Readers` Forum

One man can surely make the change

I find it difficult to believe that it’s been over six years since I first read in The New Nation about the one-man campaign of Sir Frank Peters to ban corporal punishment in schools and madrassas. I’ve been following its progress ever since.
While Sir Frank has expressed great disappointment that all headmasters and teachers are not abiding by the law and still beating children six years after the ban, it’s only fair to state that great progress has been achieved and mainly through his tenacious efforts. I know because my children were once victims of corporal punishment in their school, but not any more.
While he said he’s disappointed a 100% total ban hasn’t been achieved, it certainly isn’t his fault. Hardly a month goes by without he bringing awareness to the brutality and cruelty of corporal punishment in the Bangladesh school system. I’m of the opinion he has done a great job for the nation over the years, a true foreign friend, and shown Bangladesh that even a single individual can make major change, if they set their mind to it.
I find his determination and British bulldog grip on persistence of the topic very inspiring. It offers a valuable lesson to those who aspire to make change for the benefit of many. I’m sure a 100% ban will be accomplished one day. If anyone can accomplish this, it is he. My family and I wish him every success with his noble endeavours.

Eng. Selim Akter,
Banani, Dhaka.