Jackfruit : The National Fruit of Bangladesh

Written by Taufqa Farzana

Hello readers. I am Taufiqa Farzana. The Jackfruit is a national fruit of Bangladesh. It is the largest fruit from all the fruits. I think Jackfruit is very famous to all. That’s why I would like to share with the readers whatever I know about this fruit.

Jackfruit is found all over in Bangladesh; but mainly in the month of Jaishtha and Ashar. It grows in plenty on the hilly areas of Chittagong and Sylhet and on the highland of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Comilla and Jessore. Beside these, it grows in India, Srilanka, Burma and Brazil. It has a rough and prickly skin. Inside the skin the fruit is found to be composed of many juicy flakes. When it becomes ripe, it turns out to be delicious and succulent to eat. It is also a very nutritious fruit. We get Vitamin ‘’A’’ and “C’’ from Jackfruit cell. We can also make jam, jelly, and juice by Jackfruit’s cell. The Jackfruit trees are very large. The leaves of Jackfruit trees are good food for cow and goat. From the stalk of Jackfruit trees we can make furniture. Jackfruit is in great demand with the common people. The price is comparatively cheap. Beside this, it can be served as a food. I like Jackfruit very much.

Memorable day of my life

Written by Kazi Rafiqul Islam

Few months ago, I went to my native village to see my sick mother. My mother was very much happy to see me. She forgot that she was sick. She was asking me about every body in Dhaka. I told her that all are ok over there. Then she again asked me what I would like to have for dinner. I told her that nothing special is needed for dinner. I then wanted to know from her whether she would like to have something like; fruits or anything. My mother told me that her heart is filled to see me. She needs nothing else.

Any way, I was going to nearby Bazaar to buy some fruits, fish and some other essential commodities. On the way to the bazaar I heard a voice behind me. Some one was calling me. I looked behind and saw an old man whose hair and beard were almost white. He looked like an old man of sixty. He asked me “Kemon acho Rafiq?” (How are you Rafiq?). I said, “Bhalo achi” (I am ok) and I also asked him, “Apni kemon achen?” (How are you?). He said ‘Bhalo’ (ok) in reply. And then he asked me, “Why I am calling him Apni (you).” Actually there is a difference between Apni and Tumi in Bengali; though it is same in English. In Bengali we use “Apni” for some one who are elder and “Tumi” for those who are younger. “Amare chinte paro nai?” (“Couldn’t you recognize me?” he said”). I said, “Na (no), I am sorry.” Then he told that his name is Selim. Still I could not recognize him. After that he told me that I must recognize him if he tell me a story of my childhood. I said, “Please tell me”. He told me, “Just try to remember we used to climb a Rain tree and jump down into the canal water.” Hearing it I remembered a terrific memory of my childhood and also could recognize him. I exclaimed with joy, “Oh my God! You are that Selim who saved my life?” He then said “khushi hoilam je tumi amare chinte percho. Ami tomare bachai nai. Allah tomare bachaiche”. (I am very glad to hear that you have recognized me. I did not save you. The almighty saved you.). I said “Please forgive me, I could not recognize you”. I also said “Shame on me, I forgot you who saved my life.” Then he said, “Eta hotei pare (it can be happen), onek din aager kotha (it was the event of many years ago).”

I remembered what happened that day. I, Selim (my play mate at my childhood) and some others (I can not remember their names) were playing a nice game. We were climbing a Rain tree (beside a canal, in front of our village house) and were jumping down from the high branch of the tree into the canal water. It was my turn, so I was about to jump. But suddenly Selim caught me tightly and said “Laph dis na, niche nouka” (Do not jump; there is a boat down in the canal). I did not see when a boat came under the tree, where we used to jump. I stopped jumping and looked down and was trembling in fear. If I would jump I must got injured seriously or die. Selim saved me from a great danger that day. I embraced him and thanked once again. I then asked him “What happened to you? You look like an old man.” He told me “It’s a long history, I will tell you about it sometimes later”. He told me “Let’s go to a tea stall, I will be happy to have tea with you”. We went to a tea stall and were having tea. At that time a young man of 20/25 years old came to him and said, “Baba (Father), some people are cutting our paddy; we must go to the field”. Then Selim told me “Rafiq kichu mone koris na, Amar ekhon dhan khete jawa dorkar, Ami pore toke shob bolbo (Rafiq never mind, I need to go to my paddy field. I will tell you my story later”. Ami bollam, “Accha jao, Allah Hafez” (I said, ‘ok’ go, God be with you). The next day he came to our house and told about his life. I will tell his story sometimes later.

Pictures on flood affected area in Bangladesh

The woman was taking relief

Most of the houses are almost drowned by flood water. Many people were leaving their houses

The boy was carrying or-saline to his home by swimming

Almost the whole areas of Louhajong were overflowed by flood water

From Kirtonkhola to Polashpur of Barishal were overflowed by flood water. Flood affected people were suffering a lot

In flood affected area ferryboat was the main transport

Flood affected people were suffering on drinking water.

The flood water was increasing day by day to Dhaka and the middle of Bangladesh. The area of Kamrangirchor Union was overflowed by flood water

The situations of the flood affected areas of Dhaka city had deprived day by day. Flood affected people had been attacked of many disease through the germs of water.

