Have you heard of Superman
1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:
Have you heard of Superman, and the Hollywood film showing his adventures? Christopher Reeve, the actor who played the role of Superman in the film said in a speech he gave at the Democratic National Convention in 1996 – “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” This has happened in Nishat’s life too. Though she had a long cherished dream to be a mountaineer, it was not until 2003 that she could climb the 967 feet high Keokradong. The climbing event was organized on 29 May, 2003 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s conquest of Mount Everest. Nishat had walked the streets of Dhaka with a 15 kg backpack for three consecutive days to make her body ready for the climb before the real expedition. Factors like chance, dedication and creating opportunities are important for anyone’s success, but a sportsperson should also have discipline and perseverance, to succeed.
Institutional and professional trainings are also necessary Nishat joined Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) in 2006, and completed a basic training course at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, India in 2007. After that she scaled peaks to the Himalayan range one after another, joining several teams from Bangladesh. Today we have a mountain peak in the Himalayas, the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak, so named because mountaineers from the two friendly countries jointly climbed it for the first time. Nishat’s team was led by M.A. Mohit, who has been on top of Everest and quite a few other peaks higher than 8000 meters.
In Bangladesh, mountaineering is a new sport activity, and we are yet to develop a culture that will encourage a woman’s mountaineering activities. Nishat took the challenge, and she was! supported by her parents. This is an expensive sport, and Nishat and other mountaineers could not have succeeded if several organizations did not help them. Nishat was an ambassador of “Because I am a Girl campaign of Plan International’s Bangladesh chapter in her expedition to Mount Everest in 2012. She wanted to leave a message for all people of Bangladesh that a girl can do anything a boy can do, and hence every girl should have support from her parents and society in every challenging activity.
Bangla translation: আপনি কি সুপারম্যান এবং তার রোমাঞ্চকর হলিউড সিনেমার কথা শুনেছেন? সুপারম্যান চরিত্রে অভিনয়কারী ক্রিস্টোফার রিভ ১৯৯৬ সালে ডেমোক্র্যাটিক ন্যাশনাল কনভেনশনে দেওয়া একটি বক্তৃতায় বলেছিলেন, “আমাদের অনেক স্বপ্ন প্রথমে অসম্ভব বলে মনে হয়, তারপর সেগুলো অসম্ভাব্য বলে মনে হয়, এবং তারপর যখন আমরা ইচ্ছাশক্তি জাগিয়ে তুলি, সেগুলো অনিবার্য হয়ে ওঠে।” নিশাতের জীবনেও এটাই ঘটেছে। যদিও তিনি অনেক দিন ধরে পর্বতারোহী হওয়ার স্বপ্ন লালন করছিলেন, ২০০৩ সাল পর্যন্ত তিনি ৯৬৭ ফুট উচ্চতার কেওক্রাডং পর্বত আরোহন করতে পারেননি। এই আরোহন কার্যক্রমটি ২৯ মে, ২০০৩ তারিখে এডমুন্ড হিলারি এবং তেনজিং নোরগের মাউন্ট এভারেস্ট বিজয়ের ৫০তম বার্ষিকী উদযাপনের জন্য আয়োজন করা হয়েছিল। নিশাত প্রকৃত অভিযান শুরু করার আগে তার শরীরকে প্রস্তুত করতে টানা তিন দিন ১৫ কেজি ওজনের ব্যাগপ্যাক নিয়ে ঢাকার রাস্তায় হেঁটেছিলেন।
