the country. Adult literacy brings about a change in the society. It can help people understand the right and wrong ways of life. It paves the way of national progress and prosperity. Ignorant people being literate can act wisely in the field of agriculture and industry. They can follow the rules of good health and peaceful life. Adult literacy helps people to adopt family planning. It is for all these that adult literacy is most necessary in Bangladesh. Many steps have been already taken by the former government of Bangladesh. Adult Education Programmes are conducted on TV on a regular basis. Night schools are working to teach people who can come to class after the day's work. The present Government is also conscious of the problem of adult illiteracy and is making sincere efforts to overcome this problem. The NGO's are also working on spreading education among the adults. However, the adult literacy campaign should be further strengthened. Opening of a night school at every village should be made compulsory. Attendance of the illiterate adults in night schools should be made obligatory. Every educated man and woman should attend in this programme. Expenditure in this purpose is to be borne by the proper authority. Teachers of schools, colleges and universities and the students thereof, should be organised in batches during the long vacation, to educate the illiterate adults. In this way, adult literacy is to be popularised and made fruitful. The progress of the country is impossible without adult literacy. When illiteracy will be uprooted, nation will march ahead with all round progress and prosperity. Maintenance of law and order will be easy. Agriculture and industry will flourish. Then we shall be able to materialise the dream of the martyrs to make our country a land of light, of knowledge, of happiness and prosperity. Agriculture is not a prosperous occupation in our country. Our peasants can hardly make both ends meet, though our country possesses first class fertile land. But the

Agriculture in Bangladesh Agricultural country, the old method of cultivation, flood, flood control, cash crop and food grains, industries, economic depression, sufferings, rice, sugarcane, peasants’ dependence on rain, mass literacy, scientific implements for agriculture, co­operative farming, damage of crops due to natural calamities, plant protection. Bangladesh is an agricultural country. About ninety percent of her population depend wholly or partially on agriculture. The methods of agriculture of the country are mostly old and out-dated. The farmer here depends on seasonal rains for cultivation but sometimes heavy rainfall causes flood. The problem of the Government is to control flood and regulate courses of water. The agricultural produces of Bangladesh can chiefly be divided into two classes- cash crops and food crops. Jute earns a great amount of foreign exchange every year. Eighty percent of the world’s supply of jute comes from Bangladesh. Jute is, therefore, rightly called the golden fibre of Bangladesh. Many important industries depend on agricultural products. Both men and animals depend on agriculture for foodstuff. Any shortage of agriculture products causes economic depression of the country. Failure of food crops brings sufferings to the entire population of the country. The chief food crop of Bangladesh is rice. Though Bangladesh is an important rice producing country yet it cannot supply adequate food to her inhabitants throughout the whole year. Besides these, Bangladesh also produces tea which is exported to foreign countries and thus increases our foreign exchange. Sugarcane is also another cash crop of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh the method of agriculture is primitive. Lack of scientific methods of agriculture cause very low yield of crops in our country. Our people do not know how to use manure and fertilizer for the fertility of their soil. They are helpless victims of natural calamities like flood and draught. For the cultivation of their land they depend on rain which may not give a timely visit for the benefit of their crops. The first thing necessary for the improvement or our agriculture is the education of our peasants. Free primary schools should be set up for their children and night schools for the adults. Agricultural schools and colleges should be established in large numbers. Farmers should be taught the uses of implements for the cultivation of their land. They should no longer remain helpless at the mercy of nature. They should know how to irrigate and manure their land. Most of our peasants have not the means to purchase scientific power pump, machine appliances like tractors etc. Again these implements cannot be used in small plots of land. So, land should be nationalised, fragmentation of land should be stopped. Agriculture should be started on co-operative basis. Every year natural calamities like floods, cyclone, tidal waves cause a great havoc to our crops. Year after yare there is gradual low out put in the field of agriculture. To prevent this both the Government and the public should come forward. By proper embankment we can save our crops from flood and direct it into proper channels. Plant protection department should actively come forward against disease and insects of our plants.

