Friday, 18 May 2012





MEMORABLE

EIGHT DAYS IN BANGLADESHE


(An Outstanding Experience)






Patit Paban Halder
&
Trishna Ghosh


All rights are reserved by author




English Edition: 7/6/2011
MEMORABLE EIGHT DAYS IN BANGLADESHE
(An Outstanding Experience)


Bengali Edition: 7/5/2011
BANGLADESHE AAT DIN
(Ek apurba avhignatar mala)

Patit Paban Halder
Trishna Ghosh


First Edition. 2011
Publisher- Halder Publication. Sabinara. Chandannagore. Hooghly. Pin. 712136. West Bengal. India.
Ph. 91 033 26856270 / Mob. 9143005171/ 9433733475
Email: halderpublication@gmail.com
Web site : http://www.aquariumfishcare.co.in/

ISBN. 978-81-904527-9-3

Laser setting- Laser Bright Computer Center. Sabinara. Chandannagor.

Printed By- Mitra Press, 81B. Patal Danga Street, Kolkata 700009


    Price. Rs. 50/-
(Rupees Fifty Only)







Dedicated To


Sweety & Naughty
AVISHIKTA




Grateful to –


  • Abdul Rasid (Dweller of Kaibalyadham)
  • Al Amin (Army Officer)
  • Babul Sen (Secretary of Kaibalyadham, Chatgagram)
  • Badali Halder
  • Chanchal (Co-passenger of bus, Doharpur, Dhaka)
  • Dinabandhu Das (Fisherman of Cowranbazar, Dhaka)
  • Fahmid (Artist. Co-passenger of Maitry express, Malachandpur, Dhaka)
  • Fajrul Molla
  • Fishermen’s unit of River Padma ----
  • Gourango D’costa (Green Road, Dhaka)
  • Halal Molla
  • Hanif Molla
  • Hasmat Molla
  • Jane Alam (Sakhari Bazar)
  • Jasimjmuddin (Seller of green coconut, Motijhil)
  • Jyotilal Saha (Naya Parton, Dhaka)
  • Jyotsna Halder
  • Kabita Halder (Chandannagar)
  •  Kader Muhammad Hussain (Coxbazar Marine Museum,Himchhari,pachardwip)
  • Kalyan Chakraborty (Hello Chandannagar, Foreign Tour)
  • Kamal Biswas (Railway Officer, Eastern Zone, Fairly Place)
  • Kamal Chand Molla
  • Kamal Halder (Nawabganj)
  • Kanai Das (Fisherman of Cowranbazar, Dhaka)
  • Kasim (Bus Contractor, Chattagram)
  • Khokon (Guide, Kaibalyadham, Chattagram)
  • Mafij Molla
  • Mahammad Babul (Security Guard of Dhakeswari)
  • Md. Abul Basar(Sarkar) (Fish Merchant, Cowranbazar)
  • Md. Akchhir Rahaman(Abhaynagar, Jashor)
  • Md. Ari (16 years, Co-passenger, balamganj)
  • Md. Jalaluddin (Assistant of Bangladesh Fishery Research Institute, Coxbazar)
  • Md. Khorshed Alam (Shamim) (Shyamali Transport,Coxbazar)
  • Md. Manir Hussain (Proprietor of grocery, Chattogram)
  • Md. Manir Hussain (Proprietor, Kaibalyadham,)
  • Mir Humayun Kabir (Movie Director & Railway Staff, Dhaka)
  • Najnu Molla
  • Nannabi Islam
  • Narayan Bose (Disciple of kaibalya Maharaj)
  • Nemai Samanta (Disciple of Kaibalya Maharaj)
  • Niyati Halder
  • Osman Molla
  • Partha Halder (Villager, Nawabganj)
  • Rafik (Driver of Maruti & Guide, Chattagram)
  • Rakhi Chakraborty (Chandannagar)
  • Ratna Ghosh (Howrah)
  • Rio D’costa (Green Road, Dhaka)
  • Royal D’Costa (Green Road, Dhaka)
  • Said Nawaz (Guide, Coxbazar)
  • Saiful (14 years old boy)
  • Seikh Himayat (Traffic sergeant)
  • Shyamal Kanti Dutta (dweller of Tulshidham, Chattagram)
  • Subrata Kr. Ghosh (Export Inspection Agency kolkata)
  • Sukumarbabu (Fisherman of Cowranbazar, Dhaka)
  • Sunil Halder (Nawabganj)
  • Swapan Rajbanshi (Fish seller, Kusummati, Hasnabad)
  • Swapna D’costa (Green Road, Dhaka)
Syamsundar Das (Fisherman of Cowranbazar, Dhaka)



Contents




Introduction

More of less all we interested to wander. Our heartiest desire is to see different places of our country. So we have prepared different package tour and have wandered different places. But recently we wanted an exceptional tour with a little expense and with a little time. Till now we can not be free from this thinking that Bangladesh is not our own country. Though there are barriers of visa, passport and fence of systems but all of these have defeated to our strong will. So this time the subject “MEMORABLE EIGHT DAYS IN BANGLADESHE” was an exceptional garland of our experiences.