যেকোনো সফলতার জন্য ভাগ্য, একাগ্রতা এবং সুযোগ তৈরি করা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ, তবে একজন খেলোয়াড়ের জন্য শৃঙ্খলা এবং অধ্যবসায় থাকা আরও বেশি প্রয়োজন। প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক এবং পেশাগত প্রশিক্ষণও প্রয়োজনীয়। নিশাত ২০০৬ সালে বাংলাদেশ মাউন্টেনিয়ারিং অ্যান্ড ট্রেকিং ক্লাবে (বিএমটিসি) যোগ দেন এবং ২০০৭ সালে ভারতের দার্জিলিংয়ের হিমালয়ান মাউন্টেনিয়ারিং ইনস্টিটিউটে একটি মৌলিক প্রশিক্ষণ কোর্স সম্পন্ন করেন। এর পর তিনি বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন দলের সঙ্গে হিমালয়ের একের পর এক চূড়া আরোহন করেন। আজ হিমালয়ে আমাদের একটি পর্বত চূড়া রয়েছে, নেপাল–বাংলাদেশ ফ্রেন্ডশিপ পিক, যা দুই বন্ধুসুলভ দেশের পর্বতারোহীরা প্রথমবার একসঙ্গে আরোহন করেছিল। নিশাতের দলটি নেতৃত্ব দিয়েছিলেন এম. এ. মোহিত, যিনি এভারেস্টের চূড়াসহ ৮০০০ মিটারের ওপরে আরও বেশ কয়েকটি চূড়া আরোহন করেছেন।
বাংলাদেশে পর্বতারোহণ একটি নতুন ক্রীড়া কার্যক্রম, এবং আমরা এখনও এমন একটি সংস্কৃতি তৈরি করতে পারিনি যা নারীদের পর্বতারোহণকে উৎসাহিত করবে। নিশাত এই চ্যালেঞ্জ গ্রহণ করেছিলেন এবং তার বাবা–মা তাকে সমর্থন দিয়েছিলেন। এটি একটি ব্যয়বহুল খেলা, এবং নিশাতসহ অন্যান্য পর্বতারোহীরা অনেক প্রতিষ্ঠান সাহায্য না করলে সফল হতে পারতেন না। নিশাত ২০১২ সালে মাউন্ট এভারেস্ট অভিযানে প্ল্যান ইন্টারন্যাশনালের বাংলাদেশ চ্যাপ্টারের “বিকজ আই অ্যাম এ গার্ল” ক্যাম্পেইনের একজন শুভেচ্ছাদূত ছিলেন। তিনি বাংলাদেশের সব মানুষের জন্য একটি বার্তা রেখে যেতে চেয়েছিলেন যে, একটি মেয়ে যা পারে একটি ছেলে তা–ও করতে পারে এবং তাই প্রতিটি মেয়েকে তার বাবা–মা এবং সমাজের কাছ থেকে প্রতিটি চ্যালেঞ্জিং কার্যক্রমে সমর্থন পাওয়া উচিত।
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
What is the main reason for Nishat’s success?
i. Hard work and discipline
ii. Financial support
iii. Family background
iv. Luck
What was the first mountain that Nishat climbed in 2003?
i. Mount Everest
ii. Keokradong
iii. Friendship Peak
iv. Tenzing Norgay Peak
What factor does Christopher Reeve’s quote highlight in the passage?
i. Luck
ii. Willpower and determination
iii. Gender equality
iv. Financial resources
What was the purpose of the climbing event on May 29, 2003?
i. To promote mountaineering
ii. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hillary and Norgay’s conquest
iii. To prepare climbers for Mount Everest
iv. To honor Nishat’s achievement
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Nishat according to the passage?
i. She is tall and physically strong.
ii. She has a supportive family.
iii. She is an experienced mountaineer.
iv. She faced gender-related obstacles.
What did Nishat do to physically prepare for the climb in 2003?
i. Joined a professional training camp
ii. Walked the streets of Dhaka with a 15 kg backpack
iii. Hiked Keokradong multiple times
iv. Participated in a national competition
Who was M.A. Mohit?
i. Nishat’s mentor
ii. Leader of Nishat’s team during the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak climb
iii. The person who introduced Nishat to mountaineering
iv. Nishat’s colleague at the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club
What is the significance of the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak in Nishat’s journey?
i. It was the first peak she climbed.
ii. It was a collaborative expedition between Bangladesh and Nepal.
iii. It was where she achieved her greatest victory.
iv. It was the site of a famous mountaineering competition.
What societal issue does the passage address regarding women?
i. Women’s involvement in mountaineering
ii. Gender equality in sports
iii. The need for financial support for women
iv. Cultural differences in sports participation
What does the passage suggest about the relationship between gender and success in mountaineering?
i. Men are naturally better at mountaineering.
ii. Women are not as physically capable as men in mountaineering.
iii. Gender has no impact on one’s ability to succeed in mountaineering.
iv. Women need extra help to succeed in mountaineering.
