Bangladesh – The Land of Bengal

If you fall in love with Pakistan, I think you will like Bangladesh. After all, Bangladesh was East Pakistan before 1971. Unlike Pakistan where mountain and desert rule most of the country, East Pakistan is blessed with indefinite fertile land and green river delta. Most of the areas are flat and agriculture is flourishing. With the Brahmaputra and the Ganges running through the heart land of the country, like the Nile in Egypt, serving as the very lifeblood of the country, myriad life flourishes. The panorama of river life here is fascinating and the river of life here is truly multi-dimensional. One can see hundred of boats, from country boat, launch, paddle steamer, fishing boat, sand barge, cargo ship, oil tanker to multi-towered ferry capable of bringing hundreds of people, all float down to the Bangladesh rivers. Triple-towered ferry leer over thousands of ant-like country boats; home-made houseboats bump off the dirty hulks of domineering cargo, often with only an inch called the clearance. In fact, the rocket steamer I boarded hit the triple-towered ferry during its take-off, just like that, yes, just like that.

The river of life is multi-dimensional

The panorama above water is fascinating

According to unofficial report, there are approximate 500,000 rickshaws paddling along the crazy mazes and alleyways all over Bangladesh. It is quite a scene especially in Old Dhaka where you will most likely be trapped in a sea of rickshaws and engulfed by its chaos, if not the charm. Nothing seems to stand still. All cycle-rickshaw-wallah are skinny to the extent that it is hard to find any fat on them. It is no doubt a hard job. Nostalgia aside, there have been more and more rickshaws being equipped with battery now, making the entire ride much more easy. Having said that, Dhaka could still be the last remaining place where cycle-rickshaw is still widely used as a medium of transportation.

Sea of rickshaws is choking the already choked traffic in Old Dhaka

I have been to many Islamic countries in the world. In a Muslim society like most parts of Bangladesh, starting a conversation with anyone on the street is so easy and spontaneous that one does not need to think much. This never stops to impress me.

There are millions of Bangladeshi in my country. Having said that, I do not want to associate that with my encounters here. I don’t want to have prejudice or unfair perception towards them.

Bangladesh isn’t a laid back country and may not be suitable for the faint-hearted. Foreign tourists are almost non-existent here. I had to admit that if I'm to dance to its beats, I’ll be overwhelmed or succumbed to it. Nevertheless, it did accelerate me into the shape of backpacking in some ways. Perhaps it has been too fast.

I’m still adjusting myself towards the right rhythm of hitting the road.

Al.laa ha.fez!