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| Cox's Bazar : | 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 |
At morning I woke up from the noise of birds. With the help of Mr. Moazzem's staff I took two pictures at the backside of rest house. When I looked at the forest from the rest house I felt like I was in a deep Jungle. It was an awosome experience. I think I will never forget it. Then I went downstair where Mr. Moazzem was waiting for me. I slept a bit more than usual and he woke-up much earlier than me. He said that he has to go out right now as a part of his job and I should not leave without the breakfast. He left me with the caretaker and I left rest house after finishing the breakfast. I start cycling and it was a very pleasant experience. Soon I reached the house of Mr. ---------, Bit Officer of Harbang Forest. He was in the house and expecting me. We sit, chat and spend a lot of time together. He introduced me with his Cat & Monkey. His Kitty kept a distance from me while his monkey start to walk all over at my body. He even gave me small bites which was his sign of love as per Mr. ----- said. I took 13 pictures there. After passing a long time I start for Coxbazar again. Rest of the day I just cycled slowly and reached the town Coxbazar after Migrib time. I had to stop on the way before Ramu due to some sudden heavy rain. Entering at town I went to the press club first. There I met a guard who told me that after the prayer of Tarabih some reporters might come back as they left the club. Then I went to the circuit house and meet some staffs who were able to recognise me. They advised me to meet NDC or ADC (General) for the permission related with accommodation. I went to the quarter where all the staffs of the DC Office lived. I could not find the NDC over there. Then I looked for the house of ADC (General). I left my cycle at the gate of his colony and went upstair. He met me and said that as long as I am not meeting DC sir he is not ready to refer me but he behaved well enough with me. I went downstair and heard a cracking sound. It was a jeep ran over at my cycle. The Jeep was still riding on my cycle and I shout out to stop the Jeep. It stopped but my cycle was still under one of it's wheel. I told the driver to free my cycle first. He did so and came out from the driving seat. The fork as well as the rim of one wheel was damaged. I guess it could have much more damage and should be checked by some expert technician. The driver asked me how dare I kept my cycle there and what is my reason to enter in this area. When I told him my reason then he changed his voice. He introduced himself as the driver of ADC (General) and requested me to keep silence about this incident. Then he told me to carry my cycle in his car. He asked me if I can guess about the repairing cost for the cycle. I told him that I have no idea about what has broken or what type of care it will need. So, he went to a Rickshaw technicians shop with my cycle. He asked the technician about the lowest possible price to fix it soonest. The technician said that he needs time to examine it first to sort out the problem. It was dark and I asked him to take time to sort out all the problems. I understood that the driver is paying the repair cost unwillingly and he will try to escape with possible smallest charge. For him it is just another cycle while I have to paddle more 28 districts with this one. The technician said that the rims of the wheels were damaged and without fixing those none can run the cycle. After fixing those rim other problems can be detected while cycle. Fixing these rim perfectly, would take around 40 minutes or more. So, I told the technician that we will be coming at morning which will be enough for him to fix the rim and look what else were damaged. I asked the driver to drop me at Circuit House. He did so and told me to wait next morning at Circuit house. Watching the car of ADC (General) at this hour, staffs of Circuit House came at Parking Lot. When they saw he was not in his car, they wanted to know where my cycle is. Before I could say anything the driver told them that my cycle needs some repair work and I will get it tomorrow. He also added that the staffs of the Circuit House should try their best to arrange my accommodation. After he went away the staffs asked me about my cycle again. This time I was able to tell them everything. They asked me to submit a written report about it to the NDC. When I said that it is not necessary as he is paying for the damages. They told me that this driver has lots of bad reputation about harming people. Whenever he understand that the person he is dealing with is weak he makes more problem. If the person is powerfull then he asks forgiveness and convince that person not to report to anyone against him. Even though I understood, I was not interested to complain against anyone on that time. When I asked