Which of the following is the best description of Nishat’s contribution to the “Because I am a Girl” campaign?
i. She raised funds for girls’ education.
ii. She encouraged girls to pursue difficult activities like mountaineering.
iii. She helped establish mountaineering clubs for girls.
iv. She supported women’s health initiatives.
Which of the following best describes Nishat’s educational background?
i. She studied engineering and mountaineering.
ii. She studied accounting and is pursuing a master’s degree in Japan Studies.
iii. She was trained in mountaineering from a young age.
iv. She studied physical education and sports management.
How did Nishat’s father influence her life?
i. He taught her mountaineering.
ii. He inspired her with his freedom fighter legacy.
iii. He provided financial support for her expeditions.
iv. He discouraged her from pursuing her dreams.
What is the role of the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) in Nishat’s success?
i. It provided financial support for her expeditions.
ii. It offered her training and mentorship.
iii. It helped her organize climbing events.
iv. It helped her find sponsors for her journey.
Why was Nishat’s expedition to Mount Everest significant in 2012?
i. It was her first expedition.
ii. She was the first Bangladeshi woman to scale the peak.
iii. It was a collaborative climb between Bangladesh and Nepal.
iv. It marked her retirement from mountaineering.
What does the passage suggest about the culture of mountaineering in Bangladesh?
i. Mountaineering is a popular sport in Bangladesh.
ii. Women are actively encouraged to participate in mountaineering.
iii. There is a lack of support for women in mountaineering.
iv. Mountaineering is mostly limited to government-sponsored teams.
What qualities does Nishat’s life story highlight?
i. The importance of talent over hard work.
ii. The importance of determination and parental support.
iii. The need for financial resources to succeed.
iv. The value of team spirit in mountaineering.
Which of the following events is connected to Nishat’s first climb?
i. The 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s Everest conquest
ii. The inauguration of the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak
iii. The 10th anniversary of Mount Everest’s first successful climb
iv. A global sports event promoting female athletes
Which of the following is not a barrier Nishat had to face according to the passage?
i. Lack of proper training
ii. Gender-based discouragement
iii. Financial constraints
iv. Lack of family support
What does the passage say about the importance of training for mountaineering?
i. Training is optional for mountaineers.
ii. Professional training is necessary for success.
iii. Training is only needed for women.
iv. Self-training is sufficient for all mountaineers.
How did Nishat’s mother, Ashura Mazumder, influence her?
i. She provided financial support for Nishat’s expeditions.
ii. She was a role model who taught Nishat perseverance and strength.
iii. She helped organize Nishat’s climbing events.
iv. She was against Nishat pursuing mountaineering.
What message did Nishat want to send through her participation in the “Because I am a Girl” campaign?
i. Girls should avoid sports and focus on academics.
ii. Girls can do anything that boys can do if they have support.
iii. Women should take up mountaineering as a career.
iv. Girls should only pursue traditionally female-dominated careers.
Which of the following is true about the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak?
i. It was named after Nishat’s team.
ii. It was the first mountain Nishat climbed.
iii. It symbolizes the cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal in mountaineering.
iv. It was an expedition led by a single country.
How does the text portray the relationship between success and opportunity?
i. Success is determined by luck alone.
ii. Opportunity is irrelevant to success.
iii. Creating opportunities is key to success.
iv. Success depends on who you know, not what you do.
What did Nishat carry with her during the three days of preparation in Dhaka?
i. A heavy backpack
ii. A tent for camping
iii. A set of climbing tools
iv. A guidebook on mountaineering
How did Nishat’s journey to Everest reflect the importance of discipline?
i. She relied entirely on her physical strength.
ii. She had to be disciplined in training and preparation to succeed.
iii. She did not face any challenges on her way to Everest.
iv. Her success was solely due to her spontaneous efforts.
What is one of the primary obstacles to women’s participation in mountaineering in Bangladesh?
i. Lack of physical strength
ii. Financial constraints
iii. Cultural and societal barriers
iv. Lack of interest in sports
What inspired Nishat to pursue mountaineering despite obstacles?
i. A desire for fame and recognition
ii. Her childhood dream and support from her family
iii. Financial rewards
iv. Political influence from her father
What message does the passage convey about gender and sports?
i. Men are naturally better suited for physical sports.
ii. Women can excel in sports with the right support and determination.
iii. Women should only participate in indoor sports.
iv. Gender does not play a role in sports success.
