Bloggers profile (Students)

Shahana Akter

"My name is Shahana Akter Munia. I live in Dhaka City with my family. I am a student of B.A [Bachalor of Arts]. Beside this I am an English and Computer student of Nari Jibon Project. I am very glad to take training from this project in a safe environment. I have many friends. I like to gossip with my friends. Reading detective book is my hobby. I like to see Bengali movie. Some of my favorite Bengali movies are: SHUVA, JOY JATRA. I also like to hear music of Bengali Band. I am very happy to involve here in Nari Jibon Blog. I want to write about our country and myself. I am very happy to get this great opportunity from Nari Jibon."


Tahmina Akter










"My name is Tahmina Akter. I was born at Dhaka in Bangladesh. I am Bangladeshi. My religion is Islam. I have completed my secondary school certificate (S.S.C) in 2006 and now I am a student of H.S.C [Higher Secondary Certificate] second year in business study group in Khilgoan Model University College.

I am taking courses on English and Computer from Nari Jibon. I heard about Narijibon from my friend Ayesha Akter. 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. It’s a new experience for me. I am just trying to write. I didn’t know about Blog before. Now I am writing for Blog. I am very happy to be a part of this Blog Project of Nari Jibon. We can share our culture to other countries through Blog. Narijibon is really a good organization for women. I like watching TV and reading story books."

Hilsha Fish is our National Fish

Written & Pictures taken by M. G. Rabbany

Hilsha fish is national fish of Bangladesh. People in our country like this fish very much. It is very delicious and nutritious. There is a proverb that ‘Vat-e Mas-e Bangali’ (Bangladeshis are fond of rice and fish). Pohela Boishakh (1st Day of Bengali Year) is celebrated by eating fried Hilsha fish with Panta Rice. New or rich guests are entertained by the Hilsha fish. We get sufficient protein from Hilsha fish. Our national economy is being developed by exporting Hilsha Fish. Not only have these, Hilsha fishes also contribute 1% in our GDP. In the world about 60% Hilsha fishes are found in Bangladesh.

Photo from Khilgoan Taltola Super Market

Hilsha fish is migratory kind of fishes. Hilsha fishes come from the channel (mouth) of rivers from the sea due to spawn in the Bangladesh. After laying eggs they returned to the sea. From six to seven months these young Hilsha fishes stay in the rivers or channels and then they go to the sea being maturity. Hilsha fishes are found almost all the big rivers in Bangladesh. Mainly Hilsha fishes are found in the Padma, Meghna, Jomuna, Brohmoputra and low land area of Southern part of Bangladesh. In the rainy season Hilsha fishes are found more in the Padma, Meghna and Jomuna.

In the decade of 90th, Hilsha fish productions were decreasing due to several reasons, like as: effecting of the Farakka Dam, making dams for irrigation or controlling flood, water pollution, catching young Hilsha fish etc.

As it is a national fish the Government of Bangladesh tries to protect this Hilsha fish by taking some steps. Such as: in 2003-04 Govt. declared to stop catching young Hilsha fish and mother of Hilsha fish. Rallies, seminars, distributing flyers were arranged by the Govt. due to increase awareness. Fishermen and businessmen were organized to protect this silver wealth of Bangladesh.

The Natural gift and the mercy of God, these Hilsha fishes are very dear to the people of Bangladesh and India. Day by day its demand is increasing to the people of Bangladesh and India. On last June- July of 2007, a problem occurred between India & Bangladesh for the Hilsha fish. Due to high demand of Hilsha fish in India, the businessmen and the fishermen of Bangladesh exported most of the Hilsha fish to India and as a result the people of Bangladesh was bereft of Hilsha fish. At that time Hilsha fishes were valuable and difficult to obtain in Bangladesh. People and Newspaper of Bangladesh started to publish the real situation of Hilsha fish and then on 4th July of 2007, the present Care- Taker Govt. stopped to export Hilsha fish to our neighbor country India for six months. Though govt. could not stop the whole dishonest businessmen who send Hilsha fishes to the India in unlawful way; day by day Hilsha fish became available in Bangladesh.

