Shrine tragedy

However , there is no doubt that during the urs some anti-social activities take place at the shrine which offend the real devotees. There are divisions among the men who work as caretakers at the shrine.

The whole matter can be attributed to the failure of the government to maintain law and order . Every mass congregation is at risk now . The administration should have taken proper precautions before the urs began. We urge the government to bring the culprits to book as early as possible and take proper action to save the shrine from all evil activities, as the shrine has a historic and religious value and it attracts people from many places.

The recent bomb blast in Sylhet reminds us of a host of previous grisly bombing incidents. The abominable elements started this since the AL's coming to power. Uddichi was the first target in this case.

Hardly had the news of the Uddichi bombing reached the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, when she blamed the opposition BNP for the crime. After a few days, the latter responded in the same manner. This mud-slinging has been continuing ceaselessly. This weakness of our politicians has emboldened the culprits to commit the same crime again and again with impunity and the Sylhet bombing is just one of them. Presumably, these activities of the anti-social elements will go on unless and until an in-depth and impartial investigation is carried out.

A few months back, the ammunition haul in Bogra and even in Dhaka had an unsettling effect on citizens. Terrorists are pursuing an evil design in this country.

Since the killers go punished, they might have even more horrific things up their sleeves. Since the investigation wherewithal is at government's disposal, it can seek help from the opposition and initiate a thorough investigation to all such incidents. It might also seek help from international investigation agencies.

Aminul Islam, 4th year Economics, DU

That was the lead story on the first page of The Daily Star, 13 January, 2004. I have a feeling that it could be the result of rivalry between the two or more parties who control the urs at the shrine.

I must admit I have no first hand information of what goes on there because I am a woman and I have never been there myself. I was born in the vicinity and from a very tender age I have been taught to respect the wishes of the great saint and as such I have never set foot on the Darga Sharif itself even as a child. While my brothers went up the stairs, I always patiently waited for them down below.

When I first heard about the drugs and chanting that have become the norm during the urs, I felt very disturbed and would, if I could, do anything to put an end to this. The sanctity of Hazrat Shahjalal's (RA) mazar sharif should be ensured and maintained.

As a little girl growing up - I have never heard of drugs and halla gulla in the name of religion around the darga sharif during the urs. Let it remain that way - sans drugs sans anti-social activities, with the sanctity and solemnity that the occasion demands.

Zeba Rasheed Chowdhury, Baridhara, Dhaka.