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| Chittagong: | The ............ (5/10/05 to ~~/~~/~~) | |
| Dhaka Division Dhaka Faridpur Gazipur Gopalganj Jamalpur Kishoreganj Madaripur Manikganj Munshiganj Mymensingh Narayanganj Narsingdi Netrokona Rajbari Shariatpur Sherpur Tangail Chittagong Division Khulna Division Rajshahi Division Barisal Division Sylhet Division |
Dhum, was the name where I landed from boat. Already the prayers of Johor time was over and the sun has passed more than half of his path in the sky. The boatman told me to follow the road towards the road of Zorawarganj and get new instruction from there. Some passengers of the boat also supported him. So, I start paddling through a un-metalled road as per people said. This was not a good road and I find it tough to paddle at some places. After 45 minutes or so I reached to a place where I saw an highway with lots of Inter-district buses. I asked some people about the road to chittagong though I was sure that I have to follow this highway from now. Local peoples confirmed me that Mirshorai Town is nearly 10 to 12 kilometres away. I start cycling with more energy as the road's condition become much better. Very soon I realised that I have to be much more carefull than I was in the previous road as too much buses were running by my side with tremendious speed. Nearly after an hour I reached the Mirshorai Town. Suddenly the roads looked familiar to me as I had travelled through this road a lot. I sit beside the road as I came to know that Sitakunda is around 18 and Chittagong Town is about 50 Kilometres away. Already it was evening time and I understood that I will not be able to reach Chittagong Town before Sunset. Soon I heard the Azan of Asar and start cycling again carefully. It was lonely road for a cyclist and only different thing was the sounds of train from far away. By the time of Magrib I reach at Sitakunda. I enter at a roadside retaurant and order some Ifter. I needed some rests and foods. So, I took a long time to eat them. Then I asked a person about the Bunglow and he showed me a boundary. All the government offices and the officers residence were situated within that boundary. I went inside and looked for the Bunglow. When I got it, there was someone else other than caretaker. Knowing my needs he asked me to go to the UNO's residence. He walked with me till there and got some of his friends on the way. It was dark everywhere due to load-shedding but they had torch with them. UNO was at the first floor and upon their call, UNO came at his balcony. From there he heard everything and asked them to check my papers. When the assured that the papers as well as cyclist seem to be genuin he told that person to open a room for me at the bunglow. Then we went to the Bunglow again. We meet the caretaker on the way and that person described what UNO said about me. I went to the bunglow and he open a room for me. He also light up a candle at my room. After taking a shower I went outside to see the surrounding. It was still dark. I phone to Dhaka and buy a pen from the shop opposite to the "Thana Complex Gate". I also eat something as an early supper as the caretaker told me the shops might not be open till late. Then I went back to the room and start writing some notes. Soon the caretaker came and I collect some info about Sitakunda from him. Later he went to his room beside mine and after sometime I went to bed too. At morning I woke up too early and knock at the door of caretaker who was sleeping at the next room of mine. I handed over the room and asked him to help me taking a photo. He was confused if I should pay for the room or not so I gave him all the addresses of mine and our club. I assured him that if UNO would ask him about the payment of the room then I will pay him as soon as he will tell me about that. Then I start cycling towards Chittagong town. After a few kilometers I saw a roadside restaurant mentioned as HINDU HOTEL (Due to the month of RAMADAN most of restaurant of our country remain closed except the restaurant ran by other religious people). I entered there and ask for breakfast. After that I continue my cycling and on the left-side of mine I saw a huge board mentioning "Botanical Garden & Eco-Park, Sitakunda, Chittagong." For some moments I was confused if I should enter or not. After a minute I decide not to enter right now and took a pic of the signboard. Then for a long time I was cycling. Today I was a bit afraid to cycle in a narrow road nearby to the area called Barobkunda. It was so narrow that whenever two busses were crossing each other pedestrians had to stop walking to save themselves. Crossing that area I find that the road was under-construction to widen it's length, it was a relief for me. After crossing this narrow road I saw the factory of PHP Glass. I never saw any glass factory and to see such a factory I went to their factory gate and express my wish. But the securities at the gate told me that I have to go to the head office of their factory at Chittagong to get the permission to get inside. I thank them and consider that thia