Patit Paban Halder, Trishna Ghosh

Chandannagor
1st July 2011




Eight days in Bangladesh

Once Purbabanga, now this country has been known as Bangladesh – I have been listening about above country from my childhood – about her pleasure-pain, rise-fall, good-bad all of her incidents make me think, laugh, cry. A deep sensation attracted me from ten years ago so much that I would think how is the Country? Her nature, fields, rivers tanks, the tide of Padma, Litterateurs, sacred places of freedom-fighters- all of these attract me very much. I think if I do not go to Bangladesh once in my life, there will remain a gap in my life. So I decide – I must go, I have to go in that country in legal way proudly.

passport Regional office at Brabourne Road of Kolkata

I got partners – my teacher, Trishna Ghosh, my brother, Gour Hari Halder as my tour partners. I started preliminary preparation for getting passport. We went to passport Regional office at Brabourne Road of Kolkata, which is situated at the east side of Writers’ Building. We picked up forms with the cost of Rs. 10 and filling up the forms we submitted it with ration card, birth certificate, residential certificates given by Mayor and Councilor, admit card, 7 pieces of pass port sizes photos and 1000 Rs as processing fees. After waiting two months we got our passports by post office on 12.02.2003.
But for different causes we had to delay to go to Bangladesh. Recently my brother, Gour Hari became wounded by scooter accident. For his treatment we had to go to different hospitals- 3 times to P.G Hospital, two times to our local Chandannagar hospital, three times to Bangur hospital. After going on treatment during one month he came to come round. In the meantime I have been father of a new born baby.  In such critical position I thought that this was the ideal time to me for traveling Bangladesh, to make my unrest worried mind keep calm and quiet. After asking my brother and consulting his doctor I decided to go out with Didimoni and my seven years old beloved son Agniduyti.
I planned the route and to whom and how we would go. At last I thought that we would go by Maitry Express through Darsana Station.
Again we had to go to Kolkata to collect visa. On 19the Aprilagain we went to Kolkata Visa Office which is at 9 Bangabandhu Sarani, Kolkata-7. There we submitted our visa forms with voter card, residential certificate given by Councilor, birth certificate and a zerox copy of mark-sheet of my son. We got our vasa on 20th April, 2011.
On 21st April we collected our tickets of Maitry Express from fairly place of Eastern Railway.  Our train no -13109, Railway route- 375 km, fare- Rs.528, date- 23rd April, time-7.10 a.m.
We took our bag and baggage during two days on 21st and 22nd April. In the meantime I collected names and addresses of my some family connections and relatives who are inhabitant of Bangladesh.
22nd night was spent in half sleep and half wakefulness with anxiety and pleasure. For we had to set out on 3 a.m. At 2 a.m we got up and being ready we started at 3 a.m. and reached at Mandkunu station at 3.45 a.m. Through Mankundu to Howrah by local train we reached Kolkata Station by taxi.
Our train was reserved there before. The passengers were waiting outside the platform with their luggage. From 6.30 p.m. the passengers and their luggage were started to check in four stages. After that we took our seat in fixed seat and fixed compartment reserved for us. Our tickets were in second class of A.C. compartment which was more comfortable to us. Passing by Khorda, Titagore, Naihati the train reached at Gede station on 9.30 a.m. We got out from train with our luggage for checking. This station is checking post of customs at India border. For the identities of passengers form is filled up here adjusted with Visa, Passport. We collected four forms and after filling up the forms submitted in customs for checking. After waiting for one hour we got up in the same train, same compartment and sat down seats in same seats. Though we planned to exchange our Indian currency in dollar at Kolkata and could not do that for want of time. But I heard that there are some counters from where we can exchange our Indian currency to Bangladeshi Rupees. But there we do not find any such counters. So we had to exchange 1000 Indian currency to Bangladeshi Rupees from private sectors and from there we got Rs.1550.
Leaving Indian Gede station the train was going towards border of Bangladesh. Then it was 11-01a.m. After running 15 minutes train reached at Darshana station of Bangladesh. The same process of filling up forms, checking was going on like Gede station. But an amusing matter was happening among us that we were the last persons who filled up the forms last, submitted last, got down from the train   and got up the train last than other passengers. When we were conscious about it, we enjoyed the matter very much among ourselves.

