Composition

• Cultural Assault
• Corruption 
• Dowry System 
• Cyber Crime: A Global Threat
• Necessity of Tree Plantation

Cultural Assault

Culture often mirrors a country or a society. It encompasses the attitudes, norms, behaviors which characterize that particular country or society. If we peer through a culture of a state, we will get a clear, taintless idea of that state. Every country has its own, unique culture. But in the age of globalization, the idea of cultural uniqueness is gradually disappearing. The cultures of the developing countries are on the wane because they are constantly losing the combat against the developed countries. This leads to the rise of the concept of cultural assault.

Actually the word ‘assault’ means aggression or raid. When the culture of a country is affected by the poaching of cultures belonging to another, it is called cultural assault. In the present world, there is hardly any country which has its own cultural identity. Almost every culture is an admixture of variety of cultures. The expansion of open sky culture through satellite and internet is playing a pivotal role in this regard. By virtue of satellite, the people of developing countries like ours are getting the opportunities to know what is happening around the world. We are introduced with the culture, art, music etc of other countries via satellite or internet. Various types of constructive and educative programs are telecast on numerous channels. Some channels like BBC, CNN, National Geography and discovery are inevitable for youngsters and without any alternative. There is no denying the fact that modern science and technology have made the world easy to come closer to one another. Satellite has made the world a global village and has formed a new culture called open air culture throughout the world. So we can say that satellite is a window through which we can see the unseen, know the unknown. But the role of open sky culture through dish antenna is equivocal. Most often, some programs are telecast on the channels which do not conform to the norms or behaviors of our country. Some channels present erotic and appealing programs which mostly affects the children and young people. It changes the taste of young generation. They feel extreme fascination for the foreign cultures than the local culture. Thus, it harms a lot to our culture by bringing about an assault. Developing countries have less opportunity to uphold its own culture to the international community. Foreign channels with their grandiose programs easily attract the young people. Motivated by their way of living, our young people also try to lead such life. Leaving their modest and humble life behind, they indulge in pompous, ultra-modern life. Today they communicate with each other in such a language which is a juxtaposition of different languages. There is a possibility that our language, literature, songs, tradition etc will die out in the near future. So it is not unjustified to say that the rich and developed countries are controlling the underdeveloped countries by capturing the brains of poor people through the satellite channels.

To keep pace with other countries, we have to remain in the circle of capitalism and globalization. At the same time, we have to maintain our way of life amid intense challenge of open sky culture. Preventing the access of foreign channels in our country is not the possible way to stop cultural assault. Rather we will have to strengthen the base of our culture to compete with the other countries. We have to make our culture more practicable so as to fight against cultural aggression. With this view in mind, standard and quality programs appropriate to the time should be telecast to combat the aggression of foreign culture. So we should put our best effort to make the root of our culture strong to prevent it from being disappeared. 

Cyber Crime: A Global Threat

There are no unmixed blessings on earth which means everything has both negative and positive sides. Science and technology are, in no way, exception to this. Technology help us conquer both time and distance. People living in the remotest corner of the globe can instantaneously communicate with others with the help of computer, internet or other electronic devices. The rapid progress of ICT has brought about a revolutionary change in every aspect of our life. However, criminals nowadays make use of technology to commit crimes and thereby the idea of cyber crime originates. Any kind of crime executed in assistance of technology is branded as cyber crime. More specifically, when computers, internet or any other electronic devices are used to commit crimes, it is called cyber crime. Cyber crime is more hazardous than the traditional crimes such as hijacking, stealing, bullying etc. It has become a big threat for the reason that one can commit the traditional crimes, even more severe crime, without being present physically. Only a computer or internet is needed to make these crimes happen. Cyber crime has variety of forms such as hacking, stealing, cyber-stalking, identity theft etc. A hacker can easily break the password of an account and steal the money.  Moreover they often hacks personal computers with a view to stealing important information. Sometimes they try to destroy or slow down network with virus-attack.  They use different software to get access to an account or computer. With the use of software, they also violate copyright and download their desired things illegally. It is not a matter of surprise that very often the criminals indulge themselves in the extortion using computers, internet or mobile phones. In most of the cases they remain undetected since law enforcing agencies do not have expertise and technical ability to find out the criminals. Consequently, overriding all other problems of the present world, cyber crime has ascended to the throne of malevolence. There are many factors which are responsible for the expansion to cyber crime across the globe. Firstly, the rate of return from such crimes is very high. Secondly, the criminals remain safe and sound after committing any crime. Thirdly there is hardly any law to check cyber crime. This evil has to be stopped until it is too late. It is a great threat to the economy of a developing country like ours. It is a matter of hope that people across the world have become more watchful of the crime. Some countries have already introduced strong law to prevent cyber crime.