wish of mine would not be a reality. Nearby to DT Road of Sonaichari, I saw a nice building at the bottom of a hill far from the mainroad. I took a pic of it and later knew that it was an University. Suddenly the tube of my rear wheel's burst and I had to stop cycling. I asked people about the rickshaw makers and they told me I have to walk at least one kilometer to get one. There was no rickshaw nearby and I start to walk with my cycle. I took a pic of it in front of a Factory called Najia (Pvt.) Ltd. After half an hour I find this man, Faiyaj under a tree with his tools to repair my cycle. He starts his work and chatting with me. Nearly an hour or so my cycle was fixed. I left him and start for Chittagong again. After some time I saw a ship's mast at the right side of mine far away from the road. The bottom of the mast was not seen due to some trees. Previously, I visited Chittagong a lot. Most of the times I had seen masts or other higher parts of the ships at this point. I always had a feeling that the port must be here and I could see lots of ships if could go there. Unfortunately, always I was in the bus and couldn't get down. I thought I should not miss my chance this time. I left the highway for that area and start cycling in an un-metalled road. I saw a few trucks passing me over and later I came close to a gate with a signboard "Jalalabad Ship-Braking Yards." I realiose my foolishness and remember that the ship-braking industry of Bangladesh is here at Sitakunda and this is neither a port nor a ship manufacturing/repairing yard, but it's a ship-braking yard. What else I could de when I came so close to here and crossed a good distance. I decided to visit it before I left this area. At the main gate I introduced myself and seek permission to enter their premises. The guard at the gate asked me to wait and gave my news to their security supervisor who was the only person in charge over there on that time. He was an ex-army person and asked me a few question about my intensions to visit a ship-braking yard. After being satisfied with my replies he asked one of their staff to escort me at the yard. He also ask me to roam freely as long as I want. I left my cycle in his shed and look around the yard. I took a few pictures too. After watching the yard I came out to the highway and soon find the shop with ships good. I knew that these are the shops that sell things found on the foreign ships. For the first time in my life I went inside a shop like this and watched their merchandise one by one with a good time. It was a single compound having lots of shops of this category. I took pictures of the compound and start cycling again. While I was crossing Vatiary I saw the text in the hill "CHIRO UNNOTO MOMO SHIR" of Poet Kazi Najrul Islam. I took a photo of that hill but it was far away from my camera. Then I cross a cadet college (Can't remember the name). After that the road suddenly went a bit higher and down by this road there was a railline crossed this road as a shape of tunnel. Before I could paddle higher heavy rain starts and I took shelter on a tailoring shop beside that high road. I thought that the rain would stop soon but it was not. Then I saw a train passing by that track and I took a few pic of them. I start cycling again when the rain stopped. Soon I came in front of the Chittagong Gate. At first I was unable to get anyone to help me for taking photo so I took phot of Chittagong Gate and my cycle in front of it. Before I would left that area I find a street-boy couragious enough to tackle my camera. Then I went to the DC Office directly but he was not there. I asked the location of his house to get him soonest. It was a nice hill where the residence of DC was. Name of this hill was DC Hill. There was a stage of concreat at the bottom of the hill named "Najrul Stage, Najrul Square, Chittagong". Lots of people as well as lots of couple were there for a evening-walk. I took some pictures of the park and went upwords as the residence of DC was at the top of this hill. I met his CA and knew that he is sleeping. He will sleep till Magrib and come downstair to work after taking a small rest. He and some other staffs of him advised me to roam a bit more in the town otherwise I might feel tired to wait for him. They assured me that if DC will meet a single person they will try to give me that chance as I have came from so far. I was happy for their commitment and asked the location of the press-club from them. I went in search of that and saw "Cheragi Mor". I took a two pictures of it and reached the press-club. The security guards over there told me that today there is no one at the press-club as they went to an Ifter-Party. I got the addresses of all other newspapers and left that place to have some snacks as Ifter. Then I went back to the residence of DC. I met few other staffs over there and all of them were very interested to chat about my tour. We talk and I took a pic of them. Later when the DC came down to his room they gave him the news about mine and I was called to enter there. He asked me to from where I had start this morning, then