Maitry Express again started running and leaving Darshana station was slowly entering into the heart of Bangladesh. The open wide fields, flowing rivers, tanks, beautiful nature of two sides pacified our minds.
The time setting of our mobile informed us that it was 6.10p.m, but then it was 6.40 p.m at the local clock of Dhaka Cantonment. We did not change the time of our mobile set, only we made ourselves proceed 30 minutes ahead adjusting the time of Dhaka.
Then we were very hungry, though we took our first food and there was arrangement of lunch in train. With the help of Bangladesh Railway Sarif Hotel and Caterers arranged lunch, Tiffin, tea for the passengers. But when we heard that the cost of a Tiffin packet is Rs. 110 and 130 Rs for lunch we did not order the tiffin or lunch, because we could not be about its quality. My son checked his hunger, though Didimoni took one cup of tea with Rs.7
After getting down from train at first we entered into a hotel within the boundary of Dhaka Cantonment station and ate rice and curry with fish with satisfaction. We paid Rs. 180 for our four dishes.
But when we get out from the hotel, we saw with great surprise that the station boundary was totally desolate, nobody was found there. Then the clock struck 7-10.
Having no other alternative we were proceeding ourselves with own luggage towards the populated area. The more we proceeded, the darkness grew more. Though we3 were four together, but we each felt lonely.
Following us a taxi came near us. The driver of that taxi asked, ‘where will you go?’ ‘Green Road, near the Comfort hospital.’-I told him. “Let’s go”. When we asked him about the fare, he told, ‘600 Rs.’ ‘What! So much for this little journey. The fare of Taxi from Howrah to Kolkata station of Chitpur is Rs.100. I was thinking how far the place would be from here. Without response we were preceding, the driver was going on with us and was continuously babbling. When we saw that we could not avoid him any more, we became afraid very much; In the meantime we noticed a barrack of army of defense. Then and then we stood near the gat of that Barrack with our luggage and Trolley bag.  Two soldiers were at the gate, they felt our situation. We told them, ‘We shall go to Green Road near Comfort hospital’. To hear our language they immediate understood that we were Indian. But they asked us, ‘Are you Indian?’ Even then that driver did not leave us. He stood still near us with his Taxi and was babbling. The soldiers noticed our annoyance on that driver and told him, ‘You leave this place; they are not satisfied on you. . Yet the driver stood still.  One of the soldiers encouraged us and told, ‘don’t afraid. Where will you go?’ ‘We shall go to a relative’s house at Green Road near comfort hospital’. Having taken the phone number of that relative they dialed them from their mobile, ‘Your relatives have come from India. Please inform your address clearly’. Taking the address they settled the above taxi driver with the fare of Rs. 400. Even they introduced us with a traffic sergeant. He noted down the name and address of taxi driver and warned him and ordered him to escort us to our destination.
The driver was driving the car through the air port road from Dhaka Cantonment and escorted us to our relative’s house at the proper time.
After taking a little meal there we took rest. Getting up at 5 a.m. we went to see the Cowran market, a wholesale market which is 1 km far from the house. Different kinds of people, vegetables, fishes, food attract me so much that I can’t help seeing the market. The market is very big. We saw different types of fishes from small sizes to big size here. From there we returned to our relative’s house. In the way we bought 6 packet of kitkat which cost 14 rupees in Indian money per packet. But the shop-keeper took 40 Rs per packet from us.
We saw the price Rs.14 written on the packet. I asked the shop-keeper, ‘Why do you want 40 rupees?’ The shop-keeper replied, ‘there are vat, broker and many others………
Will you give me Indian currency?’ ‘Yes, how much do you want?’  He charged, ‘Why are you bargaining?’ Finding no other alternative we bought 6 kitkat of 14 rupees with cost of Rs. 240 by which we could easily buy big sized Jalbhora made by Surya Madak. After bathing in relative’s house we again went out to see the national temple of Bangladesh, Dhakeswari temple and to make the Goddess Durga worship at 9 a.m.
We reached to the campus of Dhaka University by CNG Auto-Rickshaw (100 Rs.fare). There we visited Dhaka University, Library, burial-ground of Kazi Nazrul and some stalls of books on the foot-path. After that we came to Dhakeswari Temple by Ricksaw with Rs.20 fare.  