Agriculture of Bangladesh

Written by Tahmina Akter

I am Tahmina Akter. I have tried to write on the agricultural side of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an agricultural Country. Sixty percent of her total land is under Cultivation. Our country soil is very fertile and suitable for Cultivation. Bangladesh has great natural advantages. Our soil gets enough sunshine, air and water. 45% of our total people live by agriculture. Jute and paddy are the two main agricultural products of our country. Paddy is our main food and jute is our cash crop which brings a plenty of foreign money for our country. Here also grow wheat, sugarcane, tobacco and potato, brinjal, garlic, carrot, bean, reddish, pumpkins, eggplants etc. Many kinds of vegetables also cultivate on some parts in our country. Our farmers work hard but they get very poor return. Our most of the farmers are poor and illiterate. They cannot buy better seeds, good manure and insect killer. Scientific methods of cultivation are needed to implement on our agriculture. Farmers should be trained about the modern method of cultivation and the use of manure and insecticides. Irrigation facilities should be available to them. In short and long term loans should be given to them. Our government has already taken various programs for farmers to cultivate in a proper way. All programs for the improvement of our agriculture have been developing day by day. We hope that our farmers will be self-sufficient in near future. Our agriculture has an important roll in the economy of our Country. That’s why we should develop our agricultural side. Readers, I have just tried to explain my point of view on Agriculture of Bangladesh. So, please consider my mistakes as a new writer.

Teaching is a noble and honorable profession

Written by Nasima Akter Moly

Hello readers. I am a student of Dhaka University. I would like to share with you that how important the role of the teachers for our life and nation. Teaching is a noble and honorable profession because teachers can build up people, a society or a nation through teaching. Actually teachers are valuable assets in our country. The nation may expect to get an honest and sincere teacher. Teachers always try to teach the higher studies among all the students. They can help to awake their students. They also can make the students as an honest, ideal and sincere people. They try to help to enhance confidence. A good teacher can bring out hidden qualities from each student. As a result the whole country will be able to become an educated and skilled nation through their teaching. When I admitted in Dhaka University then everything were unknown to me. I didn’t have any ideas about the other people, economy, cultural association and religion etc. But now I’ve totally changed within 4/5 years. All of teachers of our Dhaka University are wise and honorable person. They teach us on social equality, good behavior, sovereignty, liberty, our history and current situation. They didn’t keep limit of our knowledge on few books. A teacher can become a good friend. They solve our problems as like as our parents. Sometimes teacher can behave rude to teach and enhance our prosperity. They give their valuable advice for removing our critical crisis. They also show us how well we can serve our nation and we will do work for our future. But sometimes we see teachers are enrolled in corruption. Hence we are really shocked. Because they are the architect of the nation and we learn from them many things. We should earn more knowledge; so that we can reach to our destination. Without teachers we can’t learn properly. If all qualities remain with us; such as-- honesty, integrity, sincerity, modesty, loyalty and patriotism; it will be very easy to reach to our destination. These qualities will help you to become autonomous; that we can earn by learning from teachers.

Girls who used to sell flower in the traffic jam in Dhaka city

Written by Md. Golam Rabbany

M.G. Rabbany is taking interview of chotto nari (Flower sellers), date 16.08.2007

Bithi Akter

"Bithi Akter is about 13 years old. She is the second child of her parents. She has one elder sister and two younger sisters but she has no brothers. Her elder sister (16) got married one year and several month ago. Her father’s name is Dulal and he is about 40 years old. Her father is unemployed as he is now sick. Before, he used to pull Rickshaw. About five years ago her father gave up pulling Rickshaw as he became sick. Her mother works as a house maid worker and she is the main earning member of their family. They rented a house at Nurrerchala near Notun Bazar. They have to give 1100 taka per month.
Bithi Akter studied for about two years in a NGO school. But last January, 07 their school stopped providing study. Now she can read and write Bangla and English and she also learned how to measurement. Now she works as home worker. Almost whole day she stays at their house. But at her early life she used to sell flower and she could earn some money. Now her parents don’t support her to start flower business. Now her parents are interested to give in marriage but she is not agreed. She threatened her parents that if they try to give in marriage her, she will leave their house where she likes."

Kulsuma

"Kulsuma is about 12 years old. She has two elder brothers and she is the youngest child of her parents. Her father had died when she was baby and then she did not understand anything. Her mother used to work as housemaid but now she can not work as she is aged and sick. Her second elder brother got married and he is living with his wife separately. He works in a school and he does not give any money to them. Her eldest brother does not work as he does not work. He is addicted ganja, intoxications and gambling. He behaves rough with them. He does not eat with them and just he comes at mid night to live with them.
Kulsum is the main earning member in their family. She works as tokai. She collects used bags, wasted papers, plastics, bottles, cane and other metals from dustbin. She can earn 200 taka to 400 taka per week working hard. She has to work with heavy germ, bad smell and polluted environments. And that’s why already she is affected with skin and other sickness. Her parents came from Faridpur but they have nothing in their village and she does not visit ever to their village. She and some of her neighboring friends studied in an NGO school but after 2006 their school stopped. Now she can read and write Bangla and English both. She was the best students in her class."

Lovely Akter

"Lovely is about 13 years old and she is the eldest child of their family. She has one younger brother and one younger sister. Her father worked as a Rickshaw puller but two years ago he fell in sick and still now he can not work or pull Rickshaw. Her father’s name is Babu and he is about 40 years old. Her mother works as a house maid and her mother is the only one earning member of their family. Her parents came from Demra where they have not any wealth and she does not visit their village ever. She does not know when her parents migrated in Dhaka.
Lovely studied in same NGO School about two years. She can read and write English and Bangla both. She is in problem as her parents want to give in marriage her. Already one bridal party came to see her and chose her. But she is not agreed with this marriage just now. She wants to get married long days later. But her parents offer her often. She cried out a lot and said her parents if they give her in marriage just now she will leave their house. Now sometimes her parents try to understand that every women needs to get married and make a family. Lovely used to sell flowers but now she does not go as her neighboring friends stopped to go. On the other hand, her guardians forbid her to go alone to sell flowers."

Ruby Akter

"Ruby Akter is about 13 years old and she is the youngest child of their family. She has two elder brothers and two elder sisters. Her father got second married with another woman and he is living with his second wife to another place. He sometimes comes to their house but he does not give them any money to maintain their family. Her eldest brother got married and he is living separately with his wife. Her second elder brother does not work and he is addicted to ganja, heroin etc and gambling. He often steals money from their house and beat her mother and Ruby.
Her mother is beggar. She begs door to door and shop to shop. Ruby works as a Tokia. She searches wasted bags, papers, plastics, bottles and other metals in the dustbin and roadsides. Ruby and her mother maintain their family. They have to pay 1100 taka per month as house rent.
One day Ruby’s father took a bridal party to give in marriage Ruby. But Ruby’s elder brother was not agreed with this marriage right now and he stopped that marriage. Ruby was also not agreed to get marriage as she wants to get marriage several years later."