Why is Nishat considered a role model for young people?
i. She overcame personal obstacles and achieved her dreams.
ii. She made significant financial contributions to mountaineering.
iii. She became a professional athlete without any support.
iv. She gave up mountaineering to focus on education.
B. Answer the following questions:
Why did Nishat’s climb of Keokradong in 2003 hold special significance for her?
Who played a key role in motivating Nishat to overcome obstacles and pursue her dreams?
What was the main goal of the climbing event on May 29, 2003?
How did Nishat prepare physically for her first major climb in 2003?
What role did Nishat’s father’s legacy as a freedom fighter play in her life?
How did Nishat’s educational background contribute to her mountaineering career?
What obstacles did Nishat face as a woman pursuing mountaineering in Bangladesh?
Why did Nishat join the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC)?
What training did Nishat undergo to prepare for her climbs in the Himalayan range?
How did Nishat’s journey to Everest in 2012 challenge traditional ideas about gender?
What message did Nishat want to send through her participation in the “Because I am a Girl” campaign?
What does the passage suggest about the role of financial support in Nishat’s mountaineering career?
What significance does the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak hold in Nishat’s journey?
How did Nishat balance her professional career and her passion for mountaineering?
What was the significance of the 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s conquest in Nishat’s climb?
How did Nishat’s experience of overcoming gender barriers in mountaineering reflect larger societal issues?
What did Nishat learn from her mother that helped her succeed in mountaineering?
What was the importance of institutional training for Nishat’s success in mountaineering?
How did Nishat’s story reflect the importance of perseverance in achieving dreams?
What challenges did Nishat face regarding societal expectations as a female mountaineer?
How did Nishat’s climb of the Keokradong peak prepare her for more difficult climbs later on?
What role did Nishat’s family play in helping her achieve her mountaineering goals?
Why is Nishat’s achievement of scaling Mount Everest in 2012 considered groundbreaking in Bangladesh?
What factors, aside from physical strength, does the passage suggest are important for success in mountaineering?
How did Nishat’s work as an ambassador for the “Because I am a Girl” campaign influence her mountaineering career?
What did Nishat’s climb of Mount Everest symbolize for women in Bangladesh?
How did Nishat’s success challenge traditional ideas about what women can achieve?
What impact did Nishat’s accomplishments have on the perception of mountaineering as a sport in Bangladesh?
What does the passage suggest about the connection between dreams and opportunities in the context of Nishat’s journey?
What inspired Nishat to pursue mountaineering despite facing many challenges?
2. Make a flow-chart showing the Steps in Nishat’s Mountaineering Journey
i. Dreams of becoming a mountaineer(i) Prepares physically for the climb(ii) Joins a mountaineering club for training(iii) Participates in expeditions with other teams(iv) Faces obstacles and overcomes them(v) Reaches significant peaks like Keokradong(vi) Becomes a role model for others
A. Make a flow-chart showing the Stages of Nishat’s Training and Preparation
i. Starts training to prepare for mountaineering(i) Joins Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC)(ii) Completes basic training in Darjeeling(iii) Undergoes physical preparation by walking with a heavy backpack(iv) Gains experience through various expeditions(v) Teams up with international mountaineers(vi) Becomes successful in challenging climbs like the Everest expedition
B. Make a flow-chart showing the Factors Leading to Nishat’s Success
i. Faces gender-based challenges in mountaineering(i) Receives support from her family, especially her mother(ii) Prepares physically and mentally for her expeditions(iii) Joins professional mountaineering institutes for training(iv) Gains leadership and teamwork experience in various climbs(v) Becomes a role model for women in sports(vi) Represents Bangladesh globally in mountaineering expeditions
C. Make a flow-chart showing the Nishat’s Social and Cultural Impact
i. Challenges gender stereotypes through mountaineering(i) Joins the “Because I am a Girl” campaign(ii) Promotes the idea that girls can achieve anything boys can(iii) Inspires young girls to follow their dreams(iv) Advocates for equal support from parents and society(v) Encourages the participation of women in sports(vi) Leaves a lasting legacy of female empowerment in mountaineeringminated by international climbers.(iii) It is an unrecognized sport.(iv) It requires foreign sponsorships.