AGRICULTURE IN BANGLADESH Our Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country. About 80% of her people live by agriculture. Agriculture is the heart of our economy. It provides food to her people and raw materials to her industries. Bangladesh has a very rich soil and a suitable climate for agricultural production.

But agriculture in our country is beset with multifarious problems. Our peasants can hardly make both ends meet. The soil of Bangladesh is fertile but the method of our agriculture is still very old and back-dated. Our farmers have no idea of the scientific method of cultivation and farming. They do not know how to use manure and fertiliser. They are helpless victims of flood and drought. For the irrigation of their land they depend mainly on rains. The foremost measure necessary for the improvement of our agriculture is the education of our peasants. Their outlook must be changed and their superstitions should be removed. They should be taught the use of scientific methods for the cultivation of their land. As the method of our agriculture is very old and outdated the crying need of the hour is to modernise it. To achieve this end, we have to introduce suitable machinery and a number of agrarian measures in our agriculture. Government should come forward to help the cultivators to get all these things. Land should be nationalised and steps should be taken for collective farming. If agriculture in Bangladesh can be modernised, agriculture and industry must go hand in hand. Every year natural calamities like flood and drought make havoc of our agriculture. To prevent these the people and the Government should work in co-operation with each other to extend irrigation facilities wherever necessary. Besides these, waste land should be brought under cultivation. Arrangements should be made for intensive cultivation by proper irrigation of land. Measures should be taken to check soil erosion. Distribution of better seeds among the farmers at low prices should be ensured. Arrangement should also be made for giving cheap credit to poor farmers. The system of marketing should be properly organised in order to ensure to the farmers a fair price of their produce. It is heartening that the Governement of Bangladesh has undertaken various schemes to improve the condition of our culture. Our farmers have begun using modern methods of cultivation. Line-sowing has already been introduced for the cultivation of rice and jute. The Agricultural Banks are advancing loans to cultivators. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are doing a lot to improve seeds and methods of cultivation in the country. In fine it can be said that the problems cannot be solved by any single agency or organisation. They can be solved only by the concerted efforts of the whole nation. AGRICULTURE IN BANGLADESH Our Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country. About 80% of her people live by agriculture. Agriculture is the heart of our economy. It provides food to her people and raw materials to her industries. Bangladesh has a very rich soil and a suitable climate for agricultural production. But agriculture in our country is no longer a very prosperous occupation. It is beset with multifarious problems. Our peasants can hardly make both ends meet. The soil of Bangladesh is fertile but the method of our agriculture is still very old and back­dated. Our farmers have no idea of the scientific method of cultivation and farming. They do not know how to use manure and fertiliser. They are helpless victims of flood and drought. For the irrigation of their land they depend mainly on rains.

The foremost measure necessary for the improvement of our agriculture is the education of our peasants. Their outlook must be changed and their superstitions should be removed. They should be taught the use of scientific methods for the cultivation of their land. They must not be left at the mercy of nature and they must not depend on rains for sowing their seeds. They must know how to irrigate and manure their land scientifically. In short, they should know all the methods by which the peasants of other countries get better crops. As the method of our agriculture is very old and outdated the crying need of the hour is to modernise it. To achieve this end, we have to introduce suitable machinery and a number of agrarian measures in our agriculture. It is not within the means of our peasants to purchase scientific appliances like tractors, etc. Government should come forward to help the cultivators to get all these things. Land should be nationalised and steps should be taken for collective farming. If agriculture in Bangladesh can be modernised, agriculture and industry must go hand in hand. Agriculture produces the basic raw materials for our industry. Through various mechanical processes, we should make them fit for use in our day -to-day life. Every year natural calamities like flood and drought make havoc of our agriculture. To prevent these the people and the Government should work in co-operation with each other to extend irrigation facilities wherever necessary. Besides these, waste land should be brought under cultivation. Arrangements should be made for intensive cultivation by proper irrigation of land. Measures should be taken to check soil erosion. Distribution of better seeds among the farmers at low prices should be ensured. Arrangement should also be made for giving cheap credit to poor farmers. The system of marketing should be properly organised in order to ensure to the farmers a fair price of their produce. It is heartening that our farmers have begun using modern mehods of cultivation. The government is also trying hard for the improvement of agriculture. Line-sowing has already been introduced for the cultivation of rice and jute. The Agricultural Banks are advancing loans to cultivators. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are doing a lot to improve seeds and methods of cultivation in the country. The Government of Bangladesh has undertaken various schemes to improve the condition of agriculture. But the problems cannot be solved by any single agency or organisation, nor by a few in the administration. They can be solved only by the concerted efforts of the whole nation.