******* ***** *******

All of these four girls live same house but separate room. They have to pay 1100 to 1200 taka per month individually as house rent. Their house’s roof is made of tin, fence is bamboo and floor is mud. They have electricity connection and house owner remains stop electricity connection after evening every day. They with some other families use unsafe latrine from where bad smell blows. They can not say anything for eviction and sometimes house owner threats to evict them.

Their house is situated east side of Notun Bazar Nurarechala near America embassy under Badda thana. The name of their house owner is Mrs. Parul .

These four little girls want to study more and grow up well. They want to be educated and want to work at least in the garment factory. Some of them already went to the garment factories but they were not recruited as they were under aged.

These four little girls have two events in their life which they will not forget ever. These are their memorial day still now. They were looking fresh and happy when they were expressing their memorial events. One day they (these four girls) were selling flowers at Gulshan-2 market and they saw a white car was passing them. Then Ruby and lovely offered her flowers to buy. Then that foreigner gave them 100 taka each of them. Another day this foreigner took them to a rich restaurant and feed them precious and delicious food which they did not get scope to eat ever. They everyone thinks that this foreigner loves them more than their parents. This foreigner is an American and her name is DR. KATHRYN B WARD. Sometimes they phone to the KB Ward’s driver (Ripon mama) to know when their favorite person will come to Bangladesh.

Bloggers profile (Students)

Kaniz Fatema [Kanta]

"I am Kaniz Fatema [Kanta]. I have completed my Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 1999 and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) in 2001. I am a student of B.S.S. Honors in Social Work at Siddheswari Girls’ College. I am doing courses on English and Computer from Nari Jibon. I am a Bangladeshi. I was born at Dhaka in Bangladesh. My religion is Islam. I knew about Nari Jibon from my friend, Sultana. I admitted here in English-2 and computer class. After admitting here I have improved my English spoken and got some computer knowledge. Now I am confident that I will be able to get a good job. In future I want to be a social worker and would like to work at any N.G.O. I am also happy to be a part of blog writing. It’s new experience for me. If I didn’t come in Nari Jibon then I wouldn’t know about Blog. I am glad to admit here. We are two brothers and one sister. I like reading different kinds of books and watching TV. Nari Jibon is really a good organization for women. I like here the Nari Cyber café. I wish good luck for Nari Jibon."

Rumana Parveen

"My name is Rumana Parveen. I was born at Dhaka in Bangladesh. I am Bangladeshi. My religion is Islam. I have completed my Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 1999 and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) in 2001. Now I am a student of B.S.S. Honors in Social Work at Siddheswari Girls’ College. I am doing courses on English and Computer from Nari Jibon. I heard about Nari Jibon from my friend, Kanta. I admitted here in English-2 and computer class. I am really happy to admit here. Because I think I have improved my skills in English and got knowledge on computer. I wish that I will be able to do something in future. I am also happy to be a part of blog project. It’s new experience for me. But I am trying to write. If I didn’t come in Nari Jibon then I wouldn’t know about Blog. We can share our culture to other countries through Blog. Nari Jibon is really a good organization for women. I like watching TV and reading magazines and all kinds of books. We are five sisters and three brothers. To me the best part of Nari Jibon is the Nari Cyber café. I wish all the success of Nari Jibon."

Profile of Nari Jibon bloggers

Kazi Rafiqul Islam

My name is kazi Rafiqul Islam. My nick name is Rafiq. I was born in a village named Char Aicha of Barisal district in the year 1963 in a muslim family.
My father was a Village doctor (Local medical fellow). He was also a farmer. He died of heart failure in the year 1991.My mother was a house wife. She can not work now due to old age. She is eighty five years running. We were four brothers and five sisters. I am youngest son of my parents. Two of my elder brothers died of heart failure in the past two years. My eldest brother was a business man and my immediate elder brother was serving in Bangladesh garments manufacturers and importers associations as chief accountant. All of my sisters are married and living with their respective family. My only living brother Prof. Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam is in Dhaka University. He is the founder chairman of the department of World Religion. He was also former chairman of the Department of Philosophy. He is now in USA as a Senior Fulbright scholar. His wife Prof. Dr. Azizun Naher Islam is the chairman of the department.
Two of my sisters are living in Dhaka near by my resident at Monipur, Mirpur-2.. Two sisters are living in Barisal and one sister is living in Cox’s Bazar. My mother is living in village where my father and two elder brothers were buried. We tried to take her Dhaka but she does not want to leave that place. She say’s in this respect that she can see her two son’s everyday but if she is taken to Dhaka how she would see them.
.
I grew up in village and completed my primary education (Up to class five) from village primary school. Then I came to Dhaka and got admitted in Dhaka Udayon high school. I used to live at my elder brother’s house (Dhaka university teachers quarters) I studied up to class eight in this school and then again go to Barisal and got admitted in Shayestabad High school (in my village). I completed my Secondary school certificate course from this school. Then I got admitted in Barisal B. M College and completed higher secondary school certificate course from this college. I completed my B.S.S Hons and M.S course (bachelor of social science; in political science and Masters of social Science in political science) from Dhaka University.
Since my childhood I liked traveling. I liked to see new place and new people in the morning after woke up from bed. I used to visit my relatives houses who were living far away from my village. To see new place, new people, to know about their culture etc I several times fled away from my house with some money from my brothers pocket and or from his cash box. I used to come back when my money was finished. In this way I traveled most of the places of our country. I learned many things about people their lifestyle, their culture, food etc but it affected a bit of my study. When I was in School I was known as a good student. But due to my traveling/mentality I could not concentrate to my study and for that reason my exam result was not so good.
Since my childhood I used to read many books besides some selected book for my class. When I was Dhaka I used to go to Dhaka public library almost every day. I read most of the books that were for the growing aged children. But I did not like to appear before exam and for that reason I willingly missed many exams.
I was also very much fond of watching movie of home and abroad. I knew in every film shooting are taken in their countries nicest places. They show their culture, nature etc in the movies that attracted me very much. Several times in my student life I went to watch movie telling my parents/relatives that I am going to school or college.