Conversely, people of India also pressured to the local Govt. of India to solve this problem as they also like Bangladeshi’s famous Hilsha fish!!!!

He is selling Hilsha fish in the Khilgoan Taltola kitchen market

Rickshaw Puller of Bangladesh

Written By Ruma Akter
Student of English section

The man who pulls rickshaw for money is a rickshaw puller. Rickshaw pullers are familiar in cities and town in Bangladesh. They live in slum. Their income is very poor. They earn money but that is too little to live properly. They don’t have their own rickshaws. They work hard all-time. In any weathers they are to carry passengers. Sometimes they need to bargain with their passengers. They demand more when the weather remains very hot. Some times they try to cheat passengers. But most of the time they are cheated by passengers on rent. Rickshaw pullers are seen sleeping beneath a tree or take rest on their rickshaw. They drive rickshaw from morning to till late night. They lead a very simple and miserable life. Their lives are full of sorrows and sufferings. They can’t enjoy any occasions. They don’t have any peace and happiness. If they become sick they don’t have much money to get treatment. For being sickness sometimes they can’t drive rickshaw and on that day they can’t earn money. Then they and their families starve. If they can earn more than their expectation their face become smiley. But this opportunity comes to their life for a while. We should respect them. Cause they take us at our destination area.

A Child beggar

Written & Picture taken by Amita Roy

She is a street child beggar. She doesn’t get enough food from her family to fulfill her stomach. So she searches food from door to door. Her parents are not able to give food as much as her need. So she thinks it is better for her to beg. When her family members go to work outside then she starts begging.

In the rich family we can see that their children are not interested to take much food. Some time they spoil food when they have no interest to have them.

The street children cannot get food properly. But one thing, to serve their lives they roam in different places and therefore they get a little food. At the beginning of their lives they see the cruel picture of the world. Some people say that the beggars are shameless but they do not feel how it is tough to beg daily. Actually the little street children struggle to live being a citizen. We should save them from begging occupation.

Bloggers profile (Students)

Sherin Sultana

'In my small village there are many small houses,

We all live together.
There is no distinction among us'

"This imagine of a small village is Habibpur. It is in Barisal at Wazirpur Thana where I was born. Here I passed various types of colorful days of my childhood & teenage period. I am the oldest of two sisters & one brother in a middle class family. The starting of my life was different & for that I obtained the primary stage of learning from my grand mother. I passed S.S.C (Secondary School Certificate) in 1999 & H.S.C (Higher Secondary Certificate) in 2001 from my village.

The second stage of my life has started in Dhaka, although I need some time to adjust here out of my traditional life. I admitted in the University of Dhaka. Thousands of new faces became very close in the place of my previous friends. By this time I have already completed graduation & now I am in Masters.

I heard about Nari Jibon from my aunt for one year. Once I came here to visit. I want to know about its activities, target & aim. After knowing everything I felt very interest about it. It seems to me that it’s a great opportunity for me. Without making any delay I admitted here within some days. I joined here in ICT magazine of Nari Jibon. I want to make establish myself & that’s why I related my life with Nari Jibon.

If I am to say about myself then at first I will say--my favorite person is my mother; favorite color is sky-blue; favorite flower is krishnachura. I like to walk alone in a moon lit night by the side of the river & ride on a rickshaw with my favorite person. I like most to hear songs & read novels in my leisure period. I like to think myself as a good human being. I feel a great sorrow when I see the sorrow of others. I hate to tell lie. My bad side is- I am very lazy, not serious about myself & my good side is- I don’t get angry with anybody. I always miss the days of my child hood & the green narrow path of my village."