AGRICULTURE IN BANGLADESH Bangladesh is an agricultural country. About ninety percent of her population depend on agriculture wholly or partially. This country is not sufficiently developed in the industrial sector. So we have to depend mostly on agricultural products for our living. Though Bangladesh lives on agriculture yet it is not advanced in the system of agriculture. The methods of cultivation of the country are mostly old and outdated. Scientific methods of cultivation are not followed in our country. Our farmers do not know how to use manure and fertilizer for the fertility of the soil. They are also helpless victims of natural calamities like flood and draught. Many industries of our country depend on agricultural products. Both men and animals depend on agriculture for foodstuff. So failure of crops in any year brings untold sufferings to the entire population of the country. The first thing necessary for the improvement of our agriculture is to educate our peasants. Our farmers should be taught the uses of modern instruments for the cultivation of their land. They should know how to irrigate and manure their soil. But the uses of scientific power pump, machines, tractors cannot be used in small plots of lands. So, co-operative farming should be encouraged. Every year natural calamities like floods, cyclones, tidal waves cause great havoc to our crops. To prevent, this both the government and the public should come forward. By proper embankment, we can save our crops from flood. Plant protection department should actively come forward against diseases and insects of our plants.

Nowadays pesticides are already used by the farmers to protect their crops. Dams have been built in some areas of the country. People are now familiar with chemical fertilizers and manure. Now all-out efforts are being made for the development of agriculture in our country. So it can be expected that in the near future our country will be self-sufficient in agricultural products.

AIDS AS A CURSE OF MODERN CIVILISATION AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a fatal and incurable disease. A man afflicted with AIDS is sure to embrace death. In order to prevent a disease, its sources, carriers and causes must be identified. It has been found that unmarital and extra-marital sex-relation is the main cause of AIDS. Presence of HIV virus in the human body can be detected 3 weeks to 3 months after it has attacked. Detection of virus is done with blood. AIDS has been working a havoc in African countries. Even in our neighboring India it has been spreading at a high rate. A large number of people in Bangladesh have been found to maintain illicit sex-life. The number of vouths and the economically insolvent people attending brothels is on the increase. This illicit sex relation is the prime cause of AIDS. Since there is no cure for this disease, preventive measure is the only way to keep safe as prevention is better than care. Most people of Bangladesh are illiterate. Besides AIDS is a relatively new name. Therefore, they are not aware of AIDS and its causes, Thus wide­spread awareness should be created among the common masses and illiterate people. The sex-workers as well as their beneficiaries and customers must be made conscious of the practical aspects of AIDS and its consequences. Now, in order to create the required awareness among the people at large youths are required to be educated at schools and colleges. For this purpose AIDS-related topics are included in the formal syllabuses. The youths will be taught in this subject and become conscious of the different aspects of AIDS. When they themselves will be educated about it, they will be in a position to remain safe and act as a catalyst to spread knowledge about AIDS among the people at large. In this way general people will be aware of AIDS. In fact, the role of mass media, the civil society or the social workers can play a vital role in raising awareness among the people to prevent this killer disease.

There is no denying the fact that AIDS is a curse of modern civilisation that is breaking about across the world in an epedemic form. The people should be advised to follow the religious injunctions and tenents to get rid of this malady. AN EXCITING CRICKET MATCH I HAVE WITNESSED Cricket is a very interesting outdoor game. But it is a costly one. Poor people cannot afford to take to it. Though it is the national game of the English, it is now played almost everywhere around the world. It has become a popular game in Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in cricket. However, recently I witnessed an exciting cricket match at the Abahani playground in Dhaka. It was played between Surya Tarun and Kalabagan club.