In our country children are generally asked what they want to be in future. I was also asked. I told that I would like to be lawyer. I do not know why I told that. When I grew up and understood what lawyers do. I was bit upset. I knew lawyers can make an innocent man/woman guilty and at the same time they also can save a man/woman from punishment using law. People call it law business!!! People are getting punishment with out doing any guilt/offence and some people are saved by the lawyers who are really guilty. People might differ with my thought/comments but I really think so. I saw a man who was with me all day long but he was charged for murder in village and later he was sentenced to death for murder. I came to know about it later and I was seriously shocked to hear it. Any way I lost my aim in life. I did not think what I will do in future. I was continuing my studies and sometimes I used to go out of my resident to see new places, new people etc as I did before.
In my higher secondary exam I got highest marks in Economics but I got the opportunity to study in political science which I did not like. In our country most of the student can not study on the subject that they really like. Through study in political science I learned about politics, international politics, what a politician do, how politicians go into power what technique they use to get in power again etc. I had the opportunity to read Machiavelli’s The Politics.” I was surprised to read it.
As I did not like the subject my Hons and Masters results were not so good (Both were second class). My elder brother asked me to join in a college. But I did not agree. I told him “I did not like the subject/politics, how would I teach the student about politics”.
After completion of my study I started to work in a consulting firm where I worked for five years. In that consulting firm I was assigned to conduct/implement different types of research works in different area of the country. I was happy with the job as I could move around the country.
After leaving the consulting firm I joined in a business firm named Dekko accessories limited. I was assigned to implement an industrial project. But I could not continue the job as I had to give bribe (ghush) to get some work done from Bank and other Govt. organization that I did not like and for that reason I gave up that job. Later I joined ICDDR, B where I was also engaged in different types of research activities. I worked in International centre for diarrhoeal research Bangladesh (ICDDR, B) for about six years. I also had to leave the job due to transfer problem. I was transferred in a remote area of the country. I request the authority to change their decision but they did not change. Then I left the job considering my son’s education.
After leaving the Job I was unemployed for some months. I was looking for a good job. At that time I got to know about Prof. Kathryn Word from one of my relative who was working in ICDDR,B. My relative gave me her phone # and asked me to contact with her. I talked to her over phone. She informed me that she was looking for a supervisor for her research project and asked me to send my Curriculum vitae. I did so and few days later I was called for an interview. I was selected for the post. In the year 2003 I joined in her research project. It was a two years longitudinal project (2003-2005) between SIU-IUB (Southern Illinois University, USA and Independent University of Bangladesh). This project was collaborated Research on “Economic Restructuring, women work, and empowerment in Bangladesh.” She (Prof. Dr. Kathryn B.Ward, Executive director of Nari Jibon Project) was the principal investigator of that project. She is also the founder of Nari Jibon Project.

Through the research project I came closer to her; I got to know about her, her thoughts, aspirations etc. I must say that she is one of best lady that I have seen in my life who cries for the welfare of women of our country.
In the month of December 2005 her Research project was shifted to Nari Jibon Project office. Prof. Ward opened research section in Nari Jibon Project. In January 2006 I was appointed as Director of Nari Jibon research cell. Recently I was appointed as a Project Director of Nari Jibon Project.
Nari Jibon Project is to provide services and support to women students and workers of Bangladesh to receive basic educational and technological skills for employment, income-generation, empowerment, and business development. The project also provides connections to on-going employment, education, and livelihood opportunities, conducts and publishes quality research on these issues.
The courses of Nari Jibon Project are:
Bengali Course: For illiterate and low educated women.
Tailoring Course: Both low educated and educated women can do this course.
Computer Course: Educated women can do this course. They can learn
Computer Basic and Office Program, Computer Hardware &Trouble shooting, Graphics and Web Designing,
Beside these, to increase their skill they have the opportunity to learn English, Photography and know about ICT Magazine from Nari Jibon. Without these, we have Research Section where we have skilled manpower and equipments to conduct research on different issues.

To increase staff/student’s creativity on the different area Nari Jibon has setup an English & Bangla blog recently. Blogging is also a part of each course curricula.
We have got to know that blogging is a new way of learning, knowing the recent events, ideas and thoughts through website. We also have got to know that it is a web based diary where any one can write about them, their feelings, aspiration, and thoughts on different topics of home and abroad. It will give us our own voice on the web. Blog is the way to share ideas thoughts with others. People can organize their thoughts through blog. Blogging means working with many different media with emphasis on more writing.

So, I hope our staff and Students will be benefited through blogging. As a director of the project I have been backing the blog activities along with other programs here at Dhaka. But I could not give much effort on blog activities so far specially in giving posts on it. I hope to start giving posts soon.
I am committed to Narijibon. My goal/objective is to make the project a success and I will leave no stone unturned to make it success.

P.S. Sorry I forgot to tell about my wife and children. When I was a student of Masters final year I fell in love with a nice girl. I saw her in my younger sisters’ house. Her name is Tora. I fall in love with her at the first sight. She was one of the neighbors of my sister. My sister introduced her to me. She gave me salam and told me kemon achen (How are you?). I could not forget her saying,”Kemon achen?” As yet I remember her that nice sentence/voice. Any ways, we got married in the year 1993 (16, April) when I was in consulting firm. We have one son and one daughter. Our son Kazi Moinul Islam (Moin) is nine years old. He is reading in class three in Monipur high school and my lovely daughter’s name is Radia. She is two years running. We are happy with our children. We love each other very much. We tell each others what happens all the day. We share our happiness, sorrow tension/anxieties. I am very much proud of having a nice lady as my wife/my life partner.