Shamima Akter Rita

"My name is Shamima Akter Rita. My friends and family members called me ‘Rita’. It is my nickname. I am 19 years old. I was born at Narshingdi in Bangladesh. But my childhood passed at Dhaka city. Now I live in Dhaka. I am a Bangladeshi. Islam is my religion. I am a student. I have completed my Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) in 2001 at Khilgaon Model School & Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C) in 2003 at Motijeel Model College under Dhaka Board. Now I study in B.B.S. (Hons) 1St year at Khilgaon Model College. Accounting is my subject. Now I am doing courses on English, Computer office program & Hardware from Nari Jibon Project. Nari jibon project is a good organization to me. It is working only for women. So it’s a great opportunity for me. I am really happy to admit here. I have improved my skills in English and got knowledge on computer. Now the knowledge on English & computer are needed for getting good jobs. As a student of Accounting Department I want to be a Bank Manager. So it’s very important for me. Now I am also happy to be a part of blog Project. I didn’t know about blog project. It’s a new & good experience for me. Now I am trying to write in English. I can give some information about Bangladesh to other country through narijibon blog spot. My favorite poet is Kazi Nazrul Islum. My favorite hobby is Painting and Gardening. I like watching TV. Nari Jibon gives alternative skills for women. This Nari Jibon Institute works for women awareness. So I wish all the success of the Nari Jibon Project."

The Mango: The King of Fruits

Written by Shahana Akter Munia

The mango is the best of all fruits in Bangladesh to me. Mango is the "National Fruit" of India. It is very delicious. It has sweet flavor. It is called the king of fruits. The mango is a summer fruit. It grows in warm climate. So it is found in plenty in the countries of South-East-Asia. Mangoes are found almost everywhere in Bangladesh. But the mangoes of Rajshahi area are the best .They are very tasteful and very remarkable for their sweetness and flavor. In that part of the country the weather and soil are suitable for the growth of mango trees.
There are many varieties of mangoes. They are Langra, Fazli, Gopalbhog, Mohanbhog etc. They are famous for flavor, taste and sweetness. All sorts of people --- young or old, male or female like it. It can be eaten even when it is green. I think the mango is the best fruit from all fruits. I like the Mango very much.

Nirupoma, a successful business woman, Who passed long days in unlawful and dark life? - 3

Interview taken by: M.G. Rabbany & Mohtarmun Bipa

After previous >>

NIrupoma used to train other sex workers in the hotel. Her main duty was in the hotels where she also had to stay for running her sex trade. She worked in this project more than two years. This time she became aware of hiv/aids/stds. She became introduced with many sex workers, clients and hotels owners in Dhaka city.

From the beginning time she thought that she would not run her profession whole life and so she would have to save some more money to drive her life in another profession. She also says that sex workers can not save money due to many reasons. Most of the time sex workers are cheated by the lovers or acting husbands or cheater relatives. They are also harassed by the hotel staffs, local muscle men, police etc. At the same time, hotel based sex workers receive less money from the clients. Though hotel owners receive more than 300 taka from each client per program but sex workers receive only 70 taka 80 taka from per client per program.

In 2004, she visited several times the Sathi (now Nari Jibon) office where they (sex workers) often discussed alternative skills and where they were motivated to change their profession. She was also thinking to change her profession. Actually she motivated to change her life from there. Her friend and later her husband helped her to change her life.

Nirupoma got married in the middle of 2003 with Sajjad who gave her shelter and residence facilities. From the beginning time his guardians were aware about her. He often lived with her. Day by day he became weak to her. At last he got married her. Now they live are living together renting a flat. Nirupoma arranged marriage ceremony at her native village. Sometime she visits her village with her husband. Last year Nirupoma gave birth to a female child and now (August, 07) it is 18 months old. Her husband is a businessman and he is running a (TV, Fridge) sales centre in Dhaka. Her husband helped her to set up her beauty parlor & training centre. Her husband did not take her cash ever and he did not harass her ever. After getting married, Nirupoma has given up her sex working profession.