Surya Tarun won the toss and the captain decided to bat. One of the opening batsmen was out after scoring only six runs giving a catch to the wicket keeper. Surya Tarun’s captain saved the prestige of the team by scoring 109 with four sixes and ten fours. They were all out with a good total of 213 runs. Kalabagan had good spinners but they were averagely good in case of batting. On the other hand, Surya Tarun had only a few good bowlers but a good number of batsmen. Kalabagan reached near the target very hard. From the last over they had to collect 13 runs to win. The score was 201 for eight after 49 over. As Kalabagan needed 13 runs from 6 balls, the batsmen in the pitch were in tension. First, they made a mutual discussion and tried to make themselves free from tension. The supporters of both the teams were also in tension. The first bowl of the last over did not let Kalabagan collect any run. The players of Surya Tarun Club clapped much and encouraged the bowler. But the second ball of the last over brought six runs for the Kalabagan Club. The third ball was unfortunately dotted. But the fourth ball brought four runs. The fifth ball reached the deep zone of the play ground but the fielders fielded well and so Kalabagan got only one run. So, Kalabagan needed two runs to win from the last ball. The batsman of Kalabagan batted the ball blindly. God favoured him and it was four runs. Kalabagan reached their target hard. Kalabagan defeated Surya Tarun Club by two wickets after facing a hard contest. This game was very important for Kalabagan because their chance to play in the quarter final was fully dependent on the victory of this match. Really, I was very much excited witnessing the match. It made me delighted for the time being. I told many of my friends about the excitement of that match. Cricket teaches manliness, obedience, patience, perseverance and co-operation. But fairness is the very essence of this fame. It strengthens the muscles of the players and provides them vigour and vitality. Cricket, from the view point of exhibition, is an aristocratic game. It is, indeed, the king of games. AN EXCITING CRICKET MATCH YOU HAVE RECENTLY ENJOYED Cricket is a very popular sport. Nowadays it is played almost everywhere in Bangladesh. In fact, it has a great appeal all over the world. I find much pleasure in playing this game as well as witnessing it. I have watched quite a few cricket matches. Of them the one I remember most was played between India and Pakistan cricket teams. It was held in January 2003. It was a final match. So each team was serious to win this match. Pakistan scored 314 runs batting first. India had to win by scoring 315 runs in 50 overs. The match was really very interesting and exciting. It was full of excitement from first to last. Every player of both the teams was in tension. The spectators and supporters of both the teams were also in tension about the result. The excitement of the match rose high during the last few overs. Both teams were struggling to win. But in one day cricket match one team wins and the other team is defeated. The result of the match was decided in the last over. India won by two wickets at the last moment when there were only two balls left. However, Wasim Akram of Pakistan played superbly. About ten thousand spectators were present in the stadium to witness the match. The game was played in a proper spirit. How exciting the match was! I enjoyed the match so much that I still feel the flavour of that match. AN EXCITING FOOTBALL MATCH I HAVE WITNESSED Football is one of the most popular games in the world. In Bangladesh, it is also popular. However, I sometimes go to the stadium and watch football matches. Once, I had the opportunity to watch a heavily contested football match between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club. It was the League Championship Match. After a long waiting, the match began with a great clapping by the crowd and the referee’s whistle. The ball went up and down the playground with the mastery of passing and dribbling of the players of both sides. Once, Abahani striker’s shot hit the bar post. But again, there was a counter attack and Abahani defenders were active enough to clear the ball at the cost of a corner. The corner kick was wonderfully taken and the ball sailed over the defender to unmarked Alfaz and he nodded it with a well header into the net. There was a roar of applause amidst of the first half. After the break, again the match started. The good striker of Abahani repaid the goal by placing the ball into the net of the Mohammedan. As a result, it was 1-1. At the last ten minutes, the game was full of excitement because both teams tried heart and soul to defeat each other. Their attack and counter attack gave us much pleasure and excitement. Before two minutes of the end of the game, the speedy striker of Mohammedan Arman neatly placed the ball through the right corner of the goal post of Abahani. Then Mohammedan got the lead of 2-1. The game was over with this result and the winning team was the Mohammedan. The thing that I observed in the match mostly was the team spirit of the players. Both teams fought bravely and tried to show their skills. They hardly tried to play in a wrong way. It made me praise them. The result went in favour of the Mohammedan. The Abahani’s players gladly accepted the result. The cup of the championship went to the home of the Mohammedan. It was a full of contest and thrill match. This match played between two great teams of Bangladesh was really pleasing. It was very much interesting. I shall never forget it. AN IDEAL STUDENT The student who is sincere in studies, good in nature, modest in behavior, honest in thought and action, obedient to parents and superiors, disciplined in habit, is an ideal student. He gives due importance in acquiring knowledge and attaining all the good qualities of head and heart. He performs his duties to God, to his parents and to society.