them about the accommodation they told me that they are trying and will be trying to contact NDC and I should finish my supper by the time they will be trying. They told me not to worry. As they knew me and even NDC permitted us to use his room just a few days back, so it will not be a problem for me to get a room. I went fast to get some food as the good hotels were far away from the Circuit House and I was without my cycle. When I return they told me that maybe the cell-phone of NDC was turned off and they couldn't reach him. At this hour of night they were not even able to phone in his landphone. But they asked me not to leave the circuit house. They told me that I can pass the night in the dining room as they knew me. I consider his request as I intend to leave Coxbazar tomorrow as soon as I get the letter signed by DC and my cycle is fixed. So, I took a chair and came out to the terrace. After some time one of the staff came out to gossip with me about my tour. We talked a lot and when I was tired I went inside. I set my phone and camera-battery to charge and sit on the chair with a table. At morning I find myself sleeping whole night on that table-chair. Today when I woke up it was early morning and start looking for someone. I asked one of the staffs to look after my bags while I would have a walk towards the beach. I asked them to phone me if the driver of ADC will arrive. I went to the beach straight but still there were lots of tourist walking there at that time. I forgot to took my camera with me so, I could not get any photo. I sat on the sand and try to gossip with the waves and winds. They were very good listener to my Joy & Sorrow. After sitting for a long time I felt hungry and left the beach. I took breakfast on a restaurant nearby the beach and went back to the circuit house. I asked the staffs if the driver of ADC showed up or not. Then I asked them if there is any special place to photograph other than beach. They adviced me to go to the Hilltop Circuit house as it has a broader view over the beach and more. I took the camera and wrap it with a plastic as it was raining a little. Then I went upwards for that place. It starts just from the opposite side of this circuit house. Really it was a nice place to watch the beach and a part of the town below. I took a lot pictures and walk around. I met a few local people over there. We talked and took photo together. There was something shaped as a tomb. Then I went to the boat terminal behind the Police Station. I took a lot of picture over there and came back. The staffs of the circuit house inform me that the driver of ADC came and said that I will get my cycle by evening. Then I went to the cycle mechanics to know about the condition of my cycle. They told me that it need some parts badly (which were damaged) and when the driver came they told him about it. But the driver denied and said to manage with the damaged one. They told me that they are able to fix it but within a week or so it might be out of order totally. Then I will be bound to replace them. I asked them not to fix the cycle without the new parts and went back to circuit house. There, I phoned the driver and asked him to change the parts of my cycle soonest. Actually I was not interested to fall in bigger problem while I will be in Hill Tracts. He told me that he will buy it tomorrow. Then I went to the residence of DC before prayer and his guards who were very co-operative told me to come back again at evening. I left his house and finished my prayer. Then I went to a restaurant nearby DC office and took my lunch. Later I visited the markets at town. Most of the shops in these markets were run by Rakhain (Name of a Tribe lived at Coxbazar and Kuakata of Patuakhali) Peoples. These markets are known as Burmese Markets. I took photo of these markets and the products they were selling. On my way to return I took pictures of Shahid Minar of the town. Then I went to the beach and spend a lot of my times there. At evening I went to DC's residence but he was in busy for some kinds of party and couldn't meet me. I went back to the circuit house and find there is too much crowd. The staffs over there told me that they are busy for there is a VIP staying at circuit house right now. I went to the beach again as I thought I would leve Coxbazar tomorrow if I can even get that letter from the ADC General. I watched the sunset and the tourists who were having a good time. Later I walked in the town for a long time. I even visit the cycle mechanics shop and ask them to take some special care to my cycle. They assured me about that. I took my supper at a roadside hotel and came back to circuit house at 10 o'clock. At morning I phone the driver of ADC (General) and went to the DC office. I met ADC and took the Compliment Letter from him. Then I went to market to buy the spare parts for my cycle and went to the cycle mechanics place. They did not