As a woman businessman and an ex-sex worker sometimes she faces problem but she can overcome everything easily. As an example, one of her neighboring shopkeeper complained to her shop owner that she was a sex worker and requested to expel her. But shop owner said to him that he knew that she was sex worker in her past life, but now she is doing only business and her dealing is also better than him. After that her neighboring shopkeeper did not say anything about her. Some beauty parlor owners also tried to chase away her but now most of them have quitted trying to chase away her. At present usually she does not face any problem though many persons know her as a sex worker but now many persons know that she has quitted her previous profession. Rest of her life she wants to pass out of sex working life. She thinks that her past life was in the dark and now she is in light.

End

Nirupoma, a successful business woman, Who passed long days in unlawful and dark life? -2

Interview taken by: M.G. Rabbany & Mohtarmun Bipa

After previous >>

Nirupoma is very beautiful to look at. Her tall & slim figure, nice appearance and well dress up made her like a heroine. As a Bengali nari (girl) she is attractive to everyone (male person). Stopping her study gave more opportunity to move. Then she fell in love with a young man who was born in a rich family. Nirupoma and her love knew that their guardians would not agree with their marriage as he was unemployed and Nirupoma’s elder sister was also unmarried. He was then a college student reading in class-14. Then they took decision that they would flee away their house and they would get married. According to their decision they both left their house and he took her to a relative’s house at Comilla. They got married (religious rule) at his relative’s house, but his relative did not allow them to live at their house more days. Then her husband took her to Dhaka and he rented a room in a residential hotel. They both had some money but within few days they spent all of their money. One day he fled away leaving her in that hotel, in Malibagh Chowdhurypara area. Nirupoma faced problem as she was alone in the hotel and she had no money. She waited two days for her husband but he did not return to her. At last hotel authority gave her some money to go to her village.

After two days she went to her village and she told her parents everything. Then she also went to her husband’s house but her husband was not in the house as he hid some where, and she tried to stay at her husband’s house but other members of her law’s family misbehaved with her. Besides, her guardians also called some of their local honorable persons to solve their problem. But her husband’s family was rich and more powerful than her family. Her husband’s guardians demanded 3 to 5 lac taka to get Nirupoma as their son’s wife or they offered some money to leave their son. Their marriage was not registered and they got married only by the religious rules. But Nirupoma knew that her parents were unable to pay such amount of money. Later Nirupoma took TK. 20000 and left her husband’s house. Then Nirupoma went to her parents’ house and observed their guardians pale faces. They were displeased to her and next day Nirupoma left their village and she came to Dhaka. She came directly to that hotel where she lived several days with her husband.

Nirupoma had come to Dhaka at the end of 1998. When she lived in this residential hotel with her husband she observed and heard about sex trade. Second time she came in this hotel to run this trade. She told that she had no alternative way as it was difficult to stay with her birth family. She and her guardians were much insulted by her husband’s family and local persons. She could not tolerate such kind of insults with her guardians and then there were arisen bad rumors at her locality and then some neighboring people did not want to talk with them.

After coming to Dhaka she started sex trades. She did not rent any house to live. She used to live same hotel where she sold sex. After one week she introduced with a young boy who became her permanent client. In a few days he became close with her. Almost everyday he used to come to her. He heard everything from the hotel authority about her and she also told her recent events of her life. The name of that boy was S. and then he was about 28 years old. Nirupoma told him to seek a house for her as she could not sleep properly in the hotel. Then he offered her to live in his house because his family had two houses in Dhaka and most of their family members used to live out of country. Nirupoma lived in one room attached bath and kitchen in the ground floor in a four storied building. She told that he was eldest child of their family and at the beginning time his family members did not know anything about her. He was in charge of that house. As he was a muscle man type she did not face any problem to live that house. Nirupoma also said that at the beginning time he told her not to hope to get him married as it was impossible to him. He would just help her for accommodation. Nirupoma said that she was pleased with him as sex workers’ main problem was accommodation which she had to not face ever. Nobody came to disturb or harass her at her residence.