asked me when I reached at his office, then asked me to describe why I had needed that much time to reach DC office? I start to describe each and every detail of it with the help of my digital camera I also show him the pictures I had taken. At some points he was asking me some questions as query and asked me to continue. After telling everything, I find him satisfied enough and start gossipping about the future plan and the visions of mine related with my life & the tour. He asked his staffs for snacks and the letter I requested. He asked me to stay at Chittagong few extra days than other districts as it is a port city and bigger than other. Later he asked me that NDC of him will help me if he would have any chance as it is PUZA's time NDC is too busy with various people. I assured him that I would be able to manage my accommodation by myself if there would be no vacant room at the Circuit House. I left his room and the staffs of him told me to go to the Circuit House directly. They phone to a staff over there and requested him to talk to NDC about my accommodation. I arrive at Circuit House and look for that staff who received the phone from DC's Residence. He ask me to wait at the reception and inform NDC by phone. He told me that NDC will arrive very soon and talk to me. Meanwhile he starts talking about lots of things. After 90 minutes he phone to NDC about me and asked me to come after finishing my supper. When I came back after supper he showed me a room to stay. After I took my bath he came again and ask me that NDC has arrived and wish to meet me. I went at his room, he asked a few things and get busy with someone else. I went to my room and fall asleep. On the next morning I woke up, met Mr. NDC and said goodbye to him. I took few pictures at Circuit House and left that building. I went to the CJKS (Chittagong Jila Krira Shongstha) to meet the authority as last night DC Mr. Rumi told me to contact here with his certificate for some accommodation as an athlet. After reaching there I saw there none but a cleaning staff who told me to wait a bit more. Soon rest of the staffs came. I was introduced to Mr. Sarowar. who was the Office Manager. He looked at my paper and talked about me for a long time. He tried to contact the General Secretary of CJKS by phone but failed. Later he told me to roam at Chittagong town so that my time will not go to vein. I got few idea about the town and I went for a paddle. First I went to search the Khanjahan Computers to meet the brother of Hasan Bhai (AD of BADC-Tangail), Shohag. After an hour or so I got the location. When I went inside I was hopeless as they told me they have none named as Shohag. I tried to give them an idea how he looks but they did not recognise. I was sure that they were making mistakes as Hasan Bhai has given me the address of his younger brother by himself. They told me to check at some other computer firms. Taking addresses from them I searched for Shohag but same result. Then I went to the "USIS" or "American Center" of Chittagong nearby to the press-club. There I took a few photo too. I took my lunch on the road and went back to the CJKS at evening time. Mr. Sarowar asked me about my requirement for the room or what types of room I was expecting from them. When he understood that I can satisfy myself with any kind of room he said that he was expecting an answer like that. He told me that he has managed a room of CJKS by his own responsibility where I can stay as long as I want. He has done it because the General Secretary of CJKS did not arrive at the office but I had already met the President of CJKS so GS would not mind in it. I was very happy to hear his proposal and it seems to me that he liked me a lot. So, I went there with another office staff, place my luggage on the room and took a shower. One day I went to a pool club at GEC point of the town. Name of it was "Pool Zone" and it was at the top-floor of WALMART (A famous mini mall of Chittagong Town. The owner of this club were three brother and soon I met with one of them Zeeshan. We became very friendly to each other. While I was in Chittagong he gave me a lot of his time and I would like to say about him that he is a good man. Thank You Zeeshan. On the next morning I came to know that the Mayor of Chittagong City is going to Vietnam to get an award. I phone to Masum Bhai about this subject as he told me to meet this person specially as he also met this man when he was here. He told me that if I don't have any problem then I should stay at Chittagong till he comes back. I waited for him for a long time but the result was very bad. Anyway, one day Masum Bhai phoned me and said that he has prepared some T-shirts of our tour. To collect them either I have to go to Dhaka or he has to come to Chittagong. But as he is too busy about some work he is not having much time. I told him that Mayor of Chittagong town is not coming soon. So, if he will permit me then I can come to Dhaka by bus. He agreed and I went to Dhaka for a day to get them. Arriving at morning, I left Dhaka by night with the T-shirts. Another day I went to visit