We came to know that this temple is built by King Ballal Sen. In 1971 at the time of freedom-fight of Bangladesh the Pakistani army destroyed the temple and images of Devi Durga and they made the temple arsenal. When the Bangladesh became free, the government reconstructed the temple and in 1996 the Bangladesh Government declared the temple as national temple for the movement of Hindu citizens. After that we went to visit the Bhasa Sahid Minar by Rickshaw with fare of Rs.20. There we also saw the Dhaka Medical College. Having starved a long time we all felt very hungry. So we bought a dozen of Singapuri bananas. Then it was 12 o’clock. Whatever we wanted to buy, the cost is so high that there was no way to escape from that place. It seemed that only the cost of banana is little. We asked a banana seller the cost of a dozen. He replied then and then, ‘ Panch Challis taka’. We astonished. ‘What do you mean by panch challis taka’? He became angry and told us loudly, ‘Do you know panch challis, where do you live? Really we have totally forgotten where we live. In spite of hard and soul trial we could send any message to our house or to phone them. We did not find a single STD booth in whole Dhaka town. None wanted to give us the receiver of phone whenever they heard that we would phone in India. Though there are arrangements of dialing in local places by personal effort. But when they heard that we would phone India they told that the call charge will be Rs.3o per minute, but they did not agree to give us their mobile.
At last we were able to understand the meaning of panch challis taka. We informed him that we are really foreigner that means Indian. Being calm and laughing heartily he said, ‘Forty rupees and five rupees that means forty five rupees. It cannot be imagine besides this country that the word forty-five can have such sweet tone. After finishing the bananas we started to go towards Motijhhil, the heart of the city by rickshaw. For, our Bangladeshi rupees were going to be end. We must change the Indian currency. We were going to see the palace like buildings and at last reached to Motijhhil.
There we entered into a bank and exchanged Rs. 5000 Indian currency and got Bangladeshi Rs. 8000. When we got money we felt moral courage, but our heart became lamented by thirsty. We drank the water of green coconut with cost of Rs.35 per piece from a seller. We were so thirsty and so hungry that we did not leave its kernel.
From there we again came back to our relative’s house by CNG Auto rickshaw. The clock struck to 12 then. From there we set out to another relative’s house at Majhhikander of Nawabganj with our luggage.
At first we went to Gulistan Mazar by CNG. From there we went to Kalakuper Bandura which is 75 km. far from here by bus with fare of Rs. 50 and at last we reached Maghhikander ghat of river Ichhamati with fare Rs. 10. After crossing Ichhamati river by boat we reached to the house of our relative, Sunil Halder who is father-in-law of my niece..
In such long journey the stunning beauty of villages attracted us so much. The paddy fields, canals, flowing rivers of two sides, Buriganga, Kaliganga, Ichhamati rivers also accompanied us in our long journey. When we reached there, then it was 5.30p.m. After being fresh and taking food we took rest and within few minutes we fell asleep. We were so tired that we did not come to know when the morning sun peeped in our bed through window.
We walked out for morning tour to see Padma at 6 a.m. The second son of that house accompanied us. Crossing the Ichhamati River we came to kalakuper of Bandura and from there to Maghhikander. From there we came to Doharpur, Again we got up bus to come Kartikpur, from there by auto rickshaw we came to Mainat which is at the bank of Padma. We already lost ourselves in many trifle incidents like talking with fishermen, hearing their experiences, boating with them, taking out fishes from deck and so on.
The other side of Padma is not seen from Kartikpur Ghat. But we came to know that the other side of Padma is Faridpur. There is a little market at Mainat in the bank of Padma. Though it will be not justified to call it market, which is too small. Only few men  were selling puffed rice, biscuit, Bidi, cigarette, eggs, master oil, dry wood, bread, potatoes, sugar etc keeping on a plastic paper. The market is only for the fishermen coming from Padma after fishing.
Getting down into the water of Padma the body, mind became cold and fresh.
Again we came back to the Dhapari market of Macghhikander through the same way like before. We bought Hilsha of Padma, vegetable etc. and came back to our relative’s house at 10 a.m.
There is no deficiency of hospitality of the villagers of Bangladesh.  We heard some of the incidents from Didimoni. When we visited Padma, Didimoni went out to see the village with the house-wife. The noticeable feature is that each and every house is made of tin. None of the boundary of the houses is surrounded by wall or fence, but the boundary of every house is clearly noticed. The village is neat and clean. She wandered the whole village passing by courtyard of any body’s house, or side by the cooking room or by the cow-shed of any body’s house. Whenever he has gone in any body’s house, the ladies from young to aged women asked her identity eagerly. When they came to know that we are Indian, they began to ask about their relatives who are living in India. Some of them spread the mats; others gave the chair to sit. Moreover all of them requested her to take cooking rice; some others showed their hospitality to offer cold-drinks, biscuits. Somewhere she took food; again she refused to some humbly. To ask their sons some old ladies cried out and requested her to tell their sons if they do not want to come back home, they kindly post a letter. For, some of they live in Kolkata, some in Dubai, some other live in Kuet. Giving them false promise she left the place with sorrowful mind. However, she saw many big sizes images of God and Goddess Durga, Kali Shiva, Radha-Krishna and temples.
We met with a new Goddess in that village. The local people call her Buira-Buri Thakur.
