Picture of this district

Chittagong Division
Bandarban
Brahmanbaria
Chandpur
Chittagong
Comilla
Cox's Bazar
Feni
Khagrachhari
Lakshmipur
Noakhali
Rangamati

Khulna Division
Bagerhat
Chuadanga
Jessore
Jhenaidah
Khulna
Kushtia
Magura
Meherpur
Narail
Satkhira

Rajshahi Division
Bogra
Chapainawabganj
Dinajpur
Gaibandha
Joypurhat
Kurigram
Lalmonirhat
Naogaon
Natore
Nilphamari
Pabna
Panchagarh
Rajshahi
Rangpur
Sirajganj
Thakurgaon

Barisal Division
Barguna
Barisal
Bhola
Jhalokathi
Patuakhali
Pirojpur

Sylhet Division
Habiganj
Maulvibazar
Sunamganj
Sylhet

I woke up early, pack-up everything and start knocking at the door of caretaker beside my room. With his help I took a photo at the rest house and left the place when he declared that everything of the room is as it was previously. I went to a shop opposite to the UNO office to buy some dry packed food. I was alert to fill-up my water bottle as per the instruction of Mamun Bhai (Bangladesh Army). I left that small town and boundary of the town came to an end by a river. I asked a lot of people about the name and finally knew that it was river "MATAMUHURI". It was a thin river by that time but from the height of the bridge I realize that it is actually a big river. I took a few pics around it. After crossing the bridge I went to the Army Camp situated at left side of the bridge beside the river. I introduce myself and requested them to send my message to Mamun Bhai of "Fasiakhali Army Check Post". Then I started cycling again. Sometimes I find the road was nearly blocked due to the mudslide. Few days’ back some heavy rains occurred in these areas, may be these mudslides are the result of those rains. I took picture and keep on going. This day was an awesome day of my tour. I can recall more or less all the scenarios of the road without mentioning the time. Neither I was interested to know about the time nor was I wearing any watch. Instead I was watching and feeling the Nature. I saw the tribal people collecting bananas from the trees grew on dangerous slope of the hills. Also I saw people of plains buying those bananas from them at cheap rate. Sometime I saw a few shops run by tribal people. Sometime the surrounding was so quite that I was hearing even the sounds of fallen leaves. With every hour passes-by I was gaining altitudes.

About mid-day I reached at a place called "KEAJUPARA". There was a small Police Post called "Keajupara Police Fhari" and I enter in it. I enter there to get some water and some hints about the road. All polices of that post forbid me to continue my tour as per my intended route. This fhari was at top of a hill beside a four roads crossing. The polices told me that they knows or goes only three kilometers by the road I came and by the road I am wishing to travel. They do not enter further than three kilometer at these two ways. They don't go further than that because those areas are remote and full with danger (according to them). I assured them that I am aware of the risks I am taking by traveling to this road and I will continue my tour no matter happens. So, I left the fhari before they might make me weak.

On the way I had to cross a bridge (May be a bailey bridge). This bridge was connecting two hills divided by a small "chara" (Small hilly rivers are locally called as CHARA). This place was very cold as it was surrounded by the hills. Looking around 360 degrees I was unable to see anything but hill. I had to look upwards to see the horizon or sky. For a long time I was standing on the middle of the bridge (Though no one crossed the bridge by that long time). Later I left the bridge with lots of peace in my heart.

Again on the way I saw a house of tribal people beside the road. I asked them (sitting in front of that house) in Bengali if they can provide me a glass of water. They answered me in an unknown language. So I made a gesture of drinking water and one of them gave me a glass of water. The water was not clear and I made a gesture to bring some more water. He went inside and came back with a jug. When I looked inside of it, I understood that all of their drinkable water is like that. So, after waiting for some moments when the upper parts of the water become a bit clear then drank half glass from it and came down to the track again.

Once I was crossing a peak and when I came to a slope it was going downwards about height of a 10 storied building. Taking a turn again it went downwards and far away the road went upwards vertically to the peak of another hill (The roads in the hill goes either vertically to the peak or making some slope). Looking at that road I was shocked by a view. I saw that some clouds are crossing that vertical road. I was happy as well as amazed to feel that I am at a height where clouds pass by. For the first time in my life I was in this much altitude and I was feeling special. From this point forward often I was facing rains without any clouds above me and had to cover my luggages. At first I was thinking why it is raining when the sky is clear? Later I understood that it was not the rain but the waters in the cloud that were making me wet.