take long time to fix it and soon I took my cycle to have a last round around Coxsbazar. I went to the topmost point of Beach Highway. Took some picture from there and look towards the Bay. When I was looking at it I felt as if it was pulling me towards him. I sat on the cycle, release the brake and it was running very fast towards the bay by that slope. To see how close my cycle can go towards the bay, I did not paddle on it. After some time the slope finished but still it was going because of it's speed gathered from slope. The road was coming to it's end and the cycle was slowing down but I had to brake by myself. If I would not use the brake, I could fall down to the beach by the broken part of the "Marine Drive". I stopped there and look around. Suddenly I saw a breath-taking beautiful Cafe on the beach. A cafe made of wood standing on some strong logs. It was low-tide on the bay but still a few wave was touching the logs which were stubbed deep beneath in the sand. A small wooden bridge from the edge of “Marine Drive” was connecting the café with road. To me it was like a dream. Anyway I went there and meet the caretaker of it. He told me that the café is closed and after one hour it will be open for all. As I was interested to meet the owner of the café he informed me that the owner of the café operates it by himself and he will be available here after an hour. I went back to the circuit house, took my luggage’s and said goodbye to the staffs of it. Then I cycle to the Cycle Mechanics place and meet them. I also took a pic of them and went straight to the café. The name of it was “ANGEL DROP – BECAH CAFE”. The caretaker took me to the owner of it and introduced me with him. Sazzad, just 2/3 years elder than me become a perfect friend of mine from the start. I liked him and the café so much that I decided to spend the whole day and night at that mesmerizing café. All day long we spend the time together. Lying on some beach chair we were simply watching the waves, chatting about our hobbies, passion, past carrier, what we think of love, favorite music, artists, foods, friends, etc. We even try to criticize ourselves. Sometimes he was busy with the maintenance of the café and I was watching the waves alone. The day passed away. Before Sunset he helps me to lock my cycle at a secured area. All day long it was left unsecured and unlocked in the road with all my luggages on it. I sat on the café and watch the sun diving on horizon. Sazzad introduced me with everyone in the café known to him. A group of young boys also arrive with the guiter to get some tips from Sazzad. We chatted a lot. They were singing and smoking while I was listening to their song and the rhythm of the waves. Late at night Sazzad asked his caretaker to keep my cycle at kitchen and stay alert if I will need anything at night. He left the café and I went to the hanging balcony of it. I had the intension to spend all the night at that point of the balcony to watch the bay and waves so the caretaker prepared a bed for me at that part of the balcony. He also arranged some anti-mosquito coil before leaving the café to guard it from the road. I sat on my bed, looked on the starry sky, non-stop waves and thinking about lots of things at the speed faster than light (Maybe). I talked to the waves and stars about my love often I was talking to her. I imagine that she was sitting beside me and it become one of my loveliest nights. It was daylight everywhere when I woke up at morning. I asked the caretaker to bring my cycle. Then I look towards the bay. It was beautiful but gentle. Somehow I felt like that it is saying goodbye to me. In reply I promise to her that I will return. I took a deep breath of salty breeze coming from her waves. I sat on my cycle and whisper goodbye to everything else except her. I paddled towards the bypass touching Beach Highway. When I was at topmost point of the highway I looked back to see those waves for some last few seconds. Starting from there I stopped again at the point of “Myanmar Bangladesh Friendship Road” and took some pictures. After few hours at the right side of the road I saw the sign board of “Dulahajra Safari Park”. I cycle towards it to reach the main entrance. There I met Sumon whom I met at the rest house of Malumghat Ranger’s (Forest) Office. He recognize me first as I was in my cycle. I asked him about others and he asked me about the current status of my adventure. He took me to the office of the park and introduces me with everyone. They asked a person (One of the office staff) to act as my guide and escort me back to their office. We start roaming there by visiting the deer’s area first and took some pictures. Suddenly the rain starts and we took shelters under a huge umbrella. After the rain stops we start to see the whole park again. We visited all the animal cages. Rain was not stopped totally and often we had to take shelters. Anyway, after