Taslima Akter

"Taslima akter toma is my full name and nick name is Toma. I pass my childhood in different mini town of Bangladesh. Now I am live in Dhaka city. I am a student of Computer Science & Engineering. I am working at Narijibon project as a computer teacher. As a Bangladeshi I like my country. I like different season of Bangladesh and my favorite season is winter & spring.
My favorite Man is Prophet Muhammad (SM.) and my favorite personality is Dr. Kathryn B Ward. I like to read and write story and my most favorite story in bangla : Haymonti by Rabindranath and Bilashi by Sharat Chandra. My favorite male Writer is Sri Sharat Chandra Chatopoddai (I like his book chandranath so much) and favorite female writer Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain. I am always interested to know different culture.
I am enjoying every time because time never return but most favorite time is evening twilight. I like to read and write blog. I am feeling proud to work with Nari jibon and work on the Nari jibon blog. Hope that we can illustrate the different story around the people, culture and some different things of Bangladesh. The people around the world will read the Narijibon English and bangla blog and also know more about our country."

Md. Golam Rabbany

"My name is Mohammad Golam Rabbany but my nick name is Sujan. I was born in Tangail district where I passed my early life. After passing SSC (Secondary school certificate) I came to Dhaka to get higher education in 1991. I took admission at Govt. Titumir College from where I passed HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate). Then I completed BSS (honors in Economics) and MSS (Master in Economics) from Govt. Jagannath College University. In I988 (when I was reading in class-9), I got scope to work as a research assistant under a University Professor (Anthropology) who was a Japanese. Then I got chance to know women life, beggars life and other informative issues in our society. I had to also work during my student life with some Dhaka University’s professors in various issues like as local govt. and NGS activities (more than two years). After completing my study I worked on sex workers several years. I was able to know their lives, behavior, health and other issues. Sometimes I used to write in a Journal named Nirmul a quarterly Health Journal of BAPS (Bangladesh Aids Prevention Society). After that I joined in a collaborative research project SIU-IUB (Southern Illinois University, USA and Independent University of Bangladesh). This project was collaborative Research on Economic Restructuring, Women’s Work, and Empowerment in Bangladesh. There our target people were Garment worker, Sex worker, House maid and Slum housewife. Now I am working in Nari Jibon as research supervisor where women from various sectors come to take alternative skills to develop their lives and everyone gets opportunity to write in the blog and website to develop their skills more.
I had to also visit some more districts in Bangladesh due to data collection/ job responsibilities and I observed and faced many interesting things and events. As I am aware on some more neglected sectors/issues in our society and where we find some more unknown data I hope that I would be able to write some interesting and informative theme or topics that people in the world will read the Nari Jibon blog and learn about our country and people.
I got married in 29th April, 2006. My wife’s name is Evana Jerin Shila, aged 27. She also completed her master degree with honors in Sociology. She is working as a housewife. She also gave birth to a female child 13th April 2007. Our baby is named “Evana Kathryn” (taking permission from my Boss). I am happy with wife and child."

Mohtarimun Nahar [Bipa].

"I am Mohtarimun Nahar [Bipa]. I was born at Dhaka in Bangladesh. My home district is Jamalpur. But I grew up in Dhaka. I completed my Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C.) in 1998 and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) in 2000 from Viqarunnisa Noon School & College under the Dhaka Board. I completed my Honors (2005) and Masters (Appeared, 2007) in Social Welfare from Eden Girls’ College. I did some internship programs in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Urban Social Service (Project-2) as a field worker. In these programs, different kinds of patients and people were selected as clients and they were provided the supports by case study, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The Case was studied by taking interview, home visit, observation, case record and consultation. These experiences help me to work with Women Cooperative Business of Nari Jibon Project (2006). I completed some courses on Toefl, Spoken English and Microsoft Office Program. When I completed my Honors; I joined In Nari Jibon Project as an English Teacher (2005). I also assist here in Microsoft Office Program class (2007).

Now I have involved in Blog project as a supervisor. Actually it’s a new experience for me. I didn’t have any ideas on Blog. We can share our culture to other countries and meet with different people through this Blog. I wish people of other countries will read the Nari Jibon Blog and learn about Bangladeshi culture and people. I am very excited for that.

My father is a doctor and my mother is the best mother in the world to me. We are three brothers and two sisters. The eldest brother lives in Australia and the eldest sister lives in U.S.A. The other two brothers live in Bangladesh. One of them is doing a business and other is a lecturer of a Private University. I am the youngest member of my family. I love to watch cricket match and read journal, magazines and books. I like traveling and shopping with my friends. I also love watching TV and listening music a lot. I respect my elders and hate liars. My birthday is on 10th September.

My aim is to pursue a career in the field of Administration, with particular emphasis on areas of social work, with a view to accomplish extensive research work in the operating of National or Multinational Organization, in order to enable them to play a pivotal role in the Economic development of the country."

Shamima Akter

"I am Shamima Akter but everyone calls me Shikha, my nickname. Though my home district is Comilla but my parents came to Dhaka before birth.I grew up in Dhaka with my birth family. I have completed Secondary School Certificate and higher Secondary Certificate under the Dhaka Board. I have two sisters and two brothers and I am third issue of my parents. I worked in a NGO as a teacher where I used to teach `Kormajibi shisu' working children. I worked January 1998 to July 2004. Then I joined in Nari Jibon project until now. I am unmarried and I am living with my family. As I worked with many vulnerable children and family; I think, I will be able to write many informative reports on Bangladesh vulnerable women and their family. I think my efforts would be valuable for the Nari Jibon blog about Bangladesh and our people."