An ideal student maintains the rules of health and performs his religious activities. He is sociable and hard-working. He loves his country. He actively takes part in games and sports and other co-curricular activities. He has also much interest in doing social work. He makes the proper use of his time and never shirks his duties. He is a law abiding citizen. He devotes himself fully to gain knowledge. He cultivates all the virtues and holds values in him. An ideal student fixes up a noble aim. He gives topmost priority in moulding his character, lie leads a strictly disciplined life and never indulges in evil thoughts. He spends highest amount of time in the acquisition of knowledge. He knows that knowledge is the secret of success. An ideal student is also very friendly and co-operative with his peers. He assists the weak students in learning the lessons. He shows utmost respect to his teachers and is ever ready to carry out their instructions. He never adopts unfair means in any examination. He maintains punctuality in attending classes. An ideal student should not be involved in politics which is responsible for most of the ills of the youth nowadays. He should bear in mind that the student life is the time of preparation for struggle ahead—. In a word, an ideal student reflects all the good qualities and presents him as a role model for other students.

An Ideal Student

The very word: “Student” denotes a person fond of studies. But ‘studies’ do not mean just bookish knowledge, but a real knowledge of men, society, nature, mind etc. Such variegated knowledge can be obtained only by a person of strong mind and will, good heart and sound health. So, the very connotation of being an ideal student is one’s keen interest in developing an all-round personality.

By going into details, we can say that an ideal student has a thirst for knowledge. He has the curiosity to learn and understand new and new things about man and nature. He has a regular routine for doing everything. Thus he is regular and punctual. He gets up early in the morning, takes regular exercise, has his bath and goes to his school and college in time. He devotes his time to studies whole­heartedly and is in the good books of his teachers whom he respects sincerely, as he respects his parents. He helps the weak students in their students and never makes fun of them. If others out do him, he accepts their superiority with humility. He may have a healthy competition with them, but he is never jealous of them. Similarly, he plays one or the other game, but with a sportsman’s spirit.

An ideal student is very particular about his character and manners. He is truthful honest and frank. He does not find fault with others but tries to get rid of his own drawbacks, if any. he has no evil habits like drinking, smoking, gambling etc. He is a great patriot and is ready to die for his country. He knows that by making himself strong is body and mind, he is also serving the national cause, because as Emerson says,

“Not gold but only men can make

A national great and strong”

An ideal student is very studious. He knows that an idle man’s brain is the devil’s workshop. He does the right thing at the right time. He believes in his own sincere effort. He does not believe in underhand methods. For instance, copying in the examination can never be his motto. He is not only a voracious reader and a good player but also a good speaker and write. He believes in bringing constant efficiency in his work. He has a positive and an optimistic attitude towards life. Failures do not depress him, nor do successes turn his head. He has a balanced mind and personality.

AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

By the 18th century, when the number of shops and markets had increased and transportation and communication methods were improved, commercial fairs had lost their importance. Fairs were, however, maintained, because trade could be concentrated in a single place, and market conditions could thus be gauged and prices fixed. In the 18th century the greatest fairs were those at Leipzig (established 1507), in Germany, and Stourbridge (established 1211), in England. In the 19th century, the fair of Leipzig became the great international trade fair. Goods were, however, no longer sold directly, and the Leipzig fair was more an exhibition of samples than a fair in the traditional sense of the word.