She sits on the back of an animal, beside her female-companion, Dakini. Devi wears while sari with red border. The image of Dakini is totally black, odd-looking.
We ate rice fully with Hilsa fish, curry of a kind of small fry, Rui fish etc and leaving Givindapur of Nawabganj , we set for Dhaka at 12.30 o’clock for going to Chattagram.
That day before at the time of discussion with our relative, we heard that the main vehicle of Bangladesh is Bus, second boat and third is Railway service. Even we also heard that Kamal Halder of 40 years old does not travel by bus till now, though he worked in Dhaka.
Till then we cannot plan where we will go and travel. When we started from Chandannagar we settled then that road will be our address of traveling.
We could not know the way of going to Chattagram. But when we were returning from Bandura of Kalakuper, we came to know from one of our co-passenger that there is an arrangement of going to Chattagram from Kamalapur Railway station of Dhaka, even there is also bus service from Gulistan to Chattagram.
Each time it is seemed to us that railway journey is more comfortable than others. So we went to Gulistan by bus, from there again we got up bus and went to Kamalapur Railway station. At the time of getting up on the Bus from Gulistan, then someone pick pocked t me. There were Indian 300 hundred rupees in my bag.  When we reached to the Kamalapur Station then it was 5.10.
The ticket-counter of Dhaka-Kolkata was closed. We heard that the counter is opened from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. and Maitry Express departs from Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday and Sunday.
We thought that we would buy the tickets of Maitry Express for returning to Kolkata. For, we had no plans before when and where we would live in Bangladesh. We understood that the whole matter would be problematic to us. As the counter was closed, so we had no need to think. I stood in line beside it behind two persons. When my turn came I wanted four tickets of Dhaka- Chattogram. The ticket-master moved the computer screen. I saw on the screen, ‘there is no ticket for Dhaka-Chattogram’. I was puzzled. I checked myself. Looking at a glance to my companions I turned to the counter and told the station master, ‘Sir, we have come with our families. We have to go to Chattogram today. Please, consider my case’. He realized that we are Indian, live in Kolkata. He gave us tickets with one condition. When we got tickets, we felt relief. The summary of train of Chattogram- Train No-742, Turna Express, Date 25th April,, Time- 11 p.m, Coach No-21,, Seat No-43,44,52,53. Per Ticket- Rs.150.
The train would arrive at the station after 6 hours. We got a waiting room, but that is only for ladies. Though the gents got opportunity to enter there and take rest. We took tea, Pastry from railway canteen.  Didimoni sat in the waiting room with luggage and we got out for buying first food for night. We bought slice bread, bananas, and boiled eggs and came back to the waiting room.
After resting sometimes we again got out from the waiting room and asked to the enquiry office, ‘Can we return through other way?’ He searched our passport, visa and said, ‘you cann’t do that. You have to go back by train and that has been written on your passport clearly. Before, our Bangladesh Government would give permission to go by another way. But India Government feels some difficulties; they have kept arrangement of going and returning in same way. So we are also unable to give such advantage to the passengers’. We understood that wherever we stayed, we would have to come back to Dhaka, to collect tickets within 9 a.m to 4 p.m and to stay in any hotel nearby Dhaka cantonment station and must have to catch train either on Tuesday or Sunday.
Collecting a pocket Bhraman guide of Bharat-Bangladesh we came back to the waiting room. When the clock struck to 10, then the staffs told to get out from the waiting room. We complained, ‘what’s the matter? Where shall we wait?’ They told us to go to the platform. Having no other alternative we did that. At 11 p.m. the train arrived at the station. We sat on our fixed seats. The train left station at 11.10 p.m.
After spending some times in the train I began to talk with my co-passenger beside me. He is the inhabitant of Chattogram. He comes off and on for service. He once went to our Kolkata. When he heard that we were going Chattogram for wandering, he asked,’ where will you live’? I replied, ‘I don’t know. I shall arrange according to the situation. He suggested, ‘try to go to Tulsidham Ashram by rickshaw from Chattogram station. Or you may go to Kaibalyadham Ashram of Pahartaly. The Ashram committee arranges for the travelers for boarding. If you do not get that you may go to the hotel situated at Hajari lane. Even you may get chance to live in Anukul Thakur’s Ashram.
The next day morning we saw the row of hills, many trees on the hills, dense jungle, factories, and markets from the window of the train. We also saw smoke came out between gaps of hills.  I had my mind attracted to freedom fight of Jalalabad hill of Chattogram, revolutionist Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddeder and also a deep connection of the revolutionists of Chattogram and Chandannagar.
