:)

It's important to let go of individuals who don't wish to be in your life. Doing so will create room for those who truly value your presence.

A correct decision could be wrong if you take it late.

In life, timing is crucial, as even a correct decision can be wrong if made too late. It's essential to recognize what needs to be done and when and to take action in the present moment. Refraining from past mistakes or worrying about the future can be counterproductive.

Living in the moment and embracing whatever life offers can be challenging but rewarding. It's important to keep trying and striving for this mindset.

Decision-making is a significant aspect of life, and while we may not have control over everything, we do have control over our choices and reactions. Ultimately, we will be held accountable for our actions and plans rather than what others have done to us.

Most of the time, situations change with time. So, something might be right to do now, but that could be the worse decision after some time. So, a decision which was right in the past will not necessarily be correct in the next generation.

Biography 178: Halua Ghat Study Tour

From the left, Ratna, Shumi, I, Mohibullah, Shraboni, Reja, Sharmin, and Najma. We were crossing a lake in the village.

I recently visited Halua Ghat, a village located in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh situated near the border of India. 

During my stay, I was part of a study tour where we conducted surveys instructed by our professors. While walking around the village with my group of students, we came across beautiful green paddy fields and small cottages scattered in between. 

We interviewed various villagers, some of whom were living in poor conditions and urged us to inform the prime minister about their situation. Although we explained that we had no authority to communicate with the prime minister, they persisted, and we promised to try our best to help. 

On the other hand, we also came across well-educated and welcoming villagers who answered our questions correctly and helped us with our survey. 

However, the highlight of my trip was visiting a tribe's family's home. Their house was exceptionally clean and well-organized. They even invited us inside to take a look around, and we were greeted by a friendly child sleeping on a small hanging bed inside. Outside, an old lady was sewing something while sitting on a mat. We took permission and took a picture with her. The family was well-educated and helped us with our survey. I was surprised to learn that there are tribal people living in Mymensingh. Interestingly, they all claimed to have no knowledge of smuggling, despite living in a border village.

Woman outdoor

Why can't you treat a woman as a human? Why is your mind like that? A woman is only for sexual pleasure?

If a new woman joins an office, all male colleagues will go and check how beautiful she is? If not, I will be depressed. Like office recruits females for your eye's pleasure. Don't they work? Don't they give input to raise the company?

In every award function, you will see when a male comes; first, they are introduced for their work. When a woman comes, they are introduced for their beauty! Like all functions are for beauty contests, only women's beauty is considered over there. Even in a beauty competition, women had to answer and get marks on their intelligence.

Don't you want to see a woman with you at work, education, road? Don't you enjoy the company of a woman as a human? Don't you want to use her intelligence in your company?

Don't you want to let her live like a human rather than a sex toy?

 Why can't I have a male friend? To whom I can go out, discuss, and enjoy time like a human. Why would that person think that I am with him to have sex?

If you are relying solely on others

"If you depend on others, you'll be helpless when they leave you."

Relying on others can make you vulnerable when they eventually depart from your life. This can happen unintentionally, especially if someone has been helping you for an extended period of time. When this help suddenly stops, you may feel lost and uncertain about the future. 

However, it's important to remember that nothing is insurmountable. It's best not to rely on anyone for anything, not even your own happiness. If someone leaves or stops assisting you, it's essential to take the reins and either continue on your own or seek help elsewhere. The outcome may be better or worse, but it will be achieved regardless. Trust in a higher power to guide you through the journey. Have faith in Allah.

Biography 177: Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Museum

From left, I, Sanjida, Reja, Ratna, Jamal, Shumi, Kamrul, and Alamgir. Ice cream was in my hand.

Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, a renowned painter from Bangladesh, is well-known for his 1944 paintings depicting the devastating famines in Bengal. 

The museum in his name is located in Mymensingh, adjacent to the Jamidar House. During our visit, our professors led us on foot to the museum on a hot and exhausting day. Unfortunately, we arrived to find the museum closed, so we decided to take a rest on the grass. 

Suddenly, an ice cream van approached us, a common sight in Bangladesh where vendors sell ice cream from tricycle carts. My friends and I sat near the van (Or the van came near me and stood over there) with my friends, and whoever went to the truck to buy ice cream requested one for me too. And they gave me one ice cream and paid the bill. I had eaten 8 ice creams (I think). I was very thirsty and needed to cool down to avoid heat stroke. Each ice cream was only for tk 2 and as far as I remember, the persons who paid for my ice creams are Jamal, Kamrul, Tuheen, Pratul and maybe Alamgir, Reja and Saju too with others.

The picture was taken at that moment.