15. What motivated Nishat to pursue mountaineering?(i) Her mother’s courage and inspiration(ii) Government support(iii) Peer pressure from friends(iv) A passion for traveling
16. When was Nishat born?(i) 5 January 1981(ii) 29 May 2003(iii) 1997(iv) 2012
17. What profession does Nishat currently hold?(i) Mountaineer(ii) Accountant at Dhaka WASA(iii) University teacher(iv) Campaign ambassador
18. How does Nishat’s story inspire others?(i) It shows that dreams require wealth.(ii) It proves that girls can achieve extraordinary feats with support.(iii) It emphasizes the importance of global recognition.(iv) It highlights the beauty of mountaineering.
19. What was the 2003 climbing event celebrating?(i) Nishat’s birthday(ii) 50th Anniversary of Hillary and Norgay’s Everest conquest(iii) Bangladesh’s Independence Day(iv) International Women’s Day
20. What does the quote from Christopher Reeve signify in the text?(i) Dreams are impossible to achieve.(ii) Determination makes dreams inevitable.(iii) Mountaineering is an impossible dream.(iv) Dreams are for privileged individuals.
21. What role does discipline play in Nishat’s success?(i) It was not important.(ii) It was essential alongside institutional training.(iii) It only mattered during competitions.(iv) It replaced the need for financial support.
22. Which organization did Nishat join in 2006?(i) Dhaka Mountaineering Club(ii) Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club(iii) Everest Training Institute(iv) Plan International
23. What does Nishat’s Everest expedition symbolize?(i) The limits of human endurance(ii) The potential of Bangladeshi women(iii) The role of physical fitness in life(iv) The cultural exchange between nations
24. Why is mountaineering expensive in Bangladesh?(i) Lack of sponsorships and resources(ii) Government restrictions on training(iii) Limited interest among youth(iv) Poor infrastructure
25. What inspired Nishat to take up mountaineering?(i) Her father’s stories of bravery(ii) Her mother’s mental strength and resilience(iii) Encouragement from her teachers(iv) A childhood fascination with mountains
26. What key skill did Nishat develop from her mother?(i) Physical strength(ii) Mental resilience(iii) Financial management(iv) Cultural awareness
27. How does the text portray Nishat’s parents?(i) As indifferent to her dreams(ii) As highly supportive and encouraging(iii) As unaware of her ambitions(iv) As restrictive and cautious
28. Why is Nishat considered a role model for Bangladeshi youth?(i) She built a mountaineering institute.(ii) She proved that gender does not limit achievement.(iii) She became a national political leader.(iv) She achieved fame through wealth.
29. What does the text suggest about societal attitudes toward women in sports?(i) They are encouraging and supportive.(ii) They are still restrictive and lack enthusiasm.(iii) They have drastically improved.(iv) They focus more on professional training.
30. What does Nishat’s life story emphasize?(i) Only wealthy people can succeed.(ii) Dreams, dedication, and support lead to success.(iii) International recognition is the ultimate goal.(iv) Physical strength is more important than mental resilience.