The train reached at Chattogram station at 9.30 a.m. From there we came to Tulsidham by Ricshaw (Fare-20) and discussed with a Shyamal Kanti Dutta. When asked him if there is any arrangement to live, he informed, ‘No, there is no such arrangement here. In that case you have to go to Kaibalyadham and that is ideal for you.’ He contacted with Kaibalyadham by his own mobile and talked with them in Chitagang language. It was clear to us that he arranged a room for us.
From there we came to Kaibalyadham by CNG Auto with fare Rs. 100. The ashram is situated in a beautiful environment surrounded by vast area. The temple has been built on the hill. The manager gave us the key of a room and asked, ‘will you take rice in our ashram?’ I replied, ‘yes’. And then and then we took 3 coupons for rice with Rs. 140. After bathing and taking food we got out to see side-scenery of Chattogram by a Maruti van with fare Rs. 1500. A young guide of this Ashram accompanied us. Our noticeable places were – Chatteswari temple, burning ghat of Hindupara of Patenga, Shiva and Kali temple, port , Karnaphuli river,Sultan Biozid Masjid, Batali hill,D.C.hi.., Park Foil’s lake, Zoo garden, War cemetery, Air port, Sea Beach, etc. We left nothing to see. There are some shops beside the sea-beach. Even we saw some shops of dry fishes – from small dry fishes to Vetki, Grouper with 10 to 12 kg weight were hanging in front of the shops. After visiting everywhere we reached in Kaibaltadham at 7.30 p.m. When we wanted tea from the manager of Kaibalyadham, they gave us tea in plastic glass with some puffed rice... After taking tea we took some rest and then we got call for dinner. After taking dinner, we went to a state of sound sleep.
At dawn of the next day we got out for Sitakundu to see the temple of Debi Bhabani, one of Satipith among 51 Satipiths. Sitakundu is 37 km far from here. We reached there by Bus (fare Rs.20).
Chandra Temple and Baudha Temple are situated on the top of the hill. These temples are very sacred to Hindus. It is heard that there are foot print of Budhadev in that temple. Many people come there for the occasion of Siva Chadurdasi. We had to be pleased to see the temples from the plain. We saw the temples of Devi Bhabani, Shiva & Devi kalika, Anukul Chandra Satsanga temple, Sankar Math etc.
The most charming scenery is there that both hill and sea are seen from here. In the meantime the sky became cloudy, it began to rain, and the surrounding of the hill has been touched by a cold wind for the rain like fog. One kind of crickets was continuously chirping. The sound of the chirping was spreading surrounding the environment. None can feel except the travelers how the situation of the hill becomes tremendous dangerous in such environment. In such situation we climbed on 75% of the Chandranath temple. We also settled that we would climb on the hill to see Chandranath temple with a saint-guide. But the rain having started we understood that to climb on the hill would not be safety, so we came down in the plain and returned back to Kaibalyadham by the same road at 2 p.m.
Then meal was begun to serve in Ashram, so collecting coupons we took our food after bath and took rest for that day.
On next day morning we got out with our luggage for going Coxbazar which is longest sea-beach (120 km.long) in the world.
Alaskar More is 1 km. far from Kaibalyadham.  From there we got up the Bus, named Soudia Bus Service and set for Coxbazar which is 150 k.m. paths from Chattogram and fare is Rs. 165 per head. The Bus left Alaskar More at 6 a.m. and reached to Coxbazar at 11 a.m.
We got information about Hotels and side sceneries of Coxbazar from the devotees of Kaibalyadham. They told us, ‘you will get the places for living in Coxbazar. But you may stay at Santimesh of Saraswatibari at the west side of Laldighi.
After reaching at Coxbazar we found out Santimesh and we occupied a room with rent Rs 300. When we paid the auto-fare to the auto-driver, we asked him how many money he would take from us to make us see side-scenery by auto. He informed that he would wander about 30 km with the fare of Rs. 400 and among them the places are Barmis market, Himchhari, Maheshkhali, Inani, Darianagar, Sea-beach, the village of local tribal people, Marine museum etc.
We planed before to go to Tecknaf and Coral Island. But Hotel-owner and Auto-driver informed us that we would go to Tecknaf now, because the Government has closed Launch-service. For, the coral has begun to melt for Tsunami and Eco-diversity. So we left the plan to go coral island. We requested to auto-driver to come at noon 1.20 p.m. At that we would finish our bathing, lunch and also take rest.
At first we paid the rent of room to the hotel-owner and told him that after seeing side-scene and wandering sea-beach we must leave the hotel at night.
In the meantime we got a shim-card for which we need no our identity from this place. At first we sent massages to our house in India and informed our mother and wife the cause of delay. The auto-drive came at 2 o’clock. We were proceeding by auto to see hotels, scenery of sea, trees, jungle beside the road. Then I thought that it would be better to keep an arrangement before to go Dhaka, because I could not maintain the situation if money and time became short.
