Readers’ Voice

‘Woman’ In The Dictionary

As some of the terms listed as synonyms for the word ‘women’ go controversy, The Oxford University Press has carried out an extensive review of those entries for ‘woman’ and many other related terms that relate to sexual attractiveness and activity.
The authorities concerned have also annexed an updated definition which acknowledges that a woman can be a person’s wife, girl friend, or female lover rather than being only a man’s sex partner.
The inclusion of gender-neutral terminologyin the lexicons provides an accurate representation of language regarding women and their dignity. A world full of dignity for women must be deserved by them. I, personally congratulate the approach executed in the Dictionary.

W. A. Khan
Sadar, Narsingdi

Ban Polythene Strictly

It is a matter of pain that the ban of polythene has no effect whatsoever on the everyday use of polythene bags for grocery shopping. Someone says that there is no alternative use of polythene but if we can use all of our jute to produce Sonali Bags, then we can meet one-fourth of the global demand. So, it is a foolish to say there are no alternatives.
Since September 2002, using and producing polythene is a criminal offence. According to Section 6 (A) of the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, the government can impose ban on production, import, marketing, display for sale, store, distribution, commercial transportation of commercial use of polythene if found harmful for the environment by gazette notification. Violators will be fined a minimum Tk 50,000 to maximum Tk 10 lakh or minimum one year to maximum 10 years of imprisonment, or both depending on the circumstances.
The law enforcement agencies and local administration should be strict to implement the polythene banning act.

Md. Zillur Rahaman
Gandaria, Dhaka