The per-capita volume of Bangladeshi internal and foreign trade is low. Domestic trade in rural areas is conducted largely through thousands of periodic markets called hats. Since independence in 1971 the value of Bangladesh’s annual imports has usually been at least twice that of exports; in 2003 imports cost $8.7 billion, and exports earned $5.8 billion. The principal exports are jute products and raw jute; clothing, seafood, tea, and hides and leather goods are the other important exports. Imports include foodstuffs, basic manufactures, mineral fuels, machinery, and transportation equipment. Exports go mainly to European countries (especially Germany and Italy), the United States, Hong Kong, and Japan; imports come chiefly from India, European countries, China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States. Only a relatively insignificant number of tourists visit Bangladesh each year.

An international trade fair is a fair for the display of industrial goods to the foreign buyers to get them acquainted with the exportable items of the country. It helps to earn foreign exchange. It is a gigantic affair. So it cannot be organised by an individual. It is normally held once a year. A great publicity is done for this purpose. And this publicity is made through advertisement in the national and international dailies to draw the attention of the industrialists and producers, national and international. The host country also advises friendly countries to install stalls in trade fair to display their exportable goods to the importers of the host country. As a trade fair gives scope to a country to display her products, friendly countries gladly respond to the call of the host countries. Works of arts, crafts, handicrafts, agriculture and industry are placed at different corners of a trade fair. There are also arrangements for recreations, food etc for the visitors. Thus a trade fair is very much useful. A host country can know the other parts of the globe through a trade fair. A trade fair should be held every year to encourage importers of foreign countries to import goods from our country. The day is no more so far when we shall be able to import necessary goods keeping the balance of trade in our favour.

THE ANNUAL SPORTS DAY OF YOUR SCHOOL 200....

Games and sports are essential for the students. In almost all schools and colleges there are physical instructors. They arrange games and sports for the students. Sports are held annually in every educational institution. Annual sports day is the most eventful and exciting day of the school.

This year the Annual sports of our school were held in the month of February / March/ April amidst rejoicing and merry-making. It was a happy day for us. The class works were suspended on that day. The date of the sports was fixed in a meeting of the teachers. At first the game teacher selected the best competitors after taking hits. Then the invitation cards were issued to the guardians, local gentlemen and the officers.

An arrangement committee was elected taking one student from each class. With the help of the teachers and students, the school field was enclosed and decorated. A gate was erected at the entrance of the field. Tracks were made and a mike was fitted. The arena was arranged in a suitable way and decorated very tastefully. Adequate seating arrangements were made for spectators-male and female. All the students and teachers were present in the field. Many persons including the invited guests also came to witness the sports.

The sports started punctually at 10 a.m. This was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the recitation of the holy Quran. Immediately after this, the march past took place and the Headmaster took the salute. Thereafter, he declared the sports open and the competitors took the oath of allegiance. Then the actual sports began. There were 27 items in all. The most important events of the sports were ‘100 metre sprint’, ‘400 metre sprint’, ‘800 metre race’, ‘javelin throw’, ‘putting shot’, ‘discus throw’, ‘broad jump’, ‘high jump’, ‘pole vault’, ‘hurdle race’, ‘weight lifting’, ‘pillow fight’, ‘tug-of–war’, ‘dress as you like’ etc. ‘Dress as you like’ aroused great cheering among the spectators. They were taken up one after another according to the programme. There were three groups of competitors --- Senior, Junior and Intermediate. I belonged to the senior group. The names of the competitors were announced over the mike. The performance in all the above events was of a high order and surpassed all the previous records of the school.

Immediately after the sports had been over, trophies were given to the successful competitors by the D.C. who was the chief Guest of the function. I took part in three items the high jump, the long jump and the pole vault. I got First position in the high jump and second in other two items. The D.C. delivered a fine speech in which he encouraged the students to be specially attentive to physical exercise. He also inspired us to earn more knowledge besides doing extra-curricular activities.