I also fall for terrible accident today. The accident took place like this. I was at a peak and it was a slope about 4 storied building’s height and when the slope meets the plain road it took sharp rights turn. At both side of the slope there were slope again at the plain. At bottom it was crop field at both sides. I was confident that I will be able to take the turn without any problem as the road was wide enough. I release the brake and my cycle was gaining speed rapidly. When I reached nearby to the plain I saw the road was cracked at corner. If I would ride by that area I would surely fall. So, I tried my best to take a longer turn which threw me out of the road to the crop field at the right side of the road. Lots of things happened there and after a long time I start again.

I was actually walking with the cycle about half of the day. I took a lot of photo today and at evening I noticed that there is a red spot in my leg. I wonder how come the spot was created. When I looked carefully I found that it was blood. I sat on the grass, wiped it but the blood was still flowing smoothly. I looked carefully again on the spot and understood that it was created by the leech. I had no bandage and the bleeding was not stopped. I was worried and thinking what should I do? Then I start to pick up some grasses I knew. I chew them for some seconds and put them in the spot. The bleeding stopped and I took a little rest before cycling again.

It was the final hour of the day and I saw a very small village from a peak. There was a thin Chara, a bridge above it, 12/14 small houses at one side and one brick field with a small house in other side. Slowly I came down and ask a person if there is any place to eat rice. He showed me a hut and yes it was a small restaurant. I took rice with vegetable. While eating I had answer questions of some curious fellows present there. More I was answering, more questions they were throwing. Thus a small evening lunch lasts for more than an hour. By the time I was washing my hands I heard the prayer of Magrib at radio. There were 15/20 people looking at me and my cycle. They forbid me to ride. They told me that after the sunset lots of insects, bugs, snakes come out and most of them are poisonous. They told me that the tribal people also do not leave their village boundary without any serious reason. Even if they do, They do not go without fire torch to keep themselves safe. I agreed with them and ask if there is any system to be a paying guest. One of them told me that I can be guest at any of their house but not as a paying guest. Before I could say anything the caretaker of the brick field declared that he is the best person as my host in this village as he had the bets facility for a goodnight sleep. Other villagers support him and he asks me if I want to take rest right now or later? I told him that after ¾ hours from then I will take supper and then to bed. Before that time comes I will be glad to talk to them to know more about this area. The villagers thought I might be tired and will be looking for sleep early. But when they understood that I have enough energy to gossip with them, they become happy. I went to the house of my host, left my luggages with cycle and came back to the restaurant. We start gossiping about ourselves. After an hour we went to the bridge and sat on the railing. I had no idea how time passed by. This area was a plain land surrounded by hills at all sides in a high altitude. Except our voices there were sounds of various insects and melody of flowing water. After 2/3 hours everyone went to their house and looking at the restaurant I found that it was close. But my host assured me that my supper is in the room. He was always beside me but I don’t know when he ordered our food. Being lonely, I walked a bit more within the boundary of the village to feel this extra-ordinary night of my life. Later we went to the room, finished our supper and chat a while before sleeping. He had an extra bed with all the necessary spare items like pillow, bed cover, mosquito net, etc.

I left the bed as soon as the sky was clear. My host woke-up earlier and he ask me to be at that small restaurant. I fresh myself, pack my things and met him there. He gave me an idea about the road briefly and lead me to a hut nearby. Lots of people were gossipping on that room. A few of them were known-face from last nights meeting. He introduced me with other. Soon the breakfast was served. The item were KHICHURI (Cloroured Rice) with scrambled egg. After finishing the breakfast I was there for more 30 minutes. Then I saw a small elephant in front of that house. They told me that they are hiding it in the jungle as army will come today to distribute the relief at that area. If they will see the elephant they might take it to their base as it is forbidden to keep wild animal. Soon I left that area. I was feeling a different kind of pain to leave these common people and their love. While crossing those huge hills I was amazed for their naturalo beauty. I saw another small village (Bigger than previous) on the way but keep cycling. I came accross 3/4 groups of local tribal people. I guess that they were going for either agricultural works or to collect woods. I also cross a few jeeps & trucks of Army going to the area I left behind. After a long time (I don't know how long as I forgot and felt it un-necessary to look at the watch) I came to a point as my host described. The road was divided in two from here. One went upwards, one downwards. I saw some shops or house a bit upwords and went there to confirm the location. They told me that the downward road will take me to Bandarban City while the peak of Chimbuk hill is at top of this road which is not so far. I had no idea when I will come back to this part of our country again so I decide to have a look at the Chimbuk.