From then she continued her sex business randomly. Her expectation was after saving three lac taka she would throw all money to her ex-husband and his parents in law’s faces. Nirupoma became pale when she was expressing her previous life. Nirupoma did not have any communication with her parents and relatives for about long two years. Then she communicated with her parents but she did not give them her address. Later she used to visit her village regularly. At the middle of 2000, she joined in a HIV/AIDS prevention project in Dhaka as a peer educator. There she was trained on HIV/AIDs prevention.

Continue ............

Nirupoma, a successful business woman, Who passed long days in unlawful and dark life? - 1

Interview taken by: M.G. Rabbany & Mohtarmun Bipa

“Akhon ami khub sukhi. amar shami ase, meye ase. Ai prithibite beche thakar jonno ja ja dorker sob ase. Akhon ami jothesta taka aei korite pari sot pothe”
It means “Now I am very happy. Now I have a husband and a nice daughter. I have everything to live in this world peacefully as I can earn sufficient money in right way.” She told these at a stretch. Yes, she can earn sufficient money in the right way.
Nirupoma is able to set up a profitable business centre beside a busy road and near a municipal market in the capital city of Bangladesh. Many girls and women from various areas come to her centre. Now her beauty parlor is popular to the many women and girls in this area.

Nirupoma set up a beauty parlor & training centre in 2006 April in Dhaka. The meaning of her beauty parlor’s name is (the lonely place/ solitary). She has invested Taka 328,000 at a time to set up this parlor shop. She told in details of setting up cost of her business centre. She had to pay advance for parlor place 268000 taka and she had to spend 40,000 taka for decorating the centre and she bought cosmetics and necessary equipments by 15000 taka at a time. She has to pay 5000 taka per month excluding 500 taka electricity and water charge per month. She also appointed 3 assistant of beauticians whom she has to pay 3000 taka to 1000 taka per months excluding free food and accommodation charges. She rented two roomed beauty parlor centre. She also rented a flat including three bed rooms and two bath rooms. She has to pay Tk. 8500 per month as house rent. She collected these assistant beauticians from her home district. She keeps them to her house. She fixed their salary according to their experiences/ performances. She pays 3000 taka one senior persons, 2000 taka one second senior person and 1000 taka another junior person. After recruiting them she also trained up them. Nirupoma told that after starting her beauty parlor she informed among her friends circles and known persons about her business. On the other hand, she set up her parlor such a place that any one can go and find out easily. As she was known to the many people in this area she was able to collect many customers easily. In a few days good will of her business spread out. She also provides good service to everyone. Usually she can earn more than TK 30,000 per month excluding her business related expenditure. Last July, 07 she earned TK 35000 excluding all of her business related expenditure. She also said that almost every month 1 or 2 students take admission to learn the beauty parlor skills and she takes 5000 taka to 8000 taka from per students. But few years (Four years) ago she was passing her life in dark and unlawful way. Then she used to live in fear everyday. Then she was not honored by any person but sometimes she was insulted by many persons. Then she used to try to hide herself and she could not go to her relatives, even to her blooded relatives.

So we asked her about her early life, education, migration and an event of her dark life, history and escaping from that life.

Nirupoma told that she was born in Sonargoan thana under Narayangonj district. She was born in 1976 (approximately). Her father was a farmer and mother was mere a housewife. Her father possessed some cultivable land from where they used to get sufficient crops. Their family was solvent and her father did not face any problem to maintain their family. Nirupoma had one elder sister and younger sister but she had no brother. Her two sisters are already got married and they are now living with their respective families. Her elder sister studied up to class-10 (SSC) and her younger sister studied up to class-12. But Nirupoma studied up to class-9 only. She said that she was not good student and she did not get promotion final examination of class-9. Next year she went few months to her school and then she gave up her study. Her parents wanted to continue her study but she was not interested to go to her school as she was not good student. After giving up her study she started to do homework with her mother and she was fond of visiting market and enjoying cinema with her neighboring girls/friends. She also visited college with some of neighboring girls.