B. Answer the following questions:
1. Who is Nishat Mazumder, and why is she considered a sports icon in Bangladesh?
2. What are the three qualities that Nishat is proud of in her life?
3. Where was Nishat born, and how did her upbringing influence her journey?
4. What role did Nishat’s parents play in helping her achieve her dreams?
5. Why does the text describe Nishat’s life as an inspirational story for Bangladeshi youth?
6. How did Nishat’s father’s role as a freedom fighter shape her determination?
7. What qualities did Nishat inherit from her mother, Ashura Mazumder?
8. How does the quote from Christopher Reeve relate to Nishat’s journey?
9. What significant event in 2003 marked Nishat’s first step into mountaineering?
10. How did Nishat prepare herself physically for her first climbing expedition?
11. What was the purpose of the 2003 climbing event Nishat participated in?
12. What challenges did Nishat face as a woman in mountaineering in Bangladesh?
13. What institutional training did Nishat undergo to enhance her climbing skills?
14. How did the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club contribute to Nishat’s success?
15. Why is the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak significant in Nishat’s career?
16. What message did Nishat aim to convey through her Mount Everest expedition?
17. What role did Plan International’s Bangladesh chapter play in Nishat’s Everest expedition?
18. How does the text highlight the importance of discipline and perseverance in Nishat’s life?
19. What educational achievements does Nishat Mazumder hold, and how do they reflect her determination?
20. How has Nishat’s story contributed to challenging traditional gender roles in Bangladesh?
21. Why does the text consider mountaineering an expensive sport in Bangladesh?
22. How did Nishat balance her professional career with her mountaineering passion?
23. What does the text suggest about the societal attitudes toward women in sports in Bangladesh?
24. Who is M.A. Mohit, and what role did he play in Nishat’s climbing journey?
25. What message does Nishat’s life story convey about the role of parental support in achieving dreams?
26. How did Nishat’s enrollment in professional training courses help her succeed?
27. What personal and societal obstacles did Nishat overcome to achieve her dreams?
28. How does the text portray the cultural and social significance of Nishat’s achievements?
29. Why does the text emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for success?
30. What lessons can young people learn from Nishat’s journey, according to the text?
3. Make 6 short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing information about Nishat Mazumder
i. Born in Teori village, Ramganj upazila, Lakshmipur District
ii. Completed schooling at Bottomley Home Girls’ High School
iii. Earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting
iv. Works as an accountant at Dhaka WASA
v. Became the first Bangladeshi woman to scale Mount Everest
vi. Represented the “Because I am a Girl” campaign in 2012
A. Make 6 short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing information about Nishat’s Mountaineering Journey
i. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and courage
ii. Climbed Keokradong in 2003, her first expedition.
iii. Prepared by walking Dhaka streets with a 15 kg backpack
iv. Joined Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club in 2006
v. Completed training at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in 2007
vi. Scaled multiple Himalayan peaks before Everest
B. Make 6 short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing information about Challenges and Supports in Nishat’s Journey
i. Faced societal restrictions as a woman in sports
ii. Overcame financial challenges with organizational support
iii. Inspired by her father, a freedom fighter
iv. Supported wholeheartedly by her parents
v. Balanced professional career and mountaineering passion
vi. Proved women can achieve equally as men in challenging activities
C. Make 6 short notes in each of the boxes in the flow-chart showing information about Significant Achievements and Contributions
i. First Bangladeshi woman to scale Mount Everest in 2012
ii. Ambassador of Plan International’s “Because I am a Girl” campaign
iii. Part of Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak expedition
iv. Promoted gender equality through her achievements