Different kinds of voters

 First of all, most people don't give any vote. There are many reasons behind it; some can't make time for it, some are not sure to whom they should vote, some think what's the point no matter who gets selected will only make themselves rich or will be corrupted, etc.

Some people votes. Now here we have different kinds of voters too. 

Some give votes who give them bribes. Because they think all are the same for them, they give votes only to those who bribe them to get something from the ballot.

Another kind of people votes for them, who could benefit them only. No matter how bad they might be for the nation or others. They only think about their own benefits.

A group of people doesn't know who should get the vote, but they do know who shouldn't. So, to stop that unfavorite person, they vote for the opposite party person, who can stop that unfavorite person.

Another group monitors the statistics by looking at who might win the elections. Then they decide who to vote for and who has no future, not to vote for those candidates; no matter how much they like them, they don't vote for them.

Some people blindly love a political party. Whoever comes from that party or believes, they will vote for them. Will never try to check whether they will be suitable for all.

Finally, some people check agendas, policies, and candidates' pasts to determine how good they are and who to vote for.

All candidates and media keep trying to convince only this last section of people. The question is how big are these people to change election results?

This is called integrity

"Do the right thing even when no one is looking; this is called integrity."

I am always like this. That's why, when I was in the examination room, I never bothered whether the examiner checked the students; or the manager monitored us at the workplace. 

Why would I? I always follow the rules and regulations, work sincerely, try to upgrade myself etc. I never try to do unethical work in the examinations or work, never try to waste work time or do my own things. 

That's why I felt good knowing someone was watching us. At least someone will know I work well.

Biography 176: Mymensingh Jamidar House

I think the most popular TV drama writer in Bangladesh was Humayun Ahmed. If you saw those old video clips, you will understand how society was in those days in Bangladesh. I am not saying he covered all, but whichever he did, he did it pretty well. From the bottom of my heart, I salute him for his talent and work.

One of his TV dramas was "Ayomeyo (Iron Man)." It was about a small landlord in a village. His power in his area was like a king. In Bangladesh, we called them "Jamidar." In those days, these Jamidars were powerful, like premier, and they used to give tax to the king. Otherwise, all power and responsibilities were in their hand.

In his TV drama, he showed a Jamidar's house. Usually, they had beautiful big houses. Humayun Ahmed made his shooting in Maymensingh Jamidar House.

So, the Jamidar house became famous for this TV drama and a travel spot in Mymensingh. When we stayed in Mymensingh for our second-year field/study tour, our professors took us to the Jamidar House.

One part of the house is kept for visitors, and another is used as a hostel for Teacher's Training College students.

We have seen beautifully designed houses, walls and a pond. The inside decoration also shows the design of historical moments. I also like their round stairs. It was an amazing moment.

23+

As per my mom's account, people from Saudi Arabia have a tendency to keep their age concealed, even from medical professionals. Once, a lady accompanied by her son, who was in his forties, visited a doctor who claimed to be 50 years old. When the doctor inquired about her age at the time of childbirth, she declined to reveal her true age. This is a custom that both men and women in Saudi Arabia follow.

When I was a teenager and in my early twenties, my parents were often mistaken for being much younger than their actual age. Once, when I was 15, we went out together, and a man mistook my father for my younger sister. He was taken aback when he found out that I was the second daughter and that there was an older daughter at home. He stared at us in disbelief for a few seconds.

Although I used to believe that I had inherited some of those youthful genes, I eventually gained weight. Nevertheless, if someone were to ask me my age, I wish I could say 23 or older ;). That's what I am in my mind :) .

Keep putting out good

"keep putting out good; it will come back to you unexpectedly."

I have seen and believe good work never goes in vain. No matter how big or small or tinies good work you do, it will have a very good impact, if not in a short time, then in the long run.

If no one notice or gives you any credit, Allah will.

You may have noticed after every big disaster, or when you get hurt by someone, something very good happens to you. Believe in Karma. It's true

Biography 175: Bangladesh Agricultural University

From left, Shumi, Ratna and I, at the Agricultural University.

If you were to ask a Mymensingh local about the district's main attraction, they would likely mention Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The campus is quite expansive and boasts impressive decor, making it a popular destination for leisurely strolls. For travellers, a visit to the university is definitely worth it. 

During our second-year study tour with the Geography & Environment department at the University of Dhaka, my colleagues and I were quite busy with work and visits to other locations. With only three days on our itinerary, it proved challenging to make time for a visit to the Agricultural University. However, on our last day before departing on the train, some of us decided to stop by and explore the campus. Despite our limited time, we enjoyed our visit and quickly returned to the hotel to freshen up before our journey back to Dhaka.