Next posting:
1. Nirupoma’s migration and sympathetic events of her life which through her in dark/ unlawful life?
2. How she escaped from her dark life, her married life and present life/problem to run business as woman and sex worker.

Birth of a child in street

Written by Tarun Falia & Taslima Akter

Dalia Khatun, a girl is 17 years. She passed her childhood with her parents in her village under Mymensingh district. That time she passed her day very well. But she lost her parents when she was 8 years old. They are 8 brothers and sisters. After the death of her parents her sister and brother started to live individually. That time she was alone and had no any person to take care of her. One day one of her neighboring woman proposed to come in Dhaka, doing something for her livelihood.After coming to Dhaka she started to work as a domestic worker and continued it 4 years. Then she was 12 years old. After giving her working as domestic worker she stated to work as labor. She took a little room in a slum and stayed alone there. She was living happily working as day labor and living hand to mouth. Once upon she fell in love with a rickshaw puller. She knew that ricswa puller from her childhood as they were living same area. Last year of June, 06 they got married.

After their marriage she started to live with her husband. After one month of their marriage her husband started to misbehave with her and sometimes he used to beat without any cause. After three months of her marriage she became pregnant. Day by day her husband increased his misbehaving. Dalia wanted to know the causes of her husband’s misbehave with her. One day she followed him and saw that her husband made illegal relation with a garment worker. After observing that day she didn’t ask her husband anything, because she thought that he would be back. Dalia was living as usual. One day her husband didn’t return in their house and she informed that her husband got married with that garments worker and then she was 6 months pregnancy.

She was losing her working energy day by day. When her pregnancy time was 8 month, she became weak and she could not do any work. That time she took shelter in her cousin’s house. Her cousin worked in a garment factory. After living several weeks her cousin’s got married and left her.

Then Dalia was near in delivery period and she was very weak. In the mean time flood submerged many places in Dhaka city and her residence was also under water. She had to fasted as she had no money or income source. She also could not sleep. Then sometimes some of neighboring people helped her providing foods. Day by day the water was increasing and she could not stay at her residence. She had to leave her residence and searched another living place but she failed. In the mean time she felt pain but she could not find out any suitable place. She had no money to take admission in any hospital. At last she took shelter in a car garage of a house.

The house owner saw her in the morning. When he (the house owner) saw her, suffering in delivery pain then he called in wet-nurse. Then Dalia gave birth to a boy in car garage of that house. The house owner and other people of that house helped her providing food, some cloths and treatment. The house owner named her child “Masud”. Now Dalia dreams with her son, Masud. Dalia dreams that Masud will grow up and he will go to school, in future her son will look after her. She also expects her son will protest his father’s improper conduct against his mother.

Dalia with her son - picture by Tarun Falia

Now Dalia is not okay as physically. After recover her health she doesn’t know what she will do and where she will go with her son. Maybe Dalia’s dreams will true or maybe her son will be a street baby like as other street baby.

Tarun Falia has taken a video of Dalia and her son from this garage.

A bit success of Nari Jibon- Asma Akter

Written by M.G. Rabbany

I am Asma Akter, aged 16. Now I am running a home based tailoring business and recently I have started Tailoring training centre at my house. I can make various designs three pieces, pillow covers, window covers, blouse, petty coat, fotua Panjabi, various kinds of kids’ dresses, male shirts and shorts etc. I can also teach sewing and cutting clothes to make above mentioned dresses. At present I am teaching 5 students. Actually my present students are my neighboring girls and I also receive dress making order from my neighboring people. But sometimes my elder sister’s friends give me some order making their dress. Day by day my earning of my business is increasing and now I can earn 500 taka 1000 taka every month. I faced problem to run my business and training centre as I have to work in our bed room. In future I’ll try to rent a shop for running my tailoring business and training centre, though I am also thinking to study for academic study. I had to stop my study due to couple reasons.