v. Became a role model for Bangladeshi youth
vi. Highlighted the need for institutional support in sports
Bangla Translation
বাংলা অনুবাদঃ
ব্রিটিশ-বাংলাদেশি যারা ব্রিটিশ-বাঙালি নামেও পরিচিত তারা বাংলাদেশি অভিবাসীদের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অংশ অথবা ঐ সকল বাংলাদেশি বংশোদ্ভূত যারা বিদেশে বসবাস করছে। প্রায় অর্ধেক ব্রিটিশ-বাংলাদেশি লন্ডনে বাস করে, বিশেষ করে পূর্ব লন্ডনের বিশাল এলাকায় যেখানে টাওয়ার হ্যামলেট সর্বাধিক নজরকাড়া।
আজ একজন পর্যটক যিনি লন্ডনে নতুন, ভালোভাবে বাংলা টাউন ভ্রমণের সিদ্ধান্ত নিতে পারেন যা শহরের শেষ পূর্ব প্রান্তে অবস্থিত। চমৎকার টিউব স্টেশনের পরে তাকে কিছু চিহ্ন অনুসরণ করতে হতে পারে যা মণিকা আলীর সবচেয়ে বেশি বিক্রিত উপন্যাস থেকে কুখ্যাতি অর্জনকারী একটি রাস্তা ব্রিক লেনকে নির্দেশ করে, যা দিয়ে চলচিত্রও তৈরি হয়েছিল। দুপুরের খাবারের জন্য সেখানে অবস্থিত বাংলাদেশি অনেক রেস্তোরাঁ থেকে তাকে একটি বেছে নিতে হতে পারে। রাস্তামুখী একটি টেবিলে বসে জানালা দিয়ে সে দেখতে পারে রাস্তার নামফলকগুলো শুধু ইংরেজিতে নয় বরং একই সাথে বাংলায়। রাস্তার ল্যাম্পপোস্টগুলো সবুজ লাল বাংলাদেশের পতাকার রং। বস্তুত সব জায়গায় সে দেখে বাংলাদেশি দৃশ্যমান নির্দেশিকা এবং বিশেষ করে এখানে সিলেটিদের উপস্থিতি। দোকানের সম্মুখভাগ বিজ্ঞাপন দেয় লন্ডন থেকে সিলেট যাত্রার বাংলাদেশ বিমানে (বাংলাদেশের জাতীয় এয়ার লাইন) এবং অন্যটি হলো এয়ার সিলেট- একটি ব্যক্তিমালিকানাধীন এয়ার লাইন কোম্পানী যা গঠিত হয়েছে ব্রিটিশ বাংলাদেশিদের দ্বারা। এখানে রয়েছে সোনালী ব্যাংকের নামফলক যা বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রায়ত্ত বাণিজ্যিক ব্যাংক। এখানে রয়েছে হিমায়িত মাছের দোকান যা সিলেটের সুরমা নদী থেকে আনা। সে দেখেছে দুজন প্রবীণ ধূসর লম্বা দাড়িওয়ালা লোককে যারা দোকানে ঢুকছে; তারা চাদর ও পায়জামা এবং মাথায় সাদা টুপি পরিহিত। সে দেখতে পাচ্ছে একদল চটপটে ও বাকপটু কিশোরী রাস্তা দিয়ে হেঁটে যাচ্ছে। একজন কালো বোরখা পরিহিতা এবং অন্যরা জিনস এবং লম্বা শার্ট সহ উজ্জ্বল চিক্চিকেহিজাব তাদের মাথায়। লন্ডন গাইড বুকে চোখ বুলিয়ে সে বাংলা টাউনে প্রতিবেশীর সম্পর্কে দেখে নিল।
২০০১ সালে ব্রিটিশ বাংলাদেশি নেতারা ২য় প্রজন্মের কর্মীদের নিয়ে টাওয়ার হ্যামলেট কাউন্সিলের মাধ্যমে ব্রিকলেন ও তার পার্শ্ববর্তী এলাকার জন্য বাংলাটাউন এর সরকারি মর্যাদা অর্জনে একটি সফল প্রচেষ্টা পরিচালনা করেন। রাস্তার নামফলক ও বিজ্ঞাপন প্রদর্শনের মাধ্যমে আশা ছিল এ এলাকাটি একটি ব্যতিক্রমি সাংস্কৃতিক পরিচিতির অধিকারী হবে যা পর্যটকদের নিকট আকর্ষণীয় হবে এবং এখানে অবস্থিত বাংলাদেশি ব্যবসার জন্য সুবিধাজনক হবে। বস্তুতঃ এ এলাকায় বাংলাদেশি বিখ্যাত স্থাপনা রয়েছে যেমন আলতাব আলী পার্ক, কবি নজরুল কালচারাল সেন্টার এবং শহিদ মিনার। বাংলাটাউন দাপ্তরিক পদবি নিয়ে এ বিখ্যাত স্থাপনাটি যথার্থভাবেই ব্রিটিশ বাংলাদেশিদের গৌরব। এগুলো ব্রিটেনে তাদের কষ্টার্জিত উপস্থিতি আর রাজনৈতিক কণ্ঠস্বরকে প্রকাশ করে।
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Passage-2
1. Read the passage and answer the questions following it
Nelson Mandela guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to a multi-racial democracy, as an icon of peace and reconciliation who came to embody the struggle for justice around the world. Imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against white minority rule, Mandela never lost his resolve to fight for his people’s emancipation. He was determined to bring down apartheid while avoiding a civil war. His prestige and charisma helped him win the support of the world. ‘I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestation. I have fought it all during my life; I will fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days,’ Mandela said in his acceptance speech on becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994,… ‘The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.’ ‘We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.’ In 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor he shared with F.W, de Klerk, the white African leader who had freed him from prison three years earlier and negotiated the end of apartheid.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives 5
a) What could be the closest meaning for ‘shackles of apartheid’ in the first paragraph?
i. Tentacles of domination ii. Bondages of slavery
iii. Manacles of racial discrimination iv. Chains of exploitation
b) The word ‘reconciliation’ in the first paragraph refers to
i. memorization ii. recall iii. reuniting iv. Change
c) ‘Resolve’ in the second paragraph could be replaced by
i. dissolve ii. determination iii. hesitation iv. Solution
d) Mandela spent around years behind the bars.
i. twenty ii. thirty iii. forty iv. Fifty
e) The best synonym of ‘chasm’ is
i. exposition ii. rift iii. harmony iv. union.