I saw a few shops when I was going up towards Chimbuk. Soon the road was divided in two. One going straight long way to somewhere and other was going to a small higher place beside the road. I took the straight road and pass a huge antenna at the right side of the road. Soon I saw some Army person and asked them about the location of "Chimbuk Peak". They started to ask me about my identity. I told them about myself in short and seem to me that they did not belive me. So, I had to describe them even the route I had taken from the Fhasiakhali Cantonment. I also showed them the certificate of DC's, digital photo in my camera's playback mode and the biscuits I got from Fhasiakhali. Pointing the tower they told me that was the "Chimbuk Peak" behind me and the straight road will lead me to a CSD shop within a minute and then to Ali Kadam Upazila. They told me that the road was not completed totally. I went to the CSD shop for some rests and light snacks. I sat there for enough time. Soon a Jeep (Chander Gari - Local Public Transport) arrived from Bandarban Town. Lot of people came down but more people ride in that to reach Ali Kadam. After the jeep left that place I ride on my bicycle and took the return-path for Chimbuk. Soon I reach that point, climb upwords and reach near to a Banyan Tree. From this part some stair went down to some sort of camp and another way went upwords which I followed.

I saw a bunglow type house and few steps further that huge antenna was in front of me. I laid my cycle by the bunglow and realise that along with that antenna I am standing at the peak of Chimbuk Hill. I was feeling more or less crazy. Crazy to realise what I have done. Often I have read articles in the daily newspaper that various team is climbing, trekking or at least reached at the top of Chimbuk Hill. It was not the highest of our country but it was one of the highest or maybe I should say within top 5 of our country. The tower was maybe used for telecommunication. As these three hill districts (Bandarban, Rangamati & Khagrachari) was out of the coverage of mobile phones due to the restrictions made by our government so it must be used for Landphones, I guess. I was feeling more or less crazy. Crazy to realise what I have done. Often I have read articles in the daily newspaper that various team is climbing, trekking or at least reached at the top of Chimbuk Hill. It was not the highest of our country but it was one of the highest or maybe I should say within top 5 peaks of our country. I walked at all the sides of the peak and looked at every point from the edge. The nearest hills were not so small so on a cloud-free day you will not get a good idea how high this peak is. But if you have turned your cellphone of as there is no network at hill districts you should try to turn it on now. Your cellphone will be able to collect mobile network very easily from the peak of CHIMBUK due to it's height. Either it peaks signal from Chittagong or maybe from Coxbazar. A few policemen were sitting nearby a small room at the peak. While I was looking from the edge they read the text at back of my T-Shirt. They came to me and asked about it. I told them everything and they become so happy that one of them went to their camp to tell others about me. Watching the crowd of the polices few other people visiting the peak came nearer and starts talking to me. Among them there were also two foreigners guided by a monk. They read the english text on my back and introduce themselves as member of CTC, a cycling club of UK. I knew about that club through browsing. When I told them about the amount of their membership fee, they were amazed. All of them were asking me various questions and I was gladly answering them. The foreigners also took some picture with me. I was there for more than an hour and later went to the police camp to use the toilet. After using the toilet I talked to some other police members who had heard about me already. They told me that it would have been a better experience if I was here early in the morning. At that time (Morning) one can see only the clouds are surrounding the peak and nothing is visible if one will look bottom by the edge of the peak. Later when the temperature would rise the cloud below will fade away and very slowly the bottom will be visible. They also told me that because of the altitude they never feel any hot season like they felt at the ground area. That's why this station does not have any electric fan. After talking to them for sometime more I thought I should start cycling for the Bandarban Town. I sat on my cycle and saw that the other tourists are also coming back to go to the town. I sat and paddled my bike. within few minutes I heard some cars are coming and I gave them side. It was the cars taking tourists of Chimbuk peak back to the town. Most of them waived their hand and cheered loudly, I replied with smile.