walking and visiting it with a long time we returned to the office compound at the main entrance. I saw a small crowd around my cycle and even Sumon was also there. He told me that all of these people are waiting to see me and they would be glad if I will talk to them for a while. Here I was feeling admired and I was also happy to share some experiences of mine. Beside sharing my experiences I also asked them about the road I will be facing before Lama. Some of them knew that road and advised me perfectly towards Lama. They mentioned various kinds of landmark to recognize the name of the places to understand where I am and how much road I have to cross to be at Lama. Later I said goodbye to them and went towards the Fashiakhali. On the way I stopped at the Restaurant of Malumghat. After having some food I reached at Fashiakhali around 5 o’clock. It was a side-road from the highway with a sign-board mentioning that Lama and Alikadam’s road starts from this point. I looked towards that road, it seems mysterious to me for some unknown reason. I had feeling that some kinds of unknown danger is waiting for me, I was a bit afraid. So, I thought I should get some advice more about this road before starting. I went to the nearby army camp (Which was head-quarter of a regiment). I introduce myself and asked for a short briefing about this road. After observing my papers they asked me if I am determined enough to use this road or not as this road is unsafe for a lonely passer-by (As per their thoughts). When I said that I will go only by this way they asked me to pass the night at Chokoria Dakbunglow and meet them again at morning. They explained that if I will starts riding now I will not be able to get any shelter for night before it is dark. Moreover the roads of plain and hill are not the same and I should start tomorrow with fresh energy and enough times in my hand. I went towards the Chokoria and directly went to the residence of UNO of it. He was having his prayer (Tarabih) and the caretaker of his house told me that it will be around 9 o’clock when he will come back. So, I went to a barber shop for a haircut and shave. Then I went back to the residence of UNO. I met him and describe my needs. After checking my papers he ordered his house caretaker to escort me to the Dakbunglow. This caretaker introduces me to the caretaker of Dakbunglow. He unlocks a room for me and I was relieved. I took shower and went outside for some food. After having a light supper I walk around for some time. Peoples were talking about the chairman election of that area which was just finished and someone named Mr. Jafar won the election. Peoples were talking about the ceremony where he will take vow as a chairman. I went to my room and looked at the leaflet of “Dulahajara Safari Park”. One of the staffs of that park gave it to me which contains lots of information about the park. Later I fell asleep with a mind thrilling mood as I would be entering Bandarban tomorrow by a road not preferred by anyone. At morning I woke up and before leaving the Dakbunglow took a photo of mine with the help of caretaker. Then I cycle towards the army camp. After I reach there they let me enter at their compound and ask me about the things I am carrying. They checked all my papers and starts gossiping about my tours. After getting a good detail of my tour they asked me about the main reason of choosing this road as my route. I explained them. They describe me that the way towards Bandarban from Satkania (Chittagong) is much safer and easier than this road and I should choose that road as route not this. I told them that still now I am interested about this road. Then they start telling me about the various dangers on this road and the probability of them. Still I did not change my intension and so they ask me what should they do to forbid me from following this route. I told them that they have to force me by some law or so to forbid me from choosing this road as route, otherwise I will not change my mind. Then they start describing those problems again and advise me how to avoid some of them. Before saying goodbye they gave me 12 packets of biscuits and asked me to eat them when I will not have any shop to buy something at tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. They also told me to contact them whenever I might have some trouble. For any problem they told me to search for a nearby army camp to send a radio message to this camp. I thank them and one of them named Mamun Bhai escort me to the main gate. I paddled to that point of three roads and looked back to the army camp. Then I look towards the road and start cycling. Cycling to this road was something not similar to other districts. There were tall trees around me and it looked like a road through the heart of a Jungle. On the way I stopped for a snap with some rubber collectors |
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