How can a nation stoop so low?

Question paper leaks were a regular trend in the past and it has become of great concern at present in our country. Earlier, the leaks were mainly of SSC, HSC and BCS exam questions. Now, Class 1 exam questions papers have not been spared. Why has this practice become so popular? The reason is quite obvious. Nowadays, education has become marks-centric rather than geared towards learning. Both parents and teachers are largely to blame for this malice. Parents are more concerned about marks than what their children are actually learning and teachers are not actively working to curb this practice. If this trend of leaks and cheating continues, we as a nation cannot flourish and what is even worse is that the intellectual crippling of an entire generation is occurring.

Nuzhat Rifa Ehsan

Baridhara, Dhaka

Our neglected heritage

This is regarding an article published in Star Weekend titled "Primates of Old Dhaka—our neglected heritage" on December 22. These primates are living in various different parts of the city or municipal areas such as Puran Dhaka and Keshabpur Upazila in Jessore. They have been surviving in these areas for decades with limited resources. Most of the time they are unable to find enough food to survive. This prompts the monkeys to invade residential areas. Some people don't mind occasional intrusions but most don't and local tolerance is decreasing day by day. Moreover, no feeding programmes have been undertaken by the authorities to supply food for the monkeys so far as we know. To prevent their dying out in these areas, the government should ensure their rehabilitation, medical treatment, adequate food supply and raising awareness among locals. So, I would like to request the authorities through The Daily Star to take proper steps to avert the obliteration of our heritage.

Mohib Billah

Islamic University, Kushtia

Proudly saying

While celebrating the 46th birthday of Bangladesh, the education sector fulfilled the goal of leaking question papers beforehand even at the primary level. This is nothing but a moral epidemic. And the incident goes beyond the limit when the education minister accuses the teachers for it! There have been no strong protests or action against these leaks. This surely indicates social consent to this misdeed. These question paper leaks are killing the creativity and talents of students. This incident is no less than the killings of intellectuals.

Qazi Nafis Zami

Ispahani Public School & College, Chittagong