Now I was sitting on the cycle but unable to paddle as the road was going downwards. I was too much carefull though I had a feeling that I have spend too much time today and I have to reach the Bandarban Town before the sunset. I was not interested to cycle in this road after it would be dark. At a point I saw a road going to some place far below from where I was standing. I waited there as it was a nice view. Soon I met a pedestrian and asked him about it. He told me that the road was going towards Ruma Upazila of the district and my current road will meet to it at a further point called Y-Junction. Soon I passed a car and there was sign of an Multinational Organisation "Medicine San Frontiers". After few minutes I was unable to control the cycle's speed. I become lucky to got a corner where I bumped the cycle and stopped to save myself. I get up and cleared the grasses from my cycle and my body. I walked a bit and saw that car passing beside me. Soon I sit on the cycle and after few minutes I saw that car was standing on the road. There was no way I could pass beside it, so I stopped by the side of this car (MSF). A car was loading pineapple standing at a pequiliar way that there was no scope of other vehicles to pass. The driver of the car (MSF) asked that other car's driver to place their car properly. The passenger of this (MSF) car asked me if why I am riding a bicycle in this road. I told him everything in short. He gave me his address and took mine. Later we start again again after the road was clear. Soon I came to the Y-Junction. After some time I saw a few shops beside the road. In some shops there were Bengali from plain land while at other Bengali of these hills were sitting. I was thirsty and decided to enter the shops of Hill People. I went inside and expressed my thirst to a lady shopkeeper. She showed me the glass-jug to help myself. I drank a few glass of water. Lots of other people were sitting there and one of them asked me about my address from curiousity. But he was not ready to have the kind of answer which I gave. So, he along with some other people become more curious about me. They asked me to sit beside them and talk to them if I have no objection. Gladly I sit with them and tell them about me and my dreams as short as possible. They were very happy to know my feelings towards them. They told me a lots of things about them, the Government, the Army, their dreams, Problems and many more things. They wished me success for rest of my tour. I was riding alone and become worried when I would reach at town. Very soon I passed an establishment made for tourists (I guess). Then I came to the spot known as "SHOILO PROPAT". Obviously this place was a very nice one but neither I could wait there for a long time nor I was able to take a picture of this place. It was a flow of water coming from some part of hills and beneath the waters there was stones. Sitting on the stone a few tribal people were having bath while other were washing clothes at the end of streams. This place was below the level of the road, so I observed the place from top. There were a few tribal people sitting nearby selling handicrafts items made locally. I left the place and soon find a shop big enough to enter. But there was a single man in charge. I asked him what he has to eat. But I got nothing heavy enough to occupy my stomach. So, I asked him if he can cut a whole pineapple for me. He did so and I sit there to eat the fruit. While I was eating a child enter the shop from inside and I notice that this shop was at the yard of a house. The shopkeeper asked the child to stay away from me but I forbid him to do so. I understood that the child was an Autistic one but I felt that this child also deserve love from every elder person. I smile at her and offer her pineapple. She took one piece by herself and roaming within the shop with smile. The man introduced her as oine of their family member (I can't remember the relation). I talked with him while eating. He told me that the town is not too far and I should not be worry about the distance. He asked me if I have any problem to pass my night in his house. But I told him that I am planning to stay at Dhaka if the time will allow me. So, he invite for a future whenever I would feel like to visit here again. After I finished eating I start pulling my cycle again and a tribal lady was walking beside me. She went to fetch waters. We talked till I was pulling my cycle. Her name was Siam-Pui. She lived at Faruk-Para (If I can remember correctly). Soon she went towards her house and continue my tour along the road. Suddenly the daylights starts to fade rapidly and I try to paddle a bit faster keeping a safety speed.

When I enter the town it was just the Magrib Time and everyone was inside their house busy with Iftari. I went to the circuit house straight. I asked the staffs how can I meet the NDC. They told me that the NDC is at Dhaka on leave and a magistrate is in charge now. They also added that if I will go to the DC office right now I might meet that magistrate and DC both. They were attending at a Iftar Party over there. So, I reached there as soon as I could but missed them all. Then I went to the Press Club to meet the district representative of a national daily but he was not there. Anyway I met another reporter of a Newspaper called "Pakhkhik Sangu". He gave me his card and invite me to his office. I told him that I would meet him later and went to the residence of DC. The residential staffs of him told me that he is taking rests and will be available after two hours. Asking them the location of that Magistrate I went to his residence which was close to this building. I met him showed my papers and asked accommodation facility for a single night. He phoned at circuit house and asked the staffs to arrange a room for me. Then I went to the circuit house and put my luggage in a room. I left the room after a shower with my camera and few papers. I went to the office of that newspaper. I can remember one of their name "Mr. Alauddin". Alauddin Bhai introduced me with other reporter at his office. We talked for a long time. They keep some photo of mine, gave me some of their photo and showed photo of other tourists at their PC. Later I left them and went to the residence of DC. I waited for a long time to get the letter and after a long time the CA of DC went inside with paper and returned with it signed by DC. I went to a restaurant nearby and took some food as supper. Then went to the circuit house soon. I phoned to Masum Bhai and asked his suggestion to pass my Eid at Dhaka. Late at night, I decided that I would left my cycle here at Bandarban and reach Dhaka by bus or train to pass my Eid there.