Let them go

 We shouldn't hold someone who doesn't want to stay with us. We should let them go because we love and care for them and respect and honour their decision. It's not necessary that we have to agree with them. We just have to let them go. Let them be happy or taste their own decision. We have to find our own happiness without them.

The last interaction between my dad and Shafeen

They were enjoying tea time. My dad and my son

PC: Sonia

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My son and my father had a beautiful bonding. Shafeen (my son) always followed what his grandfather (Maternal) said when he started learning how to talk. No matter how many times I tried to correct it, Shafeen never followed me.

After my niece Dia was born, everybody asked Shafeen how the little baby was. Shafeen answered very confidently, "Chhoto babu khali Kande (Young baby always cries.") Previously, he used to say Kade, which meant cry. But my father said Kande, so Shafeen started saying Kande (Cry, in local terms).

The picture had been taken in the afternoon tea time. My father used to drink tea with some simple snacks. Shafeen sat beside him in a little chair and dad gave him a piece of bread so that he can join him.

They liked to take snacks together. My father had to dialysis his kidneys regularly, and he needed to collect blood. Whenever I took him to collect blood, our regular time pass activity was to go to the nearby mall and eat fuchka (A Bangladeshi snack, like Indian Panipuri). My son was under 2 years old, but he always joined his grandfather. So, my father bought him juice. Every time 2 small packages of juice. Shafeen could never finish 2 packets of juice, but he always asked for it, and his grandfather always said yes. I tried to stop them but failed. Finally, I had to finish the leftover.

Their last interaction was heartbreaking. I was standing at the door holding Shafeen when my father's dead body was taken away. And Shafeen cried out loud that people took his grandfather away from us.

Biography 174: Ratna's home

We were at Ratna's house. From left, I, Ratna, Shumi, Ratna's sister and Fahmida.

 Our friend Ratna was fortunate. We stayed in Mymensingh during our 2nd-year tour, and Ratna's home was in Mymensingh. So, Shumi and I also became fortunate too. Because when we reached the hotel. A big food carrier came from Ratna's home with homemade food. It was a lot. So, we could share with our other friends too. They were happy to have homemade mashed dry fish (in Bangla, Shutki Bhorta), lentils etc. As far as I remember, Pratul was very happy to have that Bangladeshi food.

One day, we made some time and went to Ratna's home. We mean I, Ratna, Shumi and Fahmida.

It took about 30 minutes in Rickshaw. It was a lovely little one-storied home. They have a garden inside their home (In an open space).

Here, we met with Ratna's older sister. Such a sweet, very good-looking, soft-spoken and always smiling when she was talking. I became a fan of her. We took a picture with her too. Where ever she goes, she makes everyone happy.

Then we went to Mymensingh Medical College to visit. Our friend Saleh invited us. Maybe Shumi told me that Saleh asked to visit there as he is also visiting some of his friends there. So, we (4 of us) went and viewed the beauty of the medical college and met some future doctors with Saleh. Then returned to our hotel.

A safer way to live

 One thing I like about this Covid-19 pandemic is using masks. I know no one will agree with me. Even I can't wear a mask all the time in public places.

Let me explain; before the pandemic, I always felt terrible when someone sneezed near me or had a foul mouth odour. Despite of taking flu shots every year, I had to suffer from the cold.

Except for the pandemic years. Now I feel better when I go out with a mask. Sometimes I found only myself wearing a mask. Because I like it, it is a safer way to live.

Life with positivity

The whole family was living with positivity.

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The pandemic became a global crisis that has remained ever-present. Despite the efforts made by the world's brightest minds to mitigate its impact, full recovery has proven elusive.

My family and I fell victim to the virus, and we all fell ill simultaneously. As evidenced by the photo, both my son and I tested positive for COVID-19. While it was a blessing that we could be together, it was equally challenging as there was no one to care for us. I struggled to prioritize the needs of others while dealing with my own breathing difficulties. However, we persevered and relied on online food and grocery services to meet our needs. We also refrained from contact with others to prevent the spreading of the virus.

As I continued my studies online, I missed several in-person classes and assignments. Fortunately, my understanding of professors allowed me to complete my coursework when I regained my health. My group members were supportive and took on additional responsibilities to ease my burden.

I financed my expenses through a combination of student loans, grants, and college awards. Eventually, my family and I recovered, and we resumed our daily routine.

Through this experience, I learned that life can be unpredictable and challenging. However, perseverance and faith can help us overcome adversity and ascend to new heights. Life is full of surprises, and it's more exciting than we can ever imagine.