B. Answer the following questions 10
a) What, according to text, is apartheid?
b) Mention three great achievements in Mandela's life.
c) Why did Mandela want to break the manacles of apartheid?
d) What does the expression ‘I have fought it all during my life; I will fight it now, and I will do so until
the end of my days’ mean?
e) Do you find any similarity between Mandela and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? If any, mention. Ans. to the Ques. No. Set-1
1A. Ans.:
a. iii. Manacles of racial discrimination, b. iii. reuniting, c. ii.determination, d. ii. thirty, e. ii. rift,
1B. Ans.:
a. According to text apartheid means the racial segregation prevailing in South Africa. It means the domination of the white over the black people of South Africa. Nelson Mandela is famous for breaking the manacles of apartheid from South Africa.
b. Though Mandela had to suffer a lot, his achievements were noteworthy. His frist achievement was to break the manacles of apartheid. His second achievement was to become the first black president of South Africa. His third achievement was to win the Nobel Prize.
c. Mandela wanted to break the manacles of apartheid because this very evil practice was responsible for the racial bigotry in South Africa. The manacles of apartheid confined the black people of South Africa inside the four walls of oppression.
d. This very statement is the expression of Mandela's firm resolution to fight against racial bigotry. Mandela had an absolute abhorrence towards race discrimination. He fought against it and was ready to fight against till his last breath.
e. I see some similarities between Nelson Mandela and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought respective countries. Finally, Mandela fought against the white rulers of his country. In the same way, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought against the Pakistani rulers. Then both of them were undisputable a presidents in their respective countries. Finally, both of them were would famous leaders.
Passage-3
3. Read the passage below and answer the questions following it.
Beauty is easy to appreciate but difficult to define. As we look around, we discover beauty in pleasurable objects and sights – in nature, in the laughter of children, in the kindness of strangers. But asked to define, we run into difficulties. Does beauty have an independent objective identity? Is it universal, or is it dependent on our sense perceptions? Does it lie in the eye of the beholder? -we ask ourselves. A further difficulty arises when beauty manifests itself not only by its presence, but by its absence as well, as when we are repulsed by ugliness and desire beauty. But then ugliness has as much a place in our lives as beauty, or may be more-as when there is widespread hunger and injustice in a society. Philosophers have told us that beauty is an important part of life, but isn’t ugliness a part of life too? And if art has beauty as an important ingredient, can it confine itself only to a projection of beauty? Can art ignore what is not beautiful?
Poets and artists have provided an answer by incorporating both into their work. In doing so, they have often tied beauty to truth and justice, so that what is not beautiful assumes a tolerable proportion as something that represents some truth about life. John Keats, the romantic poet, wrote in his celebrated ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ ‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty,’ by which he means that truth, even if it’s not pleasant, becomes beautiful at a higher level. Similarly, what is beautiful forever remains true. Another meaning, in the context of the Grecian Urn-an art object-is that truth is a condition of art.
Poetry in every language celebrates beauty and truth. So does art. Here are two poems from two different times that present some enduring ideas about beauty and truth. The poems are by Lord Byron (1788-1824), an English poet of the Romantic tradition, and Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), an American poet who wrote about the human scene, love and death.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives. 1´5=5
(a) Which of the following has the closest meaning of the word “pleasurable”?
(i) dissatisfaction (ii) pain (iii) offend (iv) delightful
(b) What is the closest meaning of the word “incorporate”?
(i) embody (ii) corporation (iii) incorporeal (iv) intangible
(c) ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ is written by ——-.
(i) Lord Byron (ii) John Keats (iii) Wordsworth (iv) PB Shelly
(d) What does the word ‘tolerable’ mean?
(i) not so good (ii) bad (iii) moderately good (iv) tolerant
(e) Lord Byron is a ——– poet?
(i) Revolutionary (ii) Romantic (iii) Classical (iv) Modern
Answer the following questions. 2´5=10
(a) How can we discover beauty in our surroundings?
(b) How much place does ugliness have in our life?
(c) What is the name of the poet of “Ode and a Grecian Urn”?
(d) Do you get any definition of beauty from the poem ‘She Walks in Beauty’?
(e) What was Byron’s intention?
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