At morning I talked with some staffs to leave my cycle upon their responsibility. They were a bit confused to do it for me. Then I talked with that Magistrate and convinced him that there is no other way for me to pass my Eid with my family. Later the staffs of the circuit house also agreed with me and kept my cycle at the garage. I went to the Bus Terminal and meet the man of Medicine San Frontiers their. He was going to Chittagong to pass his vacation with his family. He helped me to get the bus ticket and we start for Chittagong Town. It was late afternoon when I reached there. I went straight to the Stadium to meet Mr. ----------. I saw him sleeping by the window and returned without calling him. I went to the Railway Station but understood that there was no ticket at the station. I went to the room of Station Master of the terminal and asked his co-operation for a ticket. He told me that he is unable to provide me any ticket but as they were all sold earlier. But he wrote a paper for the ticket cheker to give me the opprtunity to ride in the train with any seat. Thus I ride in it at late night and reached Kamlapur of Dhaka at Eid Day. While I was crossing the National Mosque "Baitul Mokarram" people were coming towards it to attend the first prayer of the morning. They were looking at me for my dress-up as everyone of the road were wearing Panjabi/Paijama.

TOURBANG(Band)TB2ND

It was Friday, I started from Mohammadpur at about 1130 hours. I phoned Ashique Bhai and he told me that the bus will depart from their depo at 12 o'clock. He also told me that the last check-in point at Dhaka of this bus is Saidabad and it would start from there at 1230 hours. So, I must reach at Motijheel before 12 o'clock or at Saidabad before 12:30 PM. I was preparing myself from the morning but when it comes to say goodbye to Angela & Dilip we got emotional. They were worried to leave me alone again. So, it took some extra time than I expected to say them goodbye. I took an autorickshaw and ask him to drive for Bangladesh Bank as fast as possible. I keep phoning Ashique Bhai with 5 minutes gap to inform him where I was. At 12 o'clock he told me that he will wait 15 minutes more maximum as another family (with four tickets) has not arrived yet. They were regular passenger of this bus and they have requested by phone to wait for them. The autorickshaw reached there at exactly 1214 hours. Ashique Bhai was waiting in front of the bus. He asked me to take my sit and at that very moment those other passengers arrived. Ashique Bhai asked the driver to start the bus for Saidabad. Reaching there it stopped for five minutes and start for the long Chittagong. There was too much traffic jam even on the highway and we were not going as fast as we should. Ashique Bhai stood-up with the microphone and gave his speech as the guide of this trip to Chittagong and then we sit together to gossip. He introduced me with the other staffs of the bus Driver and the Helper. But before we could chat one passenger asked him about the prayer of Jummah. He assured that person and after the bridge of Katchpur over Shitalakhkhya river the bus park at highway beside a mosque. I got down with most of the passenger to say our prayer. Afer that again the bus starts and Ashique Bhai told me that the next bus stop would be The Off-beat Restaurant of Chouddogram, Comilla. We start gossipping sitting beside Ashique Bhai nearby to the door leaving my seat empty. Later we cross the Meghna Bridge and reached at the restaurant. We were talking about our life, love, dream of future and the upcoming tour of mine at last 27 districts. After lunch I took some picture and ride on bus. Soon Ashique Bhai raffle draw the lottery among the passengers. The winner got a white terri towel with the emblem of Slikline embroidered at corner. Often I had visited Chittagong and Coxbazar but never saw the boundary wall between Bangladesh & India. Ashique Bhai knew this and soon he showed me that boundary line. I took some picture over there from the running bus. Late at evening we arrived at Chittagong town. After reporting at his office he took me to a cyber cafe to chat with his love. I gave him the picture of him at the journey and he send it to her. Then he told me that he will contact with his management so that I can pass my night in their staff room. He tried to contact to one of their director but his phone was out of network. So, I told him that I will search a cheap hotel while he will try to contact his authority. Whoever is successfull first will let other know by phone. I went to meet Mr. Sarwar first as I was unable to meet him when I left Chittagong before Eid-day. He was very happy to meet me as usual. He asked me when I arrived and how long I would stay here. I told him my plan and he said why that he wants me to stay in his house for tonight. I phoned to Ashique Bhai to stop contacting his authority about accommodation. Then I left my luggage there talked with him for some time and went to the gymnasium to watch badminton of his son. All the time I was at gymnasium and later both of us came back and we took supper together in his house. After eating we talked about lots of things. I also phone to Reza Bhai who was working at Chittagong and younger brother of Hasan Bhai. He told me to meet him at his next morning. After a goodnight sleep I woke up at early morning. I checked my bag, wait for Mr. Sarwar to finish his prayer. Later when I left his home I went to the office of Reza Bhai. When I did not find him in his office he told me to wait there as he was still on the way coming to office. Soon he came and he introduced me with the other staffs of his office. He did not take breakfast and we took some light snacks at the opposite of his office. Then he checked his nearby bus counters about the procedure of going to Bandarban. All of them advised him to go to Bohoddarhat Bus Terminal. There I bought the ticket of Bandarban by 55 taka. Name of the bus service was -----------. At each half an hour the busses were departing for Bandarban. But I skipped the next bus to get a suitable seat. So, we had about 45 minutes to chat. We spend these time in another restaurant with tea and snacks. We took some pics also. Later, I ride on the bus and the bus starts for it's destination. For some reason I was feeling tired and had a nap till the bus reached turning of Satkania. From there the roadside views starts to change and I was busy to watch them. About 2 o'clock the bus reached at Bandarban Town. Before the bus reached Bandarban Town I had some conversation with the passenger sitting by my side. He lives at Bandarban town, have a job there and asked me to drop by his office tomorrow. His office would be on my way towards Rangamati. I took a Rickshaw straight to the circuit house. Going there I look for some staffs (Whom I talked last time before leaving Bandarban) to get my cycle back. After some time one of the staffs told me that my cycle is not here at the garage of circuit house. He told me that one day son of DC often came to circuit house and when he saw it left idle in the garage he took it to use and they were unable to say anything. They also told me that they often asked the cycle back but the