Focus Bangladesh

Kamalapur Rail Station:A Tale of a station

2012-01-22T21:08:00.006+06:00

Kamalapur Railway Station is the central railway station in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is the largest railway station of the country, however the most important terminal for communication between Dhaka and whole Bangladesh. It is also one of the most modern and striking buildings in Dhaka designed by American architect Robert Boughey. Kamalapur railway station situated in the north-east side of Motijheel.

There was only one railway station in Fulbaria, Dhaka. After the partition of Bengal, Dhaka became one of the important cities. But when the station need to extended then it was planned to transfer to somewhere else and then Kamalapur was selected for extension. Once upon a time it used to be a paddy field. At the starting of the 60’s this station was built. At that time it was one of the important establishment in the east Pakistan. It was mesmerizing to people at that time as there was not so many beautiful structures in Dhaka. At that time consulting engineers Pakistan ltd established an architectural firm in Dhaka in 1960 named Berger Engineers in collaboration with the American firm Luis Berger Inc. Several architects working for them and teaching at East Pakistan University of Engineering and technology designed many institutional buildings up to 1967. An inconsistency can be traced in their work as of them had little knowledge and of them had little knowledge and experience of the local context, and often different architects were designing different architect building in the servre campus. Their works were comparatively national and neat. Among the Berger architects, Robert Bouighy maintained a consistency in architectural vocabulary, technical excellence and aesthetics in his creatives, concrete frame structures and its honest expression through ribbon window, non-load-bearing partition walls and cantilevered veranda as are some examples that characterised Bouigh’s design. An inter-marriage of spatial and structural innovation culminated in his outstanding designs of the Kamalapur railway station, which is remarkable for the open petal shaped canopy unifying a number of otherwise disjointed buildings an innovative expression through architectural forms.

Architectural Value

Kamalapur railway station was built by Robet Bouighy and it reflects his own way of style. It is an architectural marvel with lotus-shaped shell structure covering the functional buildings like an umbrella and thus unifying all various spaces beneath it. Robert Boughey was among the five American professors of architecture who used to teach at BUET when it opened the program in 1962. There are some 21 ticket counters and we can buy all local tickets from 20 ticket counters and we can even buy tickets to go to India and its ticket counter is different. There are 2 waiting rooms and one for first class and another for second class passengers. There are 8 platforms and we can find 2 restaurants in front of the ticket counters and there are also some fast food shops near the ticket counters. It was only a meter-gauge car serving station even one year back but now (from 2008) both meter-gauge and broad-gauge trains can operate from here.

Present condition

When it was built it was maintained very carefully, but slowly time passed and it lost its previous condition. Every day it is like almost 50 trains allots from here to different cities in Bangladesh. There are 47 local trains, 28 express trains and 24 inter city trains. To help the general people there are lots of security guards, station masters and station manager. Every day there are thousands of people who come across the station and travel throughout the country. Usually we can use this trains to go to any part of the country except Borisal, Potuakhali. We can now also go to India direct from this station. The platforms always remain populated whether it is night or day. We will find people all the time and they all are seen in rush and hurry. We will come across so many pickpockets, beggars and hijackers at the station. In the night it is so difficult to move from here and there as there is a risk of our life. Though lots of guards, police and rabs are seen outside the station to control the situation but still there are some risks. In front of Kamalapur railway station, there is Pir Jongi’s Majar (a famous shrine). Kamalapur station looks very crowded during the time of train. Taxi, auto rickshaw, rickshaw, private car and many more vehicle are gathered in front of station. Centering on the Kamalapur Railway station, a huge floating market establish in this area. However there is small tea stall and small shops where the product which is necessary during journey are available. This open air markets generally available booklets, bread, mineral water, dry food, juice, t-shirt, napkins, cigarettes, etc. As there reality the station is the sleeping place for the homeless people. It is true there is floating prostitution with high risk of AIDS. However the station is playing important role in commerce of Motijheel area.Source:wikipedia.com

Celebration of 40 years since Victory of Bangladesh and Winter...