Corruption

As stated in dictionaries, corruption means doing anything in an unusual way. That is to say, anything that is done violating the rules or laws is branded as corruption. In fact, it is not easy to define corruption in clear, precise manner. If we try to define corruption from a broader perspective, we find that corruption has many facets. Precisely, negligence to responsibility, misuse of power, taking privilege, receiving bribe and nepotism - all are termed as corruption.

In Bangladesh, corruption is seen in various forms. Mills and factories resort to corruption by bribing to governmental agencies for taking extra facilities. Teachers do not attend their classes regularly; rather provide more time to their personal coaching centers. Doctors, too, are heedless of their errands to their patients. They attend on their patients in their personal chambers more ardently. When someone neglects or ignores his or her allocated job, it is also called corruption.

If we peep through the history of corruption, we will find that corruption had its root in all societies, in all ages. In prospect of Bangladesh, the practice of corruption is not a recent affair. The practice of corruption started here ever since the inception of bureaucracy in the Mughal and British periods. At that time, it was limited to certain degree. At present the ominous claw of corruption has devoured each and every sector of the country. According to the reports of ‘Transparency International’, Bangladesh topped the list of world's corrupted countries five times. As stated in the report, police department is one of the most corrupted sectors. Our judiciary occupies the second place in the list. Other sectors including land, health care, education, administration etc are also shrouded in corruption.

There are several reasons which are liable for the birth and expansion of corruption in our society. Thirst for money, lack of accountability and transparency, political depravity, low wage, deterioration of law and order situation and availability of arms are the common reasons. Moreover, monopoly of power is also a notable cause of corruption. The corrupted people do not perceive the very truth that by adoption corruption they not only harm the society, they harm their families as well. Due to the corruption of a trifling minority, the whole nation has to bear the brunt. The effect of corruption on developing countries like ours is inexpressible. The ever-present corruption in our country is the product of corruption.  It sucks up the life blood of our economy and retard the socio-economic progress of a country.

The world’s history reveals that countries which are guided by corruption are sure to ruin. Sierra Leone had to experience 11-year civil war in consequence of corruption in every sphere of its governance. That is why corruption is considered as the nuisance to a nation or society.  It is a matter of hope that our last army-backed caretaker government has formed a commission called ‘Anti Corruption Commission’ the main task of which is to penalize those people who accumulate ill-got money. Yet, we have to walk a long way to heal our society of such blight.  Those doing corruption should be brought under law and their money and wealth should be confiscated. They should be given exemplary punishment so as to stop others from being corrupted. Most importantly, we all must say ‘no’ to corruption from our standpoint and do the needful to live an untainted life.

Dowry System

Dowry denotes money, gift or property brought by a bride while coming to her husband’s house after marriage. In the past, it was a matter of disgrace to demand gift or money from in law’s house.  But it has become a trend nowadays.  Such practices as dowry system are injurious to our society. In fact, this inhuman system devalues the status of human beings.