Asma Akter is working at her home based tailoring business

Asma is teaching her students at her house

I have two elder sisters, one brother and one younger brother. We were living happily. When I was reading in class-5 my parents gave in marriage my eldest sister arranging a large ceremony. My father was a business man. He used to run Rickshaw business and he had nine Rickshaws. Then we were living in a renting house. My father had to spend a lot of money. Almost same time some Rickshaws were stolen and my father faced serious problem. My father had to spend lot of money for the seeking Rickshaws. Serious financial problem was arisen in our family. My mother was mere a housewife. Then my elder sister Taslima and I gave up going to school though my elder brother continued his study for a while. My father came from Bikrampur but there he had no wealth except little homestead. My elder sister was given marriage in same village. Then our financial condition was so worse that my parents had not way to live in Dhaka. My maternal grand parents had a house in Dhaka. Then my parents took shelter to them and my father started to run his business seriously.
After stopping my study I was passing my time in our house lazily. I had no task to do. One day a field worker of Nari Jibon named Ruma Akter came to visit our house and explain about Nari Jibon activities. Then I became agreed to visit Nari Jibon office and taking tailoring skill. In 28 April 2005 I went to visit Nari Jibon office and I took admission at Nari Jibon office. I participated more than 2 months in English-1 classes but as I did not understand well English I quitted attending English class. But I continued to take tailoring course. Then I planed to set home based tailoring business. Within 6 months I completed tailoring course successfully. In this long period I practiced to make tailoring items. After completing my tailoring course my father bought a new sewing machine for me to run home based tailoring business. After that I am running home based tailoring business and I am earning some money.

Now our financial condition is better than before. My father is doing same Rickshaw business and now he has ten Rickshaws. My father also set up a shop of hardware (rickshaw parts) in our area. My elder brother runs this business. Now I can earn some money. My elder sister took computer skills from Nari Jibon and now she has taken admission in Open University for academic certificate. I am also thinking to study more.

A Stranger came beside my window!!!

Pictures taken & written by: Mohtarimun Nahar [BIPA]

Hello readers, I would like to share a funny moment of my life with you. One day (24th August, 07) I was working at office. Beside my window there is a roof of another building. Suddenly I found that a monkey was sitting on the roof.

It was a strange feeling to me. I have never seen a monkey in such a close way. I saw in the zoo before in a case. That’s why I tried to call him to take some photos of him but he didn’t listen to me. Then I gave him some biscuits and chanachur. After that he thought for a moment and came near my window. At that time I took some pictures of him.

He stayed for 30 minutes. After that he left the roof. But I couldn’t know how did he come here and where did he go? It is not possible to know where he lives. So, he is been a stranger to me.

Some people show different street games with monkey. This monkey maybe that type of performer. Or he can be a member of circus party. Maybe he had lost his way to go home or maybe he left his home. I will never able to know these questions’ answers.

My life –Nila Sultana

Written by: M.G. Rabbany,
E-Mail: grabbany@gmail.com

I am Nila Sultana aged 22. I was born in 1984 at Khulna where my birth family used to live and my father’s workplace. My father used to work in a Jute Mill at Khulna as a labor but my father was the inhabitants of Faridpur district where he had only homestead and a small house. I used to visit our village with my parents during EID vacation or when my maternal grandfather used invite to visit there. My mother was a housewife. I went to the school several years in govt. primary school at Khulna. I have two elder brothers, one elder sister and one younger brother. My elder sister got married and now she is living with her husband and my two elder brothers are living separately with their respective families. Both of my elder brothers are Rickshaw pullers and they pull Rickshaw in the Dhaka city.

Nila Sultana

In 1993 (approximately), the Jute Mill at Khulna stopped where my father used to work and then my father became unemployed. Finding no other alternative way my parents came to Dhaka 1993 (approximately). Then my father worked as mason and later he worked as gateman in a house long days. Now my father can not work and he is now weak and aged. Then my mother also started to work in a garment factory and she worked about one year. She gave up working in the garment factory due to her sickness.