I requested the auto-driver to stop the auto in front of a transport service. He stopped his auto in front of transport bus service named shyamali. We collected 4 tickets of Coxbazar to Dhaka (360 km) with fare of Rs. 1800.  Now I saw that I had only auto fare. I told the auto-driver that money –exchange is very urgent. He took us to some banks. But they informed us they do not exchange money. After three banks one of the door-keepers of the 4th bank phoned someone and told him to come to the bank. He came and hearing our demand he gave us Rs.1300 exchanging Rs. 1000 Indian money. After that we wandered happily by auto for three hours – Inani, Himchuri, Darianagar and some hilly villages.
Auto-driver left us near the sea-beach of Coxbazar. We were wandering through sea-beach. The sea-beach is like the sea-beach of Puri, but the tide of this place is not like Puri. We hired an arm-chair in beach with Rs. 30 and sitting on it we took rest for a while and enjoying the eye-catching sun-set. With we also engaged ourselves taking different kinds of fast-food like tea, coffee, boiled-egg, etc. and buying many attractive things like ear-ring rings, necklace etc. My seven years old son, Agniduyti collected some star fishes, oyster-shell from the sea-beach and enjoyed himself very much. In the evening at 6-30 p.m. leaving sea-beach we came to the nicely decorated shops and saw the different kind of enjoyable things. There we bought of a small quantity and from there we came back to the hotel by an auto. In the meantime we became ready by finishing our bathing, dressing and taking light Tiffin and at 10’45 p.m we came to the Shyamali Bus stand by auto rickshaw and got up on the bus for Dhaka.
The next day the arrival time of the Bus in Gulistan of Dhaka is at 7 a.m, but the bus reached there at 10.30 a.m. The daily-passengers told, ‘this is everyday incident. The traffic jam in Dhaka town is so much that the bus takes 1 to 2 hours more to reach its destination. The daily passengers, who come to the office in Dhaka, get out from the house before 3 hours.
Again we came to Kamalapur station from Gulistan to confirm about our tickets of Maitry Express for returning Kolkata. We again exchanged Rs. 7000. Showing our passport, visa we collected our tickets. The cost of each tickets Rs.1266. After that we took our breakfast. Then I connected with the officer of railway guesthouse. Though I got a room with rent of Rs. 600, but I decided not to stay there. For Didimani told me that it would be better to stay near Dhaka Cantonment Rail Station than here. We hired a auto rickshaw by 200 Rs. and came to Dhaka Cantonment. At first we finished our lunch. All gates of Dhaka Cantonment Station were closed then. We understood that this station has been built for special train and special time.
Till then we could not decide where we would live. We asked the hotel manager, ‘can we get any hotel here to stay’. He told, ‘you go to Banani-kakali over Bridge in Dhaka air port road, there you must get any hotel’.
We came by that auto with extra charge and reached to the Hotel Pulak International (residential) at noon. Ascertaining price by bargaining we contracted with 1000 Rs for one room and for two days. We entered into the room. After bathing we took a rest for a while and taking light food we entered into sound sleep and passed the night in one sleep.
At 6 a.m. of next day we went out to see the National Memorial Miner of Bangladesh. At first we went to Dhanmundi by an auto. There we saw the house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Muzibar Rahaman and Museum. That day was Saturday, 31st April. The museum remains closed on Wednesday. We wandered the park and lake beside the house of Bangabandhu.
From there we caught Bus for going to Savar to see the National Memorial Miner. The scenery of Memorial of Savar is unbelievable attractive. We cannot forget the scenery. This Miner has been built for honor of memorial to dead unknown soldiers in freedom fight of Bangladesh in 1971. The sculpture of this Miner is Mainul Hossain. This miner has been built occupying a long area and will make you happy and please.
From there we came to Sankhari Bazar. Many Hindu family lives there. Most of the businessmen of this bazaar are Bengali. When we went there we saw some Bengali people were going with Devi Sitala in a procession. The lighted lamps were at hand of ladies. A middle aged woman was trembling and became senseless frequently possessing by Devi Sitala. Other women sprinkled water on her and tried to get back her sense in normal position. We observed such scenery long years after enjoyed this very much.  We saw a temple of Devi Raksha Kali Mata here. Many devotees assembled there. We took our lunch in a Hindu Hotel and bought two Bangladeshi sarees from there. The Indian sarees gave us pleasure much among the costly sarees of that shop. From there we came to Sadarghat which is the river port of Dhaka. It is situated in the bank of river Buriganga.. It is the main Lounch Ghat to go to different places of country through the River way from Dhaka. We also bought more things from there.
Then we came back to our air port hotel by bus with fare of Rs. 10. After bathing, taking food we went to bed and as usual passed the night in one sleep. We got up at dawn, 5 a.m, 1st May, 2011.
We came to Dhaka Cantonment Station, started checking as before, climbed up the Train.  The time of Bangladesh was then 7.15, the Train departed from Dhaka Cantonment for Kolkata and we reached Kolkata in the evening. The Indian time was then 6.10 p.m.