Generally dowry had its origin in Hinduism. In Hinduism, daughters do not inherit the property of their parents. So they are given goods or money at the time of their marriage. But it has become a common phenomenon among the people of other religion too. In the past, the parents of the bride would willingly offer some gifts for their daughter. Now it is no longer a spontaneous gift, rather a demand forced upon the bride’s parents. Considering the happiness of the daughter, parents often offer goods or money to their son-in-laws. The more money her husband is endowed with, the more worship the girl gets. But problem arises when the parents of the bride fail to satisfy the demand of the husband. Incidents of murder, suicide and divorce have become very frequent. The incidents of acid throwing have also added a new dimension to this social crime. Women, both in the rural and urban areas, are maltreated and oppressed by their husbands and in-laws for dowry. We have law, we have law enforcing agencies; yet, everything fails to bridle this malpractice. There is a tendency among the girl and her family to tolerate such maltreatment rather than breaking up the marriage. This also gives indulgence to carry on such crime.  

Due to this system, a ghastly situation prevails in the society. There are several factors which are responsible for this social vice.  Illiteracy, poverty and the greed of the bride-groom are the major causes of this brutal system. Besides, women’s dependency on men, their inclination to be submissive, and people’s biased view are also responsible for this social malady to grow. Since ours is a male dominated society, girls are considered inferior to men. So a husband demands dowry in return for taking the responsibility of a girl.

This system must be stopped as early as possible for the welfare of the society. To abolish this system, the thing to be done first is to raise awareness among all.  A girl should be brought up to be independent. Every girl should be educated properly. The families of the victim must not fear social shame; rather they should boldly take action against dowry. They must not encourage the girl to bear the oppression. We should remember that it is crime both to give and to take dowry. Though our government has enacted strict laws with a view to checking the crime, yet dowry system is prevailing and women are suffering. Consciousness must be raised to spread female education and to prevent the adverse effect of dowry system. Improving women’s position in society must be an effective measure against dowry indeed.   

Necessity of Tree Plantation

God has bestowed countless gifts upon nature among which trees are the most significant ones. They help us maintain the ecological balance which is a must for the preservation of life on earth. Availability of different natural resources, such as soil, water, coal, oil and gas are also influenced by the trees and plants. They play a vital role in both our life and economy.

Trees are useful to us in several ways. We get different kinds of fruits from trees which make us healthy and protect us from diseases. By taking in carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen in the air, trees help us to exist on earth. Trees provide shade and shelter to many people. Trees supply minerals to the land thereby making it fertile. They also save the soil from erosion. In addition, they have a positive impact on climate.

They attract rain during the dry seasons. We get timber from trees. We use timbers in making houses, furniture etc. They are also used as fuel in such areas where there is no other alternative way to cook food.  Besides, trees are source of income for many people. We can earn a lot of money by selling fruits and timber. So to say, trees are the constant companion of our day to day life.  

Bangladesh is mostly a flat and riverine country. Lands in the upper regions of the river are highly suitable for the growth and development of trees. We can plant trees along sea beaches, low lying unused lands, sides of the highways and roads. Furthermore, vast tracts of land remain unused in hilly areas like Chittagong, Sylhet etc. These areas should be properly utilized for planting of trees.

June and July are the most suitable period for planting trees in our country. During this period, tree plantation program should be stretched to the distant corners of the country. Both government and the private sectors should come forward to raise consciousness among the people about the importance of tree plantation.

Trees and forests have a great impact on climate. Bangladesh is a disaster prone country. Natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, and droughts are frequent affairs here. Plantation of trees certainly can minimize the probability of such calamities to occur.  A country needs trees to ensure a cool and healthy climate for her people. Cutting down tree in a large scale leads to deforestation which is harmful for our existence. If trees and forests are destroyed at random, the country will definitely turn into a desert. Eventually, the temperature of the country will rise. This process is known as greenhouse effect. As a consequence of greenhouse effect, the country will face a great calamity because it will have great impact on our agriculture. It is essential to prevent greenhouse effect. Therefore, tree plantation is a must. In fact, tree plantation is one of the most important duties of all. So we should stop cutting down of trees for the greater interest of our existence. We should strive to embellish our country with green trees for the betterment of our next generation.