2011-12-31T12:22:00.010+06:00

A colorful and mind blowing cultural program on occasion of victory day

Exhibition of Baul Photographs at the Sarwardi Uddan

Fireworks display on 16th Decemember 2011 at Sarwardi Uddan,Dhaka

The spirit of the Victory day

Fireworks display on 16th Decemember 2011 at Sarwardi Uddan,Dhaka

Winter landscape

Reflection

Still Life

Portrait Study

It was a cold evening out there !

Saint Martin:Island of Sun and Sand

2011-11-15T11:51:00.051+06:00

The magnificant sun rise in Saint Martin

The Coral Beach

The Blue Marine Hotel

The Cherra Dwip

I still remain....

The Coral

The fishing boat

At first I would like to thanks people of Saint Martin for their wonderful behaviour and co-operation.It was really a enjoyable tour.The sun set,sun rise,the moon lit night,the breeze,the hot sun,the wave...everything was marvelous and speechless.Before stating my experience I would like to share some basic information about saint martin.

St.Martin is one of the most attractive tourist spot in bangladesh.Saint Martin’s Island is Located on the southern-most tip of Bangladesh, roughly between 20° 34² - 20° 39² N and 92° 18² - 92° 21' E and 48 kilometers off Taknaf, the most southern main land of Bangladesh . The Island is flat and just only about 3m high from the sea level. The island is very much resourceful with enormous biological diversity such as existing fauna and flora Coral, Mollusk, Fish, Amphibian, Turtle, Snail, Bird and Mammals. Besides above coconut tree is the important cash crop. For the abundance of the coconut tree, local people call it Narikel Jinjira.

St. Martin Island is about 7.315 km in length. Geographer and experts divide this island into three parts. Northern part is called Narikel Jinjira or Uttarpara. It is 2. 134 km long and 1, 402 m wide. The southern part is called Dakshin para by the local and its length and width are successively 1929 m and 1890 m. The middle part which known as Maddhapara locally is connecting the two parts. The length and width respectively 1524m and 518m.

In addition to the main island there are some number of small islands are found in there. The people of Saint Martin Dwip is called them Cheradiya or Siradiya which means separate island. Though there are numbers of separated small islands in St. Martin Island, Only one notable separated island is a place of tourist’s visiting which we called Cheradiya or Chera dwip. The others are not as big as it.

Chera Dwip is a part of St. Martin Island but it is separated during tides. You can easily go there on foot in the time of outgoing tide or low tide. You can be going there within 1.5 to 2 hours.

Saint Martin Dip (island) is the only coral island and the most attractive island of Bangladesh. Though the area is about 8 square km approximately, it reduces to about 5 sq. km in the high tide.

source:http://www.everyneededinfo.com/saintmartin

Personal experience: I started for st.martin at 8:30 pm from arambagh bus stand on 09.11.11.My wife munia,my daughter rosa and my sister-in-law raha were my travel companion.at 8:45 pm we boarded on Shamoli paribahan for going to teknaf.On this nigh long journey we had our dinner at noorjahan resturant at commilla.At 1:00 a.m we crossed chittagong town and had a little refreshment at chokria.At dawn around 7:00 am we reached Keary Sinbad ship jetty and had our breakfast with eggs,paratas and dal vaji.We board on Sinbad on 9:30 am form teknaf jetty and headed for st.marting.The sky was clear.the sun was hot and air was warm.The sea was claim.As the ship crossed the mouth of naf river,we entered to the deep sea,the ship was little twisting.All landmarks just vanished.I could sea only water around the ship.we crossed a number of fishing boats engaged with fishing.

cherra deep

Beach of saint martin(near main jetty)

The flying fish

Coconut seller at cherra deep

Cherra deep

Children of the island-1

Cherra deep

Vistor on cherra deep

Landscape of cherra deep

The Cherra Deep

Main Jetty

The Dream-1

Main Jetty

The light after the sun set

Main beach after the sun set
Children of the island-2

The upper (Children of the island-2) published on the popular weekly magazine of Bangladesh
named 'Shaptahik-2000'

The lonely boat

The sun set on the western beach

The dawn(ISO 1600,55 mm,F4.0,S1/2s,aperture priority)

Mawa and The Padma Resort,Munshigonj

2011-06-04T15:18:00.018+06:00

পুরানো ঢাকায়....