answer was no as they were not the owner of it. To avoid any kind of problem, I went to the house of NDC and describe him everything. He talked to some staffs of circuit house then phone to the house of DC. For some minutes he talked with some staffs of that house and asked them to return the cycle. From his conversation, I understood that someone who was talking to him was trying to place some objection. Then he told me to go to the house and said that if any problem arise I should let him know instead of dealing about it directly. I went there and from the entrance I got an ignoring reception. A person dressed as police asked me if I have any proof that the cycle was mine. Looks to me that he was trying to make me excited and out of control. But I told him that I am unable to proove that this cycle is mine. Before leaving Bandarban I left my cycle upon responsibility of the circuit house staffs. Now when they told me that someone from the residence of DC had taken it. Those people (Who took my cycle) also said that they will return the cycle only to the real owner of it while taking. So, here I am. But if I will not get my cycle back now then I will go back to talk to the staffs of the circuit house. As they were responsible they will find it for me and they will tell the name who took my cycle without obtaining permission from anyone. Then they went inside and bring my cycle. I saw that the carrier of my cycle was not there. The little kid (Son of DC) also came with the cycle. I asked him not to mind as I am returning it back. When I asked him how I can get my carrier back, those people starts talking again. They declared that there was no carrier in my cycle. Again I told them that if they have lost the carrier I would not mind as a carrier can be bought by less than 200 taka but if they are saying that I am lying then I have enough people and pictures to proove that there was a carrier in my cycle. Then the young boy said that they had removed the carrier and they don't know where it is now. I thanked him and said not to worry about it anymore. Then we gossip about my tour for some 15 minutes or so and said goodbye. Then I went to the market nearby and start searching for my cycle's carrier. Pointing to a closed shop one person told me that I will get my carrier here after 4 o'clock. I went to the press club to meet a few reporters. Though the office was close I met two of them in front of it. They were from "Pakhkhik Sangu", a local newspaper of the town. They told me that the press club will open after evening and invited me to visit their office anytime. I took their card and went to meet the NDC. I told him everything that had happened with me after I left his house and asked co-operation from him about accommodation. He told me that he does not have any vacant room at Circuit House now but there is another rest house at the same hill of the circuit house. That rest house belongs to the authority of Hill District Development Association. I asked him to phone them to refer me. He said that he does not have any good relation with the authority of that rest house and then instruct his circuit house staffs to support me if they can by any means. I went to the circuit house and asked some staffs if they know anyone of that rest house. One of them told me that he will try his best as he know about me very well. He took me to that place and ask the caretaker of that rest house to open a room for me. The caretaker was not so interested by himself. He also told the caretaker that the NDC would gave me a room if there was any at the circuit house. He also added that I was in their circuit house last time and I am good guest. Still he was not interested so, this man ask him to open a room on his courtesy till ExEn (Executive Engineer, who was head of that rest house) comes. He assured that if ExEn denies then I will leave the room. Now this caretaker opened a room with a confusing mind. Thanking the caretaker and that circuit house staff I place my luggages in the room. I took a little rest and went out to buy the carrier. First I bought the carrier and attached it with my cycle. Then, I took some food as I was a bit hungry. I roam around the town till the daylight lasts and then visit to the office of "Pakhkhik Sangu". I met both reporter of that paper in the office. We talk a lot and exchange opinions about various things. They showed me some picture of the previous tourists who were here at Bandarban. Later I went to the rest house and took a bath. In the middle of bath, I heard the caretaker knocking at the door. I told him that I am coming out as soon as I can finish my shower. When I was putting some clothes on me I heard one loud voice demanding the explaination to the caretaker for giving me the room. With my papers and camera I followed the voice coming from corridor. It was the room of ExEn. I heard him saying that this is not a hotel but rest house. So, without the requisition from his higher authority he will not permit even any government officials too. Looking at his eyes I stood in front of his room. I said, "Sorry, neither I am a government officer nor I have any high-class relatives to refer me. I am an ordinary cycle-tourist, roaming with my cycle to tour all the districts of my country. I am dreaming to finish this tour by my own finance and haven't requested any corporate firm to sponsor me before the tour. Your district is 37th I have visited and next morning I will start cycling for 38th district which is Rangamati." He looked and starts to observe me from the top-to-bottom of mine. I asked him if I should leave or he is interested to know something more about me as I do have some documents which can proove that I am touring to all the districts. With a bright smile he asked me to have a seat on his room and added, "You don't have to show me any documents as your appearance is describing you better than the words. I know how to recognise a tourist. So, if you don't have any other schedule to catch let's chat a bit." He ordered the caretaker to bring whatever the snacks possible soonest. He asked about the tour and I asked about him. I asked him why he was shouting with the caretaker. He answered that often he government officers want to book his room when they come here at vacation with their family for a long time. They create noises and make the room dirty as if it is their own house. That's why he does not like those unwanted guests. He is a son of this tribal area and joined at this job after completing his education at Russia. After talking for more than an hour he invites me to have my supper with him. Then he asked me to take some rests while he would go out for a visit to finish some works. He instruct the caretaker to give proper attention at me. I went to my room and packed my bag for the next morning. I went to the dining hall and asked the caretaker to wake me up when ExEn returns. Then I went to bed as I was feeling very tired. I can't remember when I fell asleep but suddenly I heard a knock on the door. When I open the door the caretaker asked me if I am ready to have my supper now. Following him I went to the room of ExEn and saw him waiting. I went to my room to sleep after finishing the supper with him.