the "British Council" of the town as I was a member and reguler visitor of "British Council", Dhaka. It was behind a Super Market called Millenium. When I was there the guards would not allow me to enter as I was not one of their member. But upon my request they send a short note of mine to the officer-in-charge Mrs. Tasnim. She asked the guard to let me enter the premises with my cycle. I went inside and met her. We talked about the British Council of Dhaka. She told me about the facilities of this library and other services they were providing. It was almost closing time of the office hour and before leaving she introduced me with the Director of "British Council". I can't remember his name but I can still recall that he was going to a long vacation from that day as he said. I came out and took some pictures before leaving. Another day I went to visit the Shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bayejid Bostami. There I took 15 pictures. Another day I went at the center of the Stadium and took 25 pictures of it from one single by moving 360 degrees. I also took lot of photos of the stadium area starting from the entrance till the building of CJKS and the flood lights. I also visited the "Chittagong War Cemetary 1939-1945" and there I took 28 pictures. This was an excellent place and I signed the guest-book. Another day I start from the stadium to visit the port. I went at the "Bandar Bhaban" which was the secretariat of the port authority. After waiting for a long time I met the secretary but he did not give me the permission to enter at the port. When I was coming out from that building a soldier of Bangladesh Army who was standing at the main gate ask me to wait a bit more in the reception. Soon he came back and said that the security of this whole port area is a responsibility of the "East Bengal Regiment" of Bangladesh Army. One of their top officer has just came and he told his officer about me. Now if I will be able to present myself in a better way I might get the permission. So, I meet him. He ask me to show my papers. He talked with me about my tour and the possible outcome I expect from it. All of a sudden he starts to talk to me in English and I was answering him in english too. After some time he told me to go to the "Office of the Director Security". He told me to use his name as reference to got a entry-pass of the port. He also said that upon any confusion I should ask them to use wareless to contact him. I thank him and went to that office. The officer over there talked to me and later ask me to deposit my camera before entering the port. He asked me to take my cycle as the port is very big and I would be tired to walk if I wish to see it totally. I was there and for the first time in my life I experienced it. Lots of ships were anchored over there. Some were just waiting while some were loding and unloading the goods. I saw few laboures were catching fish with a hooks and cottons. I saw foreign sailors and got thrilled. I also saw Navy and Army personnel were guarding with speedboat at the water. It was a great experience. After leaving that area I headed for the Patenga Sea beach. At a point I took the path of left side which was adjacent to the Karnaphuli river. In this road I saw some ships unloading their materials in some small jety. Before the "EPZ Karnaphuli" I took my lunch at a roadside restaurant targeting for low-earning peoples. Then I saw the Airstrip of Army. After that I was cycling and watching the view of Anowara which was the opposite side of the river. In between us lots os ships were moving and standing idle. The KAFCO industry at Anowara was clearly seen from this side. Soon I came to the "Shah Amanat International Airport" and visit it. I also saw the broken aircraft left at the termack. Then I saw that point where "Karnaphuli River" meets "Bay of Bengal". After the "Naval Academy" the forest of Jhau Tree's (Maybe Palm Tree) starts and suddenly I reach the "Patenga Beach". I was there till the sunset and then returned with 30 pictures for whole day. One day I went to the big mosque of "Wasa Mor". I perform the Jummah's prayer there and also took some photo. I had visited the Sadarghat area of Chittagong to buy one Tyre & Tube. I replaced my old ones at the rear side. At the Aambagan area of Chittagong Town there was the only seismic observatory of our country. So, I visit that too. I met the Person in-charge over there and took photo together. One day I was cycling and saw a garden named "Biplob Uddayan" (Garden of Revolution). I got interested to know some more about it and soon saw another artificial stone stated that "This place is where the direct fight took place with the Pakistani Army against the Eighth East Bengal Regiment at the day of 25th March 1971. I took few photo of that place. Then I went to the "Alliance Francaise" of Chittagong. I met the director of this office and he was very glad to meet me. He wish success for my tour. Once the charger of the rechargable battery for my camera got some problem and I had to visit Riazuddin Market to fix it. Either with Zeeshan or with Sazzad