Biography 161: How the department name became "Geography & Environment"

 Our department's name was Geography when I first applied. But during that time, they were working to change the name. Our department's proposal was to make this department name "Geography & Environmental Science." But the Science faculties put an objection to it. They said if you want to make it Environmental Science, you must make a good lab. At that moment Geography department didn't have a lab for the environment. To have the sanction for it, they needed to change the name. They compromised and called the department "Geography & Environment." So, I get admitted to this program at the University of Dhaka. 

Later our department made a science lab for Environment. An environmental science teacher had been appointed. He was young and handsome. Many of our classmates liked him. No, I never felt like that with him. I even don't have any memory of him having any conversation. The only thing I remember is he was walking (very fast) on the verandah of our department in a red shirt. I remember this because someone (I better not mention any name) told us, a handsome man is walking with his full sexy vibe. So, I looked at the verandah. 

After many years, I heard he got married. Had a kid. But the child was born abnormal. After hearing this, he got his heart failed, and he died. Innalillahi Wa Inna Elaihi Rajeun.

I never ask how that lab is going. Why is our department still not Environmental Science?

Husband, a showpiece?

 In Canada, I have seen a huge number of Bangladeshi families. Among them, a significant number of families are running like this:

Both males and females are working. Females earn much more than males. And she is working outside and inside the house and caring for the kids. Men enjoy their work and relax time. No or very less contribution to the family. Very little help in the household work and taking care of the family.

Those men feel proud of that; they made their wives like that. Who earns for them and takes care of their kids as well.

Why are women tolerating this? First, traditional thinking was in mind to save the marriage, to have someone whom kids can call father, and surprisingly I found another reason. They keep them as a showpiece. Non-married women can face lots of different kinds of trouble from other males. Yes, in Canada too. If society knows the woman is married, she will face fewer problems. So, just to keep life hazard free, just like a marriage certificate, some women kept that showpiece in their life.

This condition is happening in other communities too.

Biography 160: Annex building

 I saw Karjon Hall when I was a kid. We used to go to the "Bangladesh Shishu Academy." Karjon Hall was just on the opposite side of the road. I knew that it was part of the University of Dhaka. Later I visited Kola Bhaban and Commerce Building with my older sister. Kola Bhaban was for the Arts department. While studying humanities, I knew I would have to come here (Kola Bhaban) to study any subject. The truth is I didn't like that place at all.

But, you know, I used to do things I didn't like.

After passing the written admission test, we had to attend the in-person viva exam. I went inside. All faculty deans were sitting behind a curve table. I sat in the middle. Someone asked me which subject I wanted to study? Before me, I knew other girls were taking Political Science, Psychology etc. But I had a different issue with choosing the program. So, I told them, "Geography." I could hear the surprising noise in the room. The head of the Geography department was there. Mr. Ziaushams. He said, "Good Choice," with surprised eyes and a little smile.

I got to know my program, which is from the Science department. Though they allow students from Humanities too. My optional subjects were Economics and Psychology. Our class will be held in Annex Building.

I didn't know where it was. We checked the map. It is on the opposite side of Dhaka Medical College and Shahid Minner. I had visited Shahid Minar before but never noticed this Annex building.

Later my younger sister started her studies at Dhaka Medical College. So, we 3 sisters were at the University of Dhaka.

Following 5 years, I studied in the Annex building. Our department was at level 2. On the ground floor, they have the Law department. Some of my school and college friends were admitted to Law.

Happy Valentine's day