2011-05-06T17:42:00.031+06:00

ঢাকাইয়া সর্দার

জাহাজীর জীবন.........

সাধনা

হরি দিন যে গেল......

নববর্ষ-১৪১৮

2011-04-14T23:56:00.024+06:00

দারুন একটা দিন কাটলো। ১৩ এপ্রিল থেকেই মনটা উড়ু উড়ু। বসন্তের শেষ বিকেলের বাতাস জানিয়ে গেল তার বিদায়ী সূর। তপ্ত কোকিল আকাশের দিকে তাকিয়ে ঝড়ের জন্য ব্যকুল হয়ে বসে ছিল। কচি আমের গন্ধ মনকে নাচিয়ে গেল বার বার। প্রকৃতির ভিতর কেমন যেন একধরনের অস্হিরতা,নতুন কে পাবার জন্য ? নগরীর পথে প্রান্তরে বয়ে গেল রং-এর বন্যা। প্রাণের টানে ভোর সকালে চলে গেলাম রমনা বটমূলে বর্ষবরণ অনুষ্ঠানে।গানের সূর-লহরী ছড়িয়ে পড়ছিল দিকে দিকে। লাল পান্জাবী আর লাল-পেড়ে সাদা শাড়ি মনের ভিতর রং ছড়িয়ে দিল। পান্তা ভাতে ডুবন্ত ইলিশ আর সুন্দরী তরূণীদের লাস্যময়ী হাসি মিশে একাএকার হয়ে গিয়েছিল।নারীদের এত খুশীর দিন যেন আসেনি আগে ! ক্যামেরা বন্দী করলাম কিছু সুন্দর..

রমনা বটমূলে ছায়ানটের বর্ষবরণ

মংগল শোভায়াত্রা

Khagrachhari :The Land of Sun,Green and Hills

2011-04-01T16:49:00.055+06:00

Bird's view:Khagrachhari Town

Watch Tower

The Changee River

Wild flowers

Working people of Khagachhari

Inside the mysterious alutila cave....the thrill began....

Alutila Cave:The cave is situated in Alutila Hills and was created naturally by the stream of water.The cave is 100 meter long and very adventurous .There is no extra tickets for entering the cave.Alutila Hills entry fee is only 5 taka(which included entrance fee for the cave) .You may buy a torch made of local materials from the main gate of the alutila hills.Many people visit alutila hills and the cave every year but many people return without entering to the cave,because entering to the cave depends on courage.It is very energetic work.The cave is situated on the foot of the alutia hills.We had a guide and he lead us (Yead,Shantu and me) to alutila cave.We went down of the hills by steep stairs.The outside of the cave is rounded and there is a narrow stream of water running inside of the cave.The weather inside the cave was cool and very refreshing..It is said that,Pythons and bats are seen in the cave occasionally..but we did not find any creature there.....there may be some snakes are seen in the rainy season..I think.We felt very thrilled when entering to the cave.we lightened our torches and follow our guide.It was completely dark inside the cave. at first we could not see any thing.Our eyes adjusted the light and we could see a narrow passage through the cave.The cave is rocky and a narrow and shallow stream of water was running.When I reach the middle of the cave i found that there was nobody on front of me ...but I did not stop...after 10 to 15 minutes I saw a ray of light in front of me and I realized that I have came to end of the cave at last...it was really a wonderful adventure that I made after a long time....