I spend most of late evening of mine at Chittagong. Sazzad was the eldest son of Mr. Sarowar and also a very bright Badminton Player. I used to watch his practice game at the gymnasium of CJKS. With Zeeshan, he gave me enough company to be called as friend. We had lots of Iftari together, he introduced me with lots of his friends and younger brothers. Even I went to a function of his friends at Chittagong. At last I got the news that the Mayor of Chittagong is coming back from abroad. So, I went to his residence but there I saw a huge crowd waiting to welcome him. Most of them were supporters of his politician party and other were official of Municipal Corporation. I thought I would not get any chance to meet him in this crowd and I left that place. While I was coming back I saw him in a car with security returning home. The next day I went to his office "Chittagong City Corporation". Officers of the office told me that he will join at office tomorrow. If I am interested to get any letter then I have to take it from the Acting Mayor. So, I decided to come again tomorrow. Leaving the office I thought I should meet the Mayor at his office and tell him about Masum Bhai. When I went their his Residential Secretary ask me to wait as a team of Foreign Deligate is coming to meet him and he is waiting for them. He also told me that he will introduce the Mayor with me as soon as the deligate will leave the house. Soon that team arrive and the Mayor himself came out to receive them. They went inside and after an hour they left his house. I asked that person who told me to wait and he took me inside. We enter in a room where Mr. Mohiuddin (Mayor) was talking to some other guys. From their conversation I understood that they were talking about their business of upcoming Hazz. He asked about me to the person who was accompanying me. Just as soon as he starts a few line about me, Mayor shout out loudly that he does not have any time or wish to meet some Tourist or Vagabond. He said something more with a bad temper which I can't write here. I was shocked at his behave. I decided that I will not ever meet him and understood that the image what he had was actually nothing but showed off in front of media. Before I met him I was thinking that he is a leader of people. But find him same as most of our politicians. So, I decide not to ask for any letter from him and phone Masum Bhai about this. I went to the City Corporation Office right that time and asked the secretary of Mayor to give me a letter from "The Acting Mayor". He did so and I went back to the stadium for rest. I was mentally prepared to left Chittagong tomorrow. This incident of mine at Chittagong was the worst incident of all. On the day of 00th October I woke up early, met a few people of CJKS staffs specially Mr. Sarowar After finishing the breakfast I start my cycle from the back entrance of Stadium M. A. Aziz. I had some idea about roads. Moreover I was asking some rickshaw pullers about the direction. Very soon I saw the bridge over Karnaphuli River. I took a few picture of the bridge from various points. Rest of the roads was easy for me and I was not asking anyone about it at highway. Once I stopped to watch little boys and girls trying to catch small fishes. I took their photos and chatted with them. I was enjoying an easy ride while watching the nature until the cycle starts to provide some noises. So, when I arrive at Upazila Potiya I took a break to buy some foods and checking-up the cycle. After fixing the cycle completely I ran as fast as possible by the by highway. It was the last hour under sunlight of the day; I stopped by the forest office of Chunati. I knew that Mr. Moazzem was in-charge of this office, who was colleague of Mr. ------- (Bit officer of Herbang). I enter in his office to locate Mr. ------ . When I met and asked a staff of the office about Mr. Moazzem he took me to the room of Mr. Moazzem. Luckily I found Mr. -------- was present at Mr. Moazzem’s office along with some other officer. He introduces me with others in such a way I was much honored. I understood that he talked about me previously with his colleagues. He invites me to stay in his house as the daylight was fading. Soon we heard the “Aazan of Magrib” and everyone become busy to take Ifter even Mr. ------- . After eating we chatted for nearly two hours. While we were gossiping the officers decided that I should stay in the rest house situated in this complex. They explain that house of Mr. ------- is about a distance of one hour cycling or more. Also there are no lights on the highway and they are considering it as risks for me to cycle towards his house. After Mr. ------- left with other officers Mr. Moazzem took me to show the empty rest house with a caretaker. He ordered the caretaker to clean the room I choose. After the room was cleaned I left my luggage in the room and went downstairs with Mr. Moazzem. We talked about an hour in his quarter. Then we sat for the supper. After eating he went outside for a round as a duty and I went to room for a sleep. |
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