Mayanur Akter Maya

"My name is Mayanur but everyone calls me Maya. I was born at Chandpur district in Bangladesh. I passed my early life at Chandpur with my birth family. After passing SSC (secondary school certificate) in 1994 I took admission at Motlob Roymonennessa women’s college from where I passed HSC (Higher secondary certificate) and BA (Bachelor of Arts). I came in Dhaka to get higher education in 1998. I took admission at Shidershori College and university. Then I completed MA (Master in Islam studies).

I joined in a school named Nandikula Adorsho Junior School as a teacher. I worked there February 1997 to November 1998. After coming to Dhaka I joined in Kids school named “Nurjahan Academy” as teacher. I worked there about two years. I got married in 6th October, 2000. My husband’s name is Kazi Zakir Hossen, aged 35. He also completed his master degree Dhaka University. He is working as Computer graphics designer in Media Company named “The Daily Prothom Alo”. I gave birth to a female child in June 2003. Now she is about four years old and she already started to go the school. I am happy with my family.

As I worked a as teacher long days and I was introduced with many families low and middle class families in our society, I hope I’ll be able to write some interesting topics on them which people in the world can read and know us and our country."

Pictures on flood affected area in Dhaka city

Pictures taken by Mohtarimun Nahar [Bipa]


Some days ago it was a field. Children used to play here football, cricket etc. Now this field is filling by flood water. The water is increasing day by day.


Now this field is under water. Children are swimming and playing here by making ferryboat.

The 21st February (remarkable events of Bangladesh)

Written by Shahana Akter Munia
Source: Oxford learners Communicative English

There are many important and remarkable events, years and dates in the history of Bangladesh. The 21^st February is one of those. It is a very significant moment for the Bangladeshis. In 1948 the rulers of Pakistan declared the language “Urdu” to be only state language, but the people of East Pakistan didn’t agree with this declaration. Cause their mother tongue was Bengali. They raised their voice and protested against the declaration. So the movement for making Bengali as a state language spread all over the country. All the people of Bangladesh particularly the students’ communities were firmly determined to carry on the struggle until the Pak Government yielded to their demand. The students declared the 21^st February in 1952 as the “Language Day”. The situation became tensed. The government imposed section 144 and banned all meetings and processions. But the students defied the order and brought out processions. The Pak Armi shot at the processing indiscriminately. As a result, many brave sons of Bengal like Rafiq, Shafiq, Salam, Barkat and Jabbar died. But the Bengalese did not step back. Rather movement was forced to recognize Bengali as one of the two state languages. This is why; the 21^st February is a “Red Letter Day” in our national history. It is certainly a glorious achievement that the immortal 21^st February of the Bengalese is now being observed world wide as the “International Mother Language Day”. We have got a supreme respect from all over the world for our mother tongue. So we are very much proud because of this immortal language.

In South East Asia Bangladesh is one of the few countries that remain to be explored-2

written by Mohtarimun Nahar [Bipa]

Hello readers. I hope you all knew about our Bangladeshi beauties. If you would like to visit in Bangladesh, the following few facts and fingers about Bangladesh might be some use to you...

History:
Bangladesh lies on the Eastern fringe of the Indian sub-continent and its people have always been great lovers of freedom; As a result, the area has almost always enjoyed a fair degree of sovereignty during its entire history, sometimes as one state and sometimes as several, with only perfunctory allegiance to the central ruling powers. It became a part of the British Empire in the 18th century. In 1947, when the sub-continent was divided into Pakistan and India, It became apart of Pakistan , When the Bengali Nation separated from Pakistan through an armed struggle in 1971, Bangladesh Became an independent and sovereign country.

Location:
Bangladesh lies in the North Eastern part of south Asia and is surrounded by India on the West, North and East. To the South it has the Bay of Bengal and Myanmar to the South- East.

Ethnic Heritage:
The population of Bangladesh is a mixture of Dravidians, Aryans and Mongolians, belonging to the black-haired, dark-skinned and short featured Austro / Mongoloid group. Hill tribes have their own distinctive racial features.

Culture:
Our culture is rich and intermingling; Aryans, Hindu, Mughals, Iranians and colonial Europeans have left their marks in the cultural identify of the people.

Climate:
The climate of Bangladesh is subtropical and tropical with temperatures ranging from an average daytime low of 15 º C in the cold season to a top of 35 º C in the hot season. Annual rainfall varies from 1000 mm in the west to 2500 mm in the South–East and up to 5000 mm in the North - East where tea is grown.

There quarters of the annual rainfall occurs between June and September. The 90% to 95% humidity during this season is almost unbearable for some travelers. The humidity remains high all year round producing thick logs in winter and making chilly nights in the North feel much colder then they are.

Seasons:
Bangladesh has three main seasons: the monsoon or wet season from late May to early October; The cold season from mid October to the end of February; and hot season from mid-March to mid-May. There are two cyclone seasons – May to June and October to November.

Best season for a visit:
October to March, when the sun is mild and pleasant, is the best season for a visit. The ‘Monsoon’ season (June to August) also has its own charms.

Missed Calls and Other Mobile Moja

Written by Kathryn B. Ward
Email: pagol.nari@gmail.com

I’d like to talk about good behaviour when using a mobile phone, especially missed calls and talking with boys. Since 2000-1, one of the most interesting things from my travels to Bangladesh has been that ownership of mobile phones has grown quickly! Even inhabitants of the remotest village can own a phone. At first, international media reported that ‘village’ women could take Microcredit loans for mobile phones and make calls. In 2000-1, they had no one really to call because of the small network coverage: missed calls meant no network available calls. Now village women and men are getting micro-loan phones, making international calls, and even setting up internet networks via their mobile links!

Or some Nari Jibon staff members have been known to get a phone card and make international calls to me and others in USA!