Now my younger brother, I and my parents live together. My younger brother is taking car training in a training centre. My father can not work as he is sick and aged. My mother looks after my son.
I was given in marriage with a young boy named Alal in 2001 June who lived in same area in Dhaka. Then I was only 16 or 17 years old. My husband used to pull Rickshaw and he came from Pabna district. My husband studied up to class-9 and he was smart. Other member of low’s family lived in the village. He did not want to work as a Rickshaw puller but he could not collect another work. After getting married my husband rented a house but he could not bear the expenditure of our small family as he was lazy and he did not work regular.

Sometimes my parents helped us giving some money. Due to want of money we had quarrel often. In the meantime I became pregnant. On an occasion I left his house and I came to my parent’s house. Then my husband also left me. In the meantime I gave birth to a male child at the end of 2003. After leaving my husband my parents used to look after me and my son. But the financial situation of my parents was not well. Then I faced serious problem. I had to suffer in scarcity of money. My father became sick and my younger brother was unemployed. Usually the members of my family were not happy with me. Then I tried to earn money and I started to work as a housemaid servant to the several houses. I used to work hard to earn some more money. But I did not receive more money to work hard as a housemaid. At the end I used to receive only Tk. 900 working three houses six times (13/14 hours) in a day. Then how much difficulties I faced and how much I tried hard to earn money I can not explain.

Then I introduced with a woman who knew me as she lived same area and she knew my situation. Her name is Kohinoor aged near 30. She told me about Nari Jibon organization and she offered to meet with Nari Jibon chairman. Kohinoor was a student of Nari Jibon organization. I visited Nari Jibon office with Kohinoor and I was appreciated with its activities. Then I was interested to learn Bangla and tailoring course from Nari Jibon as then I dreamt to set up a home based tailoring business. But it was impossible to me to learn tailoring instead of earning money. Then I informed my present situation and problems to the Chairman of Nari Jibon. I think, she is a great woman in this world and I have not seen ever in my life like her. She offered me a great opportunity to learn tailoring and succeed my dream. I took admission at Nari Jibon in 10th July 2006. I got scope to work as a LPC (write, read and job). I used to receive Tk. 3700 per month instead of learning skills at Nari Jibon. I started to learn Bangla and Tailoring together. As I had to stay whole day in the office I got scope more time to learn Bangla and Tailoring course. Then I used to become tension free to maintain my family. My parents and other members of my family became happy and behaved very soft. Then my husband also started to come to my son and he started to solve problems between us. He often used to come to my son with some remittance for son. Then he took job in a company as A Sales Man. I got scope to learn Bangla and Tailoring course more than six months. In the meantime I completed Bangla and Tailoring course successfully. I have also participated in business management class. At the end of my course I applied to the Nari Jibon authority to help setting up home based tailoring business.

After completing my course I practiced several weeks to make dresses and sometimes I made dresses collecting order from out side. I learned 34 tailoring items to make. Especially I am able make various kinds of three pieces, petty coat, blouse, window cover, pillow cover, various kinds of kids’ dresses, Fotua (male, female), Panjabi and shorts etc well. After the end of my course Nari Jibon authority gave me a new sewing machine and some money as set up cost. After receiving sewing machine I set up and started to run home based tailoring business. Now my husband returned to me and we are living with my parents happily. My parents are also happy. Now we are thinking to rent a separate house but we are also thinking we need some more income if we rent a separate house. After discussing with my husband I joined in a garment factory at the beginning in this month (August, 07). I joined there as a helper and the employer gave me word that they would promote and increase my salary after three months. These three months I would receive 1250 taka as salary excluding overtime money. I hope within few months I will get promotion and receive high salary. I am also running my home based tailoring business and I can earn some money. After returning to my house I work in my home based tailoring business. In my absence my mother can take order which is plus point to me. I am very grateful to Nari Jibon for the contribution and changing my life. I have learned a lot of things from Nari Jibon office. I pray to Allah (God) may my madam (K.B. Ward) live long.

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.