I woke up very early and took a bath. Packed everything in the bag carefully. With my cycle I went outside and saw we were covered by heavy fog and I can't see the road clearly at the bottom of this hill. Also there was enough dew to make the ground wet. For some moments I was shocked and I went back to the room. I left my luggage at the room and came out with my camera. I took a lot of picture around me. Then with the help of caretaker I also took a picture of mine and asked the caretaker to inform me when ExEn will woke up. After spending about half an hour the caretaker told me that he has left the bed. I went to his room and his permission to start the 2nd phase of my Bangladesh Tour. I took a picture together with this faboulus personality and saying goodbye to him I start my paddle from this hill. After coming down from the hill of Circuit House I stopped over a bridge within town. This road will lead me till "River Chandroghona" through Bangalhalia. I took a few pictures over there. Then I stopped at the office of the person I met yesterday at bus. He was very happy to see me and introduced me with some of his co-workers. But as it was his first day at office after a vacation, I assume that he would have loads of work at his table. So, I showed a bit eagerness to start my journey. After a cup of tea he also agreed with me. He told me that he could spend the whole day with me if it was not his office. After saying goodbye to him I came to a point where four roads meet. I didn't know the name of this place. At the left side of mine there was a forest check-post. I took a photo of this point and asked people the road to Bangalhalia. Very soon I came in front of the "Radio Bangladesh, Bandarban". Standing in front of it's gate I took a picof this building. While taking the picture I saw a golden minaret at the top of a hill far away from me. It was more than eyecatching and I took a few more pic while cycling towards that hill. I crossed a Bailey Bridge and found a few shops and a side-road beside the mainroad. I stopped my cycle and drank some water there. Then I asked the shopkeeper how to reach that Pagoda of Golden Minaret. I though that I must cycle a bit more before reaching that road. But the shopkeeper told me that the side-road behind me is the starting point towards the Pagoda. I start pushing my cycle by that unmetalled way at hill. It was a very tough work as the whole path was not meant for cycling. At some points it was hard enough to keep the control of both cycle and balance. Somehow I just managed to reach at the top. Lots of labours were working for some kinds of construction. I asked those people how can I talk to someone of the Pagoda and if they will allow me to take some photo of it. They told me that the Pagoda opens at 4:00 p.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. Soon I saw a monk looking to me from inside. I went towards him and asked the same questions. He told me that I have to come after 4:00 p.m. to take photo of the Pagoda's interior. I told him the reason for which I am unable to come later. Then I asked him if I can take some photo by being a bit nearer to the compound. He allowed me to do so. He also helped me to take some photo. From a room, some other monk's were looking at me. After helping me he went to that room and I came outside. Here I asked those labour to take a photo of mine. When I was fixing my bag the monk who helped me came back and asked me to follow him. He told me that one of their head monk got interested to talk to me. I met him a lot of questions about my tour. Later he asked me why I want to visit a Pagoda and what is my idea about his religion. He thanked me after I answered him according to my point of view. Then he asked that other monk to open the Pagoda. He told that monk to show and describe me each and everything of the Pagoda with as much time as I need. I was afraid that I might never be able to come here again. So, I observed all the part of it. At entrance there was some small spaces similar to small rooms. Some miniature scenery were created in each of those small spaces. All of them were representing various incidents from "Buddha's Life". The monk described me all of them with details. I read lots of books on other religion as well as mine. So, I was able to talk about some of them. At the end of these spaces I find a small gate and staircase towards the main compound. I took two pictures of the land below from the staircase. The whole area of "Radio Bangladesh, Bandarban" was seen clearly from here. We climbed the stairs and step on the topmost part of the Pagoda. A room with a single minaret (The Golden Minaret) was in front of us. This room had four doors which were placed keeping same distance from each other. At the spaces between each two doors, there were four different statues of Buddha of different country's at different centuries.

