Studying in the Bengali medium is a loss project for general students

 

From the British colonial period to the era of Pakistan, the official and educational language of East Bengal, now Bangladesh, was English. As a result, we see that those who studied during the British or Pakistani era can speak English much better than we do. Naturally, even someone who passed class five in those days could speak English better than we do. Although the spoken language of the people was Bengali, the official and educational language was English. Even after Bangladesh emerged as an independent state through the Liberation War of 1971, the official and educational languages remained English. As a result, we had a generation that was qualitatively educated. Whatever else they may have done, neither Mujib nor Zia made the mistake of changing the official and educational language.

But this mistake was made by the post-Zia dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad. During his regime, he set us back by a hundred years by making Bengali the official and educational language. Among the misdeeds Ershad committed to attract public sentiment, this initiative was one of the most significant. For this, Bangladesh's current suffering young generation will never forgive him.

The 21st century is the era of globalization. This is an age of possibilities. To survive and compete globally in this era, the young generation of Bengal must master two things: 1. advanced technological skills, and 2. extreme English proficiency. There is no alternative to these two.

But what do we see in reality? Except for a few English-medium schools and colleges, our youth are not receiving quality English education anywhere at the school and college levels. As a result, even after studying for 12 years from class 1 to 12, our youth cannot properly speak, write, or read English.  This disparity even exists at the university level. Most students in Bangladesh study at the National University. But except for the English department, the medium of instruction for all other departments is Bengali. Public universities do use English for instruction, but mostly just in name. As a student at one of the top public universities in the country, I am in a unique position to share the inside story.

Now, let’s discuss technological skills. The lack is so severe that you'd be shocked if you randomly ask graduates how many own a computer or know how to use one. While the world is entering the era of artificial intelligence, with the fourth industrial revolution fast approaching, Many of our graduates still don’t know how to use a computer. Now do you understand why such a large portion of Bangladeshi graduates are unemployed?

The graduates aren’t to blame — our outdated policymakers are responsible. They still feed us a colonial-era education and think that’s how we’ll conquer the world.

Bengali is our mother tongue. We speak in Bengali. The satisfaction we get from expressing our thoughts in Bengali is unmatched in any other language. But we must also remember — the world doesn’t run on emotion. Reality is harsh. Even when English was the official and educational language, we still spoke Bengali. Our poets and writers practiced literature in the Bengali language. Newspapers published in Bengali — there was no problem. Even now, if Bengali remains the state language but English becomes the official and educational language, it wouldn’t make much difference.

The young generation will learn English and become skilled enough to compete in the global market. And there's no alternative to technological skills. Soon, many people in this region might starve due to the lack of technological skills. Only those who are highly technologically skilled will survive in the fourth industrial revolution. So, the government must place urgent and serious emphasis on technological skills. Just bring changes in these two areas—language and technology.

Just like Indians now dominate the tech markets of Europe and America, Bangladeshis will hold that position in the future, insha’Allah.

Who is truly yours in this world?

 

Sit back and relax. Drink some cold water. Then clear your mind and think—who is truly yours? I know that at first, you might say your parents’ names. No doubt, they are the closest people to you in this world. But think about this: when you succeed, they rejoice, their hearts swell with pride. But when you fail, do they stand by you? No, they don’t. Instead, they criticize you.

So, who is truly yours? Perhaps now, you might say your spouse or children. But think again—will they stand by you in the most challenging moments of your life? No.

Then, who is truly yours? Who is even closer to you than yourself? Do you know who that person is? It is the One who created you, the One who is your Lord—Almighty Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

Think about it: whether you succeed or fail, others may abandon you based on your circumstances. But there is one who never leaves you, never forsakes you. He is your Lord, Allah. Even if every door in the world closes to you, the door to your Lord is never closed.

So, isn’t it time to return to the Most Merciful?

Why I Will Never Engage in Politics Again

 

In reality, I have never truly been involved in what is commonly understood as politics in Bangladesh. I have never been a direct member of any political party. Yes, I had some trust in a particular political party during my younger years, but as I grew older and became more aware, that trust faded. However, as an educated young person, I was politically conscious before, I still am, and I will continue to be in the future, InshaAllah.

That said, I will never actively enter Bangladeshi politics. I do not believe in the democratic political system. Moreover, at the age of 26, I witnessed the ugly and corrupt face of my country's politics, and now I feel disgusted even thinking about it. That is why I will never engage in politics again. Instead, I will lead a simple life like any other ordinary person. I want to spend the rest of my life on my studies, research, and writing.

However, if the sovereignty of my country, Islam, and the Muslim identity of Bengal ever come under threat, then I will do whatever is necessary to protect them.

Preserve the Environment of Comilla’s Historic Rani’s Dighi Area

 

(Photo: Ranir Dighi in Rainy Season)

I was born in Comilla and have grown up in its air and light. Every person here feels like family to me. This city, given to us by Allah, is peaceful and prosperous in history and tradition. Comilla has a unique culture that spans thousands of years. Each neighborhood and alley in this city tells countless stories and holds pieces of history. Many people have lived their lives here, leaving behind remarkable narratives.

I had to stay away from Comilla for nearly five years for my higher studies. Although my body was at my university, my heart remained in Comilla. My soul wandered through the familiar alleys as if it had never left. I swear by Allah, not a single day passed without Comilla occupying my thoughts. Finally, after completing my studies, I returned to my birthplace. I spent a wonderful year back home.

Every corner of Comilla is beautiful and peaceful. If you visit Kandi Para at night, it feels as though you are walking through the streets of Baghdad from the Abbasid era. However, amid this bustling city, only a few places remain where people can sit and breathe relief after a tiring day. One such place is the historic Rani’s Dighi area, dear to my heart.

Situated in front of Comilla Victoria College’s intermediate section, this enormous pond is surrounded by numerous educational institutions, making it a hub of youthful energy. Young people gather here, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. Occasionally, I visit this place to experience the warmth of this youthful spirit. Sometimes, I stand at a distance, watching the cheerful laughter of the youngsters. Sometimes, I sit alone on the steps, waiting for someone or wandering.

Once, the banks of Rani’s Dighi were adorned with towering green trees that provided shade. Sadly, those trees have been cut down. The pond has been dried up, though I do not know why. Perhaps some restoration work is being done. But looking at it now, my heart aches—it appears more like a barren field than a pond.

Young people used to sit and chat on the railings surrounding the pond. Someone has now damaged these railings by smearing them with tears. Perhaps they do not want this place to be filled with the cheerful footsteps of young visitors.

Another growing issue is the rise of juvenile gangs. These groups have become a source of disturbance, threatening the safety of people who come to the area for peace. Harassment, fights, armed showdowns, there is no crime they do not commit. With political backing, no one dares to take action against them.

Meanwhile, visitors from different places litter the area with food packets, plastic bags, and other waste, making the environment filthy. The city corporation should install large garbage bins around the pond so that people can properly dispose of their trash.

These issues need solutions. Comilla is no longer the same as before because of the ever-growing population and increasing density in this beloved city. Few places remain where people can breathe freely. If these spots disappear, we will truly have nowhere to go. We will be confined to flats like prisoners. To change this situation, you, I, and all of us must come forward, especially the youth.

Let’s take action to protect Rani’s Dighi and preserve its natural beauty!