We have deeply eroded our human qualities, since when I cannot quite remember, although from a partisan point of view there will be as many opinions as there are political shades, not so much about the societal abrasion as much about the occasion of social descent.

The Awami League camp will recall 1975, Jatiya Party will try to forget 1991, BNP will always regret 2007, while the Jamaat  keep on hoping for early 1971, for reasons that are close to their respective hearts, although opposing camps sincerely believe that some of the others are heartless.

It is perhaps not only my conviction but a view shared by others that presently, it is almost impossible to be nice to someone without raising eyebrows; the only condition - the guy must have eyebrows. As soon as you bring out the Good Samaritan in thou, you are immediately put under the scanner, and the search (individually, communally and nationally) is on to find the reason behind your angelic self. Being nice without a reason? Improbable, incredible and implausible.

For example: If a political leader is being kind to someone in need, say financially helping a father to let his daughter have a respectable wedding, there will be twitching of the lips, slapping of the forehead and a smirk lasting from Gulistan to Farmgate… "What showmanship! Could he not just give the money and keep away the photographers?" are questions that are muttered for only the soul to burn. Thou shall be on fire, but thou shall not perish. Psst! I made that up.

Such negativity may owe its origin to the Hellenic period but, as most of you are aware, we can remember history only as far back as 1971, whence India politically, socially and economically came to side with us, as we launched our War of Liberation. But, there were lots of 'buts' not very long after we emerged victorious. "India had its own agenda for helping liberate Bangladesh," is one common stance that is aired with disdain. Could it be possible that India as a neighbour considered the carnage by the Pakistani army a vicious action that demanded humanitarian response? "Nahhh, they wanted to split Pakistan." Did they advise the Yahya-Bhutto gang to reject the 1970 polls? "Of course, they (the Indians), you know, have agents everywhere…"

A teacher, male for that, is helping out a (girl) student who is doing poorly.

"He is only doing it because she is pretty," is an early aspersion.

"But, Sir has also been giving special attention to Md. Selim."

"Have you seen his mother?" continues the disparager.

"But the lady who comes to pick him up is his sister."

"I know. I have also seen the mother." The cynic does not try to conceal the dangling leer.

So, whose problem is that? Sir's or the sceptic's?

"Sir is also very keen on sports activities of students," you proffer.

"That is because he wants to use the college platform for a position atin the national federation."

"There is nothing wrong in that!" You are now on the defensive.

"There is. He never helps out with the cultural team."

"But, that is because Sir is not adept at performing on stage. Moreover, the teacher who teaches us history is in charge of the music society." You are now irritated. His success.

"Ah! Madam! She does that only because her daughter needs to get selected."

"She sings on television," you persist.

"Her uncle is a programme producer."

"In one channel. What about the other?" You find it difficult to lower your voice.

"They are all connected. It's a digital world, you know that."

Suspicion abounds everywhere, and we are guilty of giving in.

You become charitable due to religious beliefs or as an act of social responsibility. Assault on the street: "What's up, bro? Standing for Ward elections?" Charity shall spread outside of the home because many will not survive without it.

You visit an acquaintance in hospital. Reaction in your office: "Does he owe you any money? Don't worry! He will survive," he ends, laughing like a horse. Try it, the horse laughter, it is great for the lungs. Your office mate knows that. Empathy shall prevail because often it is the best medicine.

Your relative desperately seeks your expert help to find a good apartment to buy in a great location at the best price. Two days later, after a thorough search on the internet and several conversations with people in the know, even developers and realtors, you forward details of five such properties to your blood relative. Later, you hear from a third party. "He (meaning you) wanted to make money out of my purchase, how low can he get?" No lower than five feet four, if you were me. Heads held high, we shall continue to offer our helping hand.

You see your friend mingling with the wrong kind of person and mention this to her (usually) or (sometimes) him in the politest manner, showing utmost concern. Byas! The sky rips open. "You wanted to line maro but could not… you think I well let go? ... you are so, so jealous… you …you…" One month and ten days later, your friend barges in. "Did you have to mince your words about a proven serpent? How could you do this to me?" Friends are forever (?). So you put your arm over a jilted shoulder. A thunderous bolt follows: "Don't you dare touch me!" We shall continue to touch hearts because we are only human.

Let me state this plainly: there are people out there, millions, who help others because they want to help. Period. There is no mother, marriage or money behind their nobility and generosity.

The writer is a practising Architect at BashaBari Ltd., a Commonwealth Scholar and a Fellow, a Baden-Powell Fellow Scout Leader, and a Major Donor Rotarian.