Anyway, as mobile phones became more popular, some lessons were needed in better mobile phone manners or etiquette. During my visits, I would get many mobile calls because I would give out my number in person and on my business card. Then I would get calls where the caller would ring once and hang up, e.g. the ‘missed call.’ I guess that they thought I was a rich foreigner, and I could afford to call people back on my own taka! This was very irritating because often I didn't have time to call people back, or I would call them back, but their mobile was busy-busy, because they kept missed calling me! So instead of just calling, having a brief chat, and hanging up, I would have to redial them repeatedly. Finally, I told nearly everyone that I would not return missed calls.

Beyond missed calls, some men engage in what we call ‘phishing’, where they would start calling random numbers until they got a foreigner (man but especially woman), or local woman on the mobile. This affects women’s security especially when we do not know the caller. They would repeatedly call back and disturb me.

This is very important security issue because often times you don't know who's calling, unless their name is in your mobile phone book. Many people start their call with ‘apni koi?’ (where are you?) instead saying their name, hello, etc. Or as a foreigner, if I reply in my baby Bangla, then I have to understand the rapid stream of Bangla that often follows, hence my frequent ‘aste kotha bolben’ (please speak slower).

Since many mobile carriers provide free phone calls after midnight 12pm, all night long, many bad men or dusto women who want to show that they know a foreigner will call-call. Over time, I closed my mobile or put it on silent mode so that I would get some sleep.

Some times this led to some interesting phone calls including one man who kept calling around 4:30am, but only spoke Bangla. Eventually, he called back during the day, I gave the mobile to my driver. He told my driver that he met me in a bar, and I promised to give him 20,000 taka! I had never gone to a bar in Bangladesh, but I was able to get him to stop because my driver said some bad Bangla words to him, and threatened complaints to his mobile carrier and police.

I’ve noticed that missed calls are a problem in other countries, as Fouzia Mohamed reports from Libya on her 20 July blog.

About the missed calls made to her and her young son’s phone and they used up his cards. Eventually, she stopped returning any such calls and they stopped.

So as we both have found, if you don't call people back, they usually stop calling. Unless they find out that you are a foreigner. For some reason that really interests young and older men—especially if they get a young female foreigner on the phone and think she will take them to the USA.

For another blog entry, I will address the dating through mobiles discussion: how young women and men are using their mobiles for late night free calls to get around their parents’ restrictions on talking with persons of the opposite sex and/or neglecting their all important home works! Last year in Bangladesh, some “people” proposed banning the late night free phone calls especially for young people. Or even earlier at another research office, I have seen a former unmarried male staff member disappear for some mobile bhalobashi kotha and ignore his work. Or even more troubling is when young female students skip their classes to gossip on their mobiles. We are starting a zero tolerance policy for students who skip their classes to do mobile gossip with boys(!): they will be dropped from Nari Jibon classes and office.

So in general, stop wasting my phone cards with missed calls! Pay attention to your home work, classes, and office work! I would love to hear from the rest of you via text message and/or email. Take care and remember safe mobile calling is good calling.

The Flood of Bangladesh and My Experiences

by Animesh

BBC has arranged ‘Bangladesh Sanglapa’ on 5 August 2007 at Bangladesh Cina Friendship Conference. In that discussion the first question was about Bangladeshi flood. All the audiences discussed more than 15 minuets. The authority invited the guests who were from the different political parties, cultural person and climatologist. The first question was from an audience, ‘Why the political leaders are not going to help the flood affected peoples.’ The guests answered according to their capability and were try to show their bindings to help flood affected peoples. Anyway, I have question on their opinions.

Dear readers, I keen to inform you about my experiences on flood which was 1987, 1988 and 1998.

In 1987, I was the student of class five a 10 years old boy. It was the first flood. In that time we lived in stage which was made by bamboo. We had to move one places to another by boat. We had no problem because the villagers had a good habit to move by boat. Both male and female knows how to swim and how to drive boat. I can remember clear that our tube-well went under water and we had go to collect water everyday 2km away form our home.

The flood of 1988 was terrible. The water level was so high that we had not opportunity to live in our house because the water level was nearly hour house roof. So we had to take shelter near the dam which was completed recent year. Not only we but also all of our villagers took their shelter on that dam.

At that time the miserable experiences was that people who were inside the dam. I am saying the miserable experiences because their house went under water when they all slept. The area we live is beside the river and outside the dam. So, in the area we lived the water level raised slowly and it took more than 5days. The poor people basically who are day labor had no work. They lead their life by the help of relief. Our father helped two families whole month by giving food.

For the dam, the water level was more than 600cm differences between the two sides. We took our shelter on the dam and the peoples who was inside laughed at us. I can remember clear that the water raised more than 200cm in a day. At that night, the dam was broken by the force of water and they did not get time to take themselves shelter. For this many people and cattle died. It took nearly one month to reduce the water from our areas.

In 1998, whole Bangladesh was affected by flood. I just have finished my higher education and lived on our local town. I had some experience about flood. But the town people had no experiences how to save themselves from flood. Many people took shelter on different schools and colleges who came form the different villages. My village homes went under water too. That time we had to take shelter on that dam too.

I think, it is not time to quarrel and not to show the excuse. Just help the flood affected people according to one’s capabilities. I had no desire to express my experiences. But the ‘Bangladesh Sanglapa’ bound me to describe it.

A sample video of flood affected area of Dhaka City

by taslima and animesh

In every Bangladeshi newspapers are forecasting the new of the flood affecting areas of Bangladesh. The low level area around of Dhaka city also affected by flood also. We know a little bit of them because we did not see the every area. By our shot visit we took some video of it. This area is not far from our working place. People are trying to protect themselves as they can.

Please see the youtube video;

A Tale of a Migrant Women in Bangladesh

Written By: Taslima Akter & M.G. Rabbany

Sheikh Rumana is a name of a woman who works hard who organized five thousand of migrant women but she is not aged, she is only about 31 years old. Now she is an Executive Director of “Bangladeshi Ovibasi Mohila Sramik Association (BOMSA)”. She is also Founder General Secretary of that Organization. We have taken her interview dated 25th July at her house at 8 pm at night. She replied every of our question gladly and gave description of her struggling life.