The function ended at 4 p.m. It was a happy day indeed. I enjoyed the function best as I was considered one of the best competitors. The day was a refreshing day from the monotony of routined life. It was actually a day of all days in our life.

THE ANNUAL SPORTS DAY OF YOUR SCHOOL 2023

Introduction: Games and sports are essential for the students. In almost all schools and colleges there are physical instructors. They arrange games and sports for the students. Sports are held annually in every educational institution. Annual sports day is the most eventful and exciting day of the school.

Occasion: This year the Annual sports of our school were held in the month of February / March/ April amidst rejoicing and merry-making. It was a happy day for us. The class works were suspended on that day.

Previous Arrangements: The date of the sports was fixed in a meeting of the teachers. At first the game teacher selected the best competitors after taking hits. Then the invitation cards were issued to the guardians, local gentlemen and the officers.

Decoration and Arrangement: An arrangement committee was elected taking one student from each class. With the help of the teachers and students, the school field was enclosed and decorated.A gate was erected at the entrance of the field. Tracks were made and a mike was fitted. The arena was arranged in a suitable way and decorated very tastefully. Adequate seating arrangements were made for spectators-male and female. All the students and teachers were present in the field. Many persons including the invited guests also came to witness the sports.

Starting: The sports started punctually at 10 a.m. This was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the recitation of the holy Quran. Immediately after this, the march past took place and the Headmaster took the salute. Thereafter, he declared the sports open and the competitors took the oath of allegiance. Then the actual sports began.

Programme: There were 27 items in all. The most important events of the sports were ‘100 metre sprint’, ‘400 metre sprint’, ‘800 metre race’, ‘javelin throw’, ‘putting shot’, ‘discus throw’, ‘broad jump’, ‘high jump’, ‘pole vault’, ‘hurdle race’, ‘weight lifting’, ‘pillow fight’, ‘tug-of – war’, ‘dress as you like’ etc. ‘Dress as you like’ aroused great cheering among the spectators. They were taken up and after another according to the programme. There were three group of competitors. Senior, Junior and Intermediate. I belonged to the senior group. The names of the competitors were announced over the mike. The performance in all the above events was of a high order and surpassed all the previous records of the school.

Awards distributed: Immediately after the sports had been over, trophies were given to the successful competitors by the D.C. who was the chief Guest of the function.

Personal participation: I took part in three items the high jump, the long jump and the pole vault. I got First position in the high jump and second in other two items.

Speech of the Chief Guest: The D.C. delivered a fine speech in which he encouraged the students to be specially attentive to physical exercise. He also inspired us to earn more knowledge besides doing extra-curricular activities.

Conclusion: The function ended at 4 p.m. It was a happy day indeed. I enjoyed the function best as I was considered one of the best competitors. The day was a refreshing day from the monotony of routined life. It was actually a day of all days in our life.

THE ANNUAL SPORTS OF MY COLLEGE

I am studying at a very renowned college in -Dhaka City. The sports day of my college is a very memorable day to me. It is full of joys and feelings. Every year we enjoy the annual sports of our college in the month of January and February. It is a very happy occasion for all of us.

The last 7th February was our annual sports day. Our normal classes were suspended on that day. The sports began at 9 a.m. We decorated our college and the main gate beautifully. The field was enclosed with bamboo sticks. They were covered with coloured papers. A samiana was hoisted and the seating arrangements were made under it. A mike was fitted. The field was prepared well.

The Education Advisor was invited to take his seat as a chief guest.

The chief guest arrived just at 9 a.m. He hoisted the national flag. The next attraction was the March past of the competitors and of the students. Then the chief guest declared the sports open.

The competitors were divided into several groups. I was also a competitor. There were about twenty events. I participated in three items— the long jump, the high jump and the hop-step­jump. All the events were taken up according to the printed programme. The most exciting items were basket ball, the sack race and the musical chair. At the end of every item the navies of winners were announced and they stood up on the victory stand. I got first prize in the long jump and second position in the high jump. Unluckily I failed to achieve any position in the hopstep-jump.

