"This, my feathered friends, is Bangladesh. Quack!"

If Bangladesh drowns…

Why aren't we bothered about global warming? In about 11 years, if certain experts are to be believed, Bangladesh will be sitting pretty, under-water and devoid of a history unlike that of Atlantis, thus no one will be looking for our lost civilization. And the new generation of ours, which will become refugees will also not have any idea about our lost civilization, because face it, our history books don't teach us that. No, our history books focus on wars by Alexander and talks extensively about the likes of people who invented cotton-gin and stuff. Like, that's ever going to be important. None of the jobs I know depends on correctly naming the inventor of the toilet-seat.

Could you possibly complain anymore?
So alas and sorrow spread, no one will be able to say a word about Bangladesh. Not the good stuff anyway. See, Bangalees are probably not the proudest bunch of people. One thing we can do is form committees and complain. Mostly about each other. Its not joy when every bad trait is associated with being a bangalee. Maybe most of us deserve to be restricted to lives under-water away from civilization. That would help preserve memories of a brave and proud Bangladesh. Now if we live, all we will do is tell our kids how bangalees would spit, eat stinky fish, steal, leave right after eating, cause riots for no-reason yada yada. So, yes under-water is a pretty damn good option.

Global Warming Warning
Has it ever occurred to anyone that maybe Global Warming is a conspiracy to drown us? Of course not, because that is the least likely option ever. There is no point drowning us when most of us are more than happy to be pushed around and walked over. I had a neighbour who helped me fight another neighbourhood boy, but he didn't spend the rest of his life making sure I never make it out of my misery. See, some neighbours do that. They help you out of the fire and then proceed to drown you. The reason escapes me really. But have a heart and fight back.

The Last Plan
The glorious tale of Bangladesh may actually be tarnished by us being alive and going abroad. Can we live as refugees? Those that can't live in their own homes, pretty damn sure aren't going to make great guests. So, should we let ourselves become burdens? Take the global warming issue seriously. Bangladesh is only 10m above sea-level and surrounded by coastal areas. So, if the scenario is such that the water level rises a tiny 1m than almost 17% of our land will go underwater. Given that Global Warming goes on unabated, Bangladesh will soon be fully underwater and nothing can prevent it afterwards. Noah's Ark may have carried a pair of all the animals in the world, but how does one plan to make a boat to carry 142 million strong, homo sapiens? Dwelling in a childish fantasy, let us consider that making this ship is possible. Do you think we can co-exist together during the duration of the journey? Of course we can't because we will all be busy picking on Noakhailas, Barishaila's, Dhakaiya's and all sorts of la's and ya's. So what do we do now?

The government is looking for a solution but let us make our voices louder. If we speak, let us speak to be heard and not be muted. If we whisper, let us whisper to usher in a new revolution. If we think, let us think to conquer our problems and if we dare complain let us complain to pin-point solutions. Our forefathers gave their lives to keep this country and language from disappearing and we must follow their footsteps, armed with knowledge and observation instead of machetes and bamboo sticks. It's always good to laugh at ourselves, but maybe we have taken it a bit too far.

Lastly, as a precaution for what tomorrow may hold, let us prepare for the worst by learning to co-exist, respecting ourselves and our culture and by always staying loyal and true to the red and green, as it has stayed loyal to us. Global Warming or not, it is time we care. Bangladeshis everywhere, Bangladesh was our dream, let us not let our dream drown.

By Osama Rahman

In a rather unusual choice of venue, the national museum played host to the Annual Function 2008 of The City School International Dhaka on the 4th of November. The show kicked off with introductory speeches by the school's principal and the head girl, followed immediately by performances. The aspect about this particular school function that was different was that it was being held not in the school itself, or at some fancy community center, but in the national museum, the heart of culture.

The show had various kinds of performances, including Bengali and English songs varying from classical to pop, dance routines, and plays. One of the most memorable instances of the show would be a dozen toddlers dancing in sync to the song One Love by Blue, with dance moves that really pushed through the song's message. This kind of talent displayed by dancers so young was startling for this reporter. This was followed by a performance of the hit Boney M. song, By The Rivers of Babylon- a song with the sure power of invoking nostalgia in just about anyone. Though not very well synchronized, the performance carried through well to definite applause.

A classical dance routine came after this, with young dancers displaying our cultural heritage brilliantly with their skilled and well-balanced dance moves. As before, the young age of these performers, and the skill they displayed was shocking.

A recitation of a popular Bengali children's rhyme followed this, with children dressed up as flowers and bees, reciting the poem in sing-song with interpretive dance moves. The next skit featured a hand-crafted spaceship and school students dressed up as aliens from outer space, who dance rhythmically and in sync to upbeat techno music. The best part about the performance was how well the music and the dances and costumes and theme gelled in together. This was followed by a short play of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Though the entire function progressed well, and to plan, there were many technical difficulties that tried the audience's patience slightly.

But this was made up for by the performance that followed which certainly was the highlight of the evening- a rendition of Shakespeare's famous play, King Lear. With believable costumes and props, and stage antics and acting virtuoso, the seniors of the school delivered brilliantly. Most commendable amongst all was the stage presence of Jarifa Purna, the head girl of the school, who played Lear's ruthless eldest daughter, Goneril. She was the most into her character, with a voice that carried throughout the auditorium, and an unflinching stamina. However, with the entire crew's work behind it, the play proved a popular success in the audience, and the function concluded with the national anthem.

By Ahsan Sajid

ESAD

“To strengthen and foster relationship among all SHAHEENS and to create a platform that can provide leadership and guideline in multi-disciplinary sectors” the motto of ESAD (Ex Shaheen Association Dhaka) is quite a clear indication of the reason behind its establishment. ESAD announced its existence by unveiling their official logo on 7th November 2008 at the Reporter's Unity Auditorium. Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed inaugurated the programme which started at 11:00am and continued until 12:30pm. Present and former students of BAF Shaheen School Dhaka were present along with reporters from many local newspapers and TV channels. The event was followed by lunch at the same venue. This press conference was arranged by Apu Mahfuz ('94 batch), Hassan Sharif Shantu ('97 batch) and Zunayeed Noor Alam ('05 batch).

ESAD plans to host a grand reunion on 26th of December 2008. Former and present students and teachers were asked to register for this event. Registration forms are available at all Agora stores in Dhaka until 30th November 2008. ESAD has proclaimed many noble ideals only their future activities will prove their good intentions. Let us join in wishing them all the best.

By Nishita Aurnab
Thanks to Zunayeed Noor Alam