The important places of Bangladesh –

Dhaka Town-
Dhakeswari National Durga temple
Dhaka University
Dhaka National Library
Cemetery of Kazi Nazrul Islam
Ahasan Manjil
Raytul Mokaram Maszid
National Monument of  Bhasa Sahid
Parliament House
National Memorial Miner
Sworwardi Uddyan
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
Museum of Freedom fight
Dhaka Zoo Garden
Botanical Garden
Balda Garden
Children Park
Ramna Green
Sadar Ghat
Sankhari Bazar
Pogo School
Old High Court Bhavan
Kamalapur Baudha Temple
Baro Katra Maszid
Chhoto Katra Maszid
Art College
Monolova Waterfall
Sonar Gaon
Aasulia
Kamalapur Railway Station
Cowran Bazar
Govindapur village in the bank of River Ichhamati in Nawabganj of Dhaka
River view of Padma from the place of Mainat or Kartickpur
Goddess Buira Buri in Govindapur village
Heart of the City , Motijhhil
Dhaka Medical College

Chattogram…….
Potenga Sea-beach
Fois Lake
Batali Hill, D.C. Hill, Parir Pahar
Boudha Temple
Kaibalyadham Ashram
Chitagang War Cemetry
Chattogram Port
Sultan Biojid Rastanir Mazar
Hajrat Shah Amanat Mazar
Hindu para Shasan, Shiva and Kali Temple at Uttar Patenga
Chhatweswari Kali Temple
Bandar Bhavan
Air Port
Port
Sree Sree Kati GopalJir Mandir
Hajrat Khajagarib Ullaha Shah ( Raha) Mazar
Chattogram Charukala Institute
Chattogram Zoo garden
Sitakundu------------
Maha Shasan Shiva and Kali Temple
Sitakundu Anukul Chandra Satsanga Mandir
Sri Sri Chandra Nath Dham ]
Swanbhu Shiva Tample
Ma Bhabani Temple
Sitakundu Baudha Temple
Sankar Math
Rangamati
Kasalong
Kaptai
Chandraghona
Bandarbon
Sundarbon
Hiranpan
Dublar Char
Selet
Sri Mangal
Madhabkunda
Tamabil Japhlong
Moulavi Bazar
Haripur Gas Depot
Joyantapur
Kuakata
Mainamati
Mahastangar
Lalan Fakir Mazar
Maymanshingha

Cozbazar-
Barmiz Market
Himchhari, Tribal village
Maheshkhali
Tecknaf
Saint Martin Island
Inani
Daria Nagar



Bibliography

  • www.haplandia.co about Bangladesh Map
  • Map of Bangladesh Habib products 34 old Polton Dhaka.
  • Hotel Pulak International Residential (Air Port Road, Banani, Kakali, Dhaka)
  • Hotel Gulshan Ara (International, Residential,Kamalapur, Dhaka)
  • Railway Services (India, Dhaka)
  • Desh Bidesher Bhraman  Guide Bharat Bangladesh Bhraman Guide
  • Bhraman Sangi
  • Project Event of Bangladesh, Matsya Nilaya
  • Bhraman Sankhya (April, 2011)
English Dailies
The Daily Star
The Financial Express
The New Age
The Observer
  
Bangla Dailies News Paper
Prothom Alo
Ittefaq
Janakantha
Inquilab
Ajker Kagoj
Jugantor
Bhorer Kagoj
Shongram
Jaijaidin
Manab Zamin
Shamokal
Amadesr Shomoy
Sangbad
Web based News Sites
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