When all the events were over the chief guest distributed prizes among the winners. The function came to an end at 4 pm. It was really a happy and joyous occasion. I shall never forget it.

AN OCCASION I REMEMBER

Human life is full of incidents and occasions. Of many occasions, some are long lasting having a deep impression on mind. The occasion that I remember now is the last annual sports day of my school. Annual sports day is the most eventful and exciting day of our school.

This year the Annual sports of our school were held in the month of February / March/ April amidst rejoicing and merry-making. It was a happy day for us. The class works were suspended on that day. The date of the sports was fixed in a meeting of the teachers. At first the game teacher selected the best competitors after taking hits. Then the invitation cards were issued to the guardians, local gentlemen and the officers.

An arrangement committee was elected taking one student from each class. With the help of the teachers and students, the school field was enclosed and decorated. A gate was erected at the entrance of the field. Tracks were made and a mike was fitted. The arena was arranged in a suitable way and decorated very tastefully. Adequate seating arrangements were made for spectators-male and female. All the students and teachers were present in the field. Many persons including the invited guests also came to witness the sports.

The sports started punctually at 10 a.m. This was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the recitation of the holy Quran. Immediately after this, the march past took place and the Headmaster took the salute. Thereafter, he declared the sports open and the competitors took the oath of allegiance. Then the actual sports began. There were 27 items in all. The most important events of the sports were ‘100 metre sprint’, ‘400 metre sprint’, ‘800 metre race’, ‘javelin throw’, ‘putting shot’, ‘discus throw’, ‘broad jump’, ‘high jump’, ‘pole vault’, ‘hurdle race’, ‘weight lifting’, ‘pillow fight’, ‘tug-of–war’, ‘dress as you like’ etc. ‘Dress as you like’ aroused great cheering among the spectators. They were taken up one after another according to the programme. There were three groups of competitors --- Senior, Junior and Intermediate. I belonged to the senior group. The names of the competitors were announced over the mike. The performance in all the above events was of a high order and surpassed all the previous records of the school.

Immediately after the sports had been over, trophies were given to the successful competitors by the D.C. who was the chief Guest of

the function. I took part in three items ---------- the high jump, the long jump and the pole vault. I got First position in the high jump and second in other two items. The D.C. delivered a fine speech in which he encouraged the students to be specially attentive to physical exercise. He also inspired us to earn more knowledge besides doing extra-curricular activities.

The function ended at 4 p.m. It was a happy day indeed. I enjoyed the occasion best as I was considered one of the best competitors. The day was a refreshing day from the monotony of routined life. It was actually a day of all days in our life.

INDEPENDENT ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

Corruption has become an enduring pattern of our public life. At present corruption is rampant in basic services, like-healthcare, education, police, Judiciary, land administration, taxation and power. It also affects the government, business community, political system, NGOs, financial sectors, etc. It is practically posing a threat to our democratic process. It is obstructing the operation of market forces, creating bottlenecks in administrative system, preventing justice and fairness, discouraging the spirit of public services and impeding sustainable development. Multilateral donor agencies such as World Bank and UNDP estimate that 30 to 40 percent of development fund of Bangladesh are misappropriated by corrupt means. In fact corruption has become synonymous to mis-governance in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been rated by the Transparency International as the most corrupt country in the world.

When political leaders and officials engage in bribery and graft, they are accountable to an impartial judiciary called anti-corruption commission. With this end in view the government of Bangladesh formulated independent Anti-Corruption Commission in the month of November 2004 and the commission has started its office. This is unfortunate that even the donor agencies have clearly stated that it is not lack of resource, it is rather the weakness of institutions which is responsible for slow growth of Bangladesh economy. Politicisation has already made the weak and inefficient bureaucracy almost non­functional. It is difficult for us to believe that the Commission can take strong decision unpleasant to the corrupt people. It has, however, admitted that it would not be possible for it to root out corruption totally from the country though it can be reduced to a great extent.

We do not know the extent of satisfaction of the donor agencies in the establishment of the Commission. It depends on the quality of performance of the Commission. Let the commission work independently to exercise its accountability to the democratic parliament as well as the constitution.