Sheikh Rumana was born at Nobabgonj thana under Dhaka district in 1976. Nobabgonj is situated very near to north Dhaka. She passed her child hood with her birth family. She has two elder sisters and one younger brother. Her father worked in the ship companies as a labor and mother was mere a housewife. But they are no more today. At her childhood their financial condition was not so good. After completing study up to class-10 she stopped her academic study.

Then she started her working life. In 1992, she joined in a garment factory as an operator. But she could work there only five months. After joining in that garment factory she observed that workers did not get their salary timely and they did not get their overtime money properly. Many garment workers (including her) did not receive their salary for several months. Garment workers started to agitate for their salary and overtime money. With some garment workers Sheikh Rumana also started to lead them. As a result Sheikh Rumana and some garment workers lost their job from that garment factories. In the meantime Sheikh Rumana became a member of BIGUF.


Then Sheikh Rumana thought she would not work in any garment factory in Bangladesh. She would go another country. One of her sister (cousin) worked in a garment factory in Malaysia. She herself communicated with a manpower broker agency which used to send garment workers to the Malaysia. She got visa for two years and she was contracted with a garment factory at Malaysia. She had to pay to that agency 45000 taka for her visa and to migrate there and she somehow collected that money by the help of her birth family. Before going to the Malaysia she and other garment workers were informed that they would receive 450 Rt (Malaysia’s Money) per month but after starting work she and other garment workers used to not receive any fixed money. They used to receive money on the basis of productions. Thus she could earn 250 to 300 Rt (Malaysian money) per month. She used to get food and accommodation facilities where she and other garment workers felt security at Malaysia. She and other garment workers were trained before starting work in Malaysia because machines and other equipments were not same. Their working hours were hold 8.30 am in the morning to 5.00 pm. She worked there for about six years four months. She returned in Bangladesh in 1998.

In the reply of differences of working environment between two countries as a woman worker she told that

Income: Bangladesh garment players pay very low salary to the garment workers. Garment workers receive so less salary that they can not go their life with their hard working income. But garment workers of Malaysia receive much salary. They can go on their life well with their income.

She also said that she observed from her several surveys that garment players of Bangladesh did not want to follow of govt. minimum salary rules which acquired garment workers with their long agitation.

Overtime money: Garment players of Bangladesh make the workers long time overtime work and it has no fixed hours and fixed money. Sometimes garment workers don’t get overtime money or receive less money. But in Malaysia garment workers receive double payment of overtime money and generally they can do two hours overtime work. In Bangladesh garment workers have to work at night shift but there is no night shift work in the garment factories at Malaysia.

Salary receiving: Garment workers in Malaysia receive their salaries in fixed time but Bangladesh garment workers don’t receive their salaries in time. Often we can see in The Daily Newspaper that garment workers are agitating for their due salaries.

She also said that the environment of garment factories in Malaysia and Bangladesh have much difference. Usually she did not find any difference between male and female garment workers at Malaysia but in Bangladesh women garment workers face many problems than male garment workers.

In the reply of when a woman worker faces problem/harass in the abroad or Malaysia, she told that the employer authority keeps passport and some other documents to them. It is a great problem to the worker as if a worker wants to work another where to earn more she/he can not go. Sometimes worker leaves his/her workplace but he/she can not take her passport and other documents, then she/ he faces serious problem. She or he harasses by the police and other people.

Sheikh Rumana returned in Bangladesh in 1998 after working there six years four months long. After coming in Bangladesh she started to meet with her old friend who worked with her in the garment factory of Bangladesh. She also kept communication with BIGUF where she involved when she worked in the factory of Bangladesh. In the meantime she took three months training at ALSC on workers right, relation with employers. After completing her training she also worked as a trainer in this organization. Then she and Lily Sheikh Rumana one of her friend organized migrant women and founded “Bangladeshi Ovibasi Mohila Sramik Association, (BOMSA)”. It was then 1999. She also worked in Bangladesh Legal Aid as part time. She also worked in several organizations’ research projects on garment workers and migrant women as research assistant. Like as, she worked (2003 to 2005) two years follow up longitudinal research project on garment workers under SIU-IUB research project as a field research project. Besides she works as an executive director of her organization.

She has vast knowledge on women’s life, women workers’ life, their violence etc. At the beginning time she faced many problems to collect members of her organization. She gave an example of her experience.

She expressed one of her salty experiences when she went to collect a member for her migrant association. One day she heard that a woman returned in Bangladesh who was harassed much in abroad. After reaching there she saw that she (migrant woman) was living in a hut with her mother in law. She faced problem when she wanted to meet with them. They thought that she (Sheikh Rumana) and Lily Sheikh Rumana were the members of brokers. In the meantime some more neighboring people came to see them. She and Lily were blockaded by them. Then she showed her identity card and introduced her. She also told them that she came to them to help them. Then they became calm quite. She informed that that woman was sent to the Jordan and she worked as a house maid. She worked 19th months to the 19th employers’ houses. But she did not receive any money in this long period. Besides she was harassed brutally and at last she was sent to the country cutting her hair. Sheikh Rumana wanted her passport but she told that she burnt her passport. Sheikh Rumana wanted to file a case but that woman was interested to file any case. Sheikh Rumana gave her some money and Sheikh Rumana also arranged a press conference.

In the reply of her future plan she told that she wants secure migration of all the women. She also told that at present 4 million Bangladeshi are working in abroad and among them only 6% people are women. Day by day the numbers of women workers are increasing. At the beginning time of her organization it was only 1% but now 6%. She wants everyone secure migration. She also told that she already visited more than 10 countries to participate in various seminars and met with migrant women.

At the end she was asked whether she will get married or not and experience of married life, she replied that she has enough experience of married life, conjugal conflict in our society and so she is care to get married. After all her relatives and guardians to get her married but still to date she did not find out such kind of person whom she likes. Probably she will get married if she finds out a suitable person whom she can trust.