Altogether there was 16 statues and here is a list of them.
Combodia: statue of 12th Century,
Srilanka: statue of 5th Century,
Bangladesh: statue of 7-9th Century,
Indonesia: statue of 8th Century,
China: statue of 7-9th Century,
Thailand: statue of 13-15th Century,
Vietnam: statue of 5-6th Century,
Afghanistan: statue of 2-4th Century,
Myanmar: statue of 17th Century,
Arakan: statue of 4-9th Century,
Japan: statue of 8th Century,
Korea: statue of 8th Century,
Nepal: statue of 5-6th Century,
India: statue of 5th Century,
Pakistan: statue of 14th Century &
Laos: statue of 17th Century.

I took pictures of all the statues and then I asked about the room under the minaret. For some seconds he thought something and open the door for me. I was looking inside standing at the door. I asked him again if I can enter inside the room. Again he gave me permission after thinking for few seconds. I went inside and even took pictures with his permission. He described me everything about the room. After listening everything I came out and went to a corner of the compound. In this corner there was a huge bell. Some text was inscripted (Might be Thai or Burmese) on it. Above the bell there was a statue of a beast, can only be found in dream or epic. It was a combination of various animals. There was also two pieces of clothes hanging from a high pole. I took pictures of these things and few of the ground area. When I finished observing all of it. I thank that monk and make myself ready to left that place. After a tough getting down from the hill I paddled again in thirst of "Seeing the Unseen." There was so less houses or people that no one can believe it. Only the natural beauty gave me company along with the sounds of winds and unseen birds. After cycling for a long time I saw a village market on the way. It was a vast plain land surrounded by hills. There was lots of paddy fields too. I find a few restaurants there placed in a straight line one after another. I enter at one of them and finish my lunch. Taking a picture of the restaurant I left the place for Rangamati. Soon I understood that a village is closing near to me. Before I would enter that village I had to stop my cycle. A group of young boy was blocking the road to pose for a photo. Between the group and me there was a photographer with Box Camera giving instructions for a group-photo. I came close to the photographer and ask him the reason of taking photo. He told me that these boys are the cricket player of this area and they will play in a tournament as a team. The photo is to memorise this event. After the photographer finished his job the team began to scatter. I asked them to pose again for my camera. I told them that I will be able to give them the copy of it right now, if they have a computer nearby. They were very happy to understand that the picture of mine will be a color one. As soon as I took the photo they asked me to go to a shop nearby which had three computers. Among them only one had XP operating System that supports my camera. I connect my camera with it and paste a copy of their picture. They were very happy to see the quality and size of their photo. They offered me a cup of tea with them and wished success for my tour before leaving. After cycling for sometime more I saw a sign-board "BANGALHALIA ONATH ASHROM" (Bangalhalia Orphanage Center). I went inside to look for those two boys I met at the day before reaching Bandarban Town for the first time (At Brick-field before Chimbuk). As I was unable to remember their names, I failed. I keep on going through these natural beauty. I bet any cyclists would love these tracks/trails whatsoever for the nature's touch surrounding it. After sometime more the road meets a river. It was river "Chandraghona". There was only one ferry for trasporting everything from this side to that. I saw that the ferry was loading vehicles and people from other part of the river. Looks to me that the other part of the river is much populated than this side. After sometime the ferry touched our ghat and I ride on it with others. I took a few photo from the ferry. One person who was standing beside me pointed his finger to a Chimney full of smoke. It was the "Chandraghona Paper Mill" emitting smoke. I also took picture of that chimney and wait for the ferry to reach the other side of the river.

NEXT

The Mirinza Top
The Gate of Mirinza Tourism Complex at Mirinza Hill.

Real Wild
The lonely road at peak of a hill with bushes of Tulshi everywhere.

Friend in need
Mr. Reza giving company while going Bandarban to restart the tour.

Real Man
A good hearted man, Executive Engineer of some Dept..