A Traditional Tribal House

Parjatan Motel,Khagrachari

The Resung fountain,Alutila,khagracchari

Sun set over the New Zea land(locally called),Khagrachhari

'System'-A favorite chakma resturant at pankhai para in khagrachhari town

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Khagrachhari (Bengali: খাগড়াছড়ি) is a district in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Chittagong Division and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Its local name is "Chengmi". Khagrachari is also known as Phalang Htaun or the Mong Circle (of the rest of the three hill districts Rangamati is the Chakma Circle and Bandarban is the Bohmong Circle).

Khagrachari town is the home town of the Mong Chief (currently King, or Raja, Saching Prue Chowdhury who is the head of the Arakanese descendants living in the circle. It also is the administrative headquarter of Khagrachari district-source:wikipedia

প্রকৃতি অকৃপণভাবে সাজিয়েছে খাগড়াছড়িকে। স্বতন্ত্র করেছে বিভিন্ন অনন্য বৈশিষ্ট্যে। এখানে রয়েছে আকাশ-পাহাড়ের মিতালী, চেঙ্গী ও মাইনী উপত্যকার বিস্তীর্ণ সমতল ভূ-ভাগ ও উপজাতীয় সংস্কৃতির বৈচিত্র্যতা। মহালছড়ি, দীঘিনালা, পানছড়ি, রামগড়, লক্ষ্মীছড়ি, মানিকছড়ি, মাটিরাঙ্গা যেদিকেই চোখ যায় শুধু সবুজ আর সবুজ। জেলা সদরের নিকটবর্তী আলুটিলা পাহাড় আর চেঙ্গী নদীর এঁকেবেঁকে চলার অপরূপ দৃশ্য বিমোহিত করে প্রকৃতি প্রেমীদের। উঁচু-নীচু পাহাড়, পাহাড়ি পথ, ছোট ছোট ছড়া, পাহাড়ের বুক চিরে গড়িয়ে পড়া পাহাড়ি ঝর্ণা, ঐতিহ্যময় পাহাড়ি জনতার নির্মোহ চলন, পাখির কূজন, ফুলের সুবাস, বৃক্ষের রকমতা কিংবা পাহাড়ের ঢালে গভীর গিরিখাদে সেগুন-গামারির বিশাল বাগান, পাহাড়ের চূড়া চুম্বনরত মেঘমালা খাগড়াছড়িকে করেছে অনন্য। প্রাকৃতিক সৌন্দর্যে আর রহস্যময়তায় ঘেরা খাগড়াছড়ি পার্বত্য জেলা প্রকৃতিপ্রেমী, অ্যাডভেঞ্চার প্রিয় বা ভ্রমণবিলাসীদের জন্য আদর্শ স্থান।প্রকৃতির অনন্য সৌন্দর্য ছড়িয়ে আছে এ জেলার আনাচে-কানাচে। এ সৌন্দর্যের কথা পার্বত্যবাসীরা ছাড়া বাইরের জেলার অনেক অধিবাসীর আজো অজানা। উত্তর ও উত্তর-পশ্চিমে ভারতের ত্রিপুরা রাজ্য, পূর্ব ও দক্ষিণ-পূর্বে রাঙ্গামাটি পার্বত্য জেলা, দক্ষিণ-পশ্চিমে চট্টগ্রাম জেলা এবং পশ্চিমে ফেণী নদী ও ভারতের ত্রিপুরা রাজ্য জেলাকে ঘিরে রেখেছে। এ জেলার বৈচিত্র্যময় জীবনধারা ও প্রাকৃতিক সৌন্দর্য সবাইকে বিমোহিত করবে। source:http://www.dckhagrachhari.gov.bd/

How to get there:Bus:Bus is available from Dhaka to Khagrachari.Total Distance from Dhaka is 266 Km.There are some non ac bus service to Khagrachari such as S.Alam Service(Start from Kamalapur Bus station,Phone.-8315087,),Shamoli Paribhahan(BRTC Kamalapur Bus Depot, Dhaka Tel: 9333803, 8124881, 9124139),Shanti Paribahan,Saudia,Star Line etc.)ou can go to Khagrachari from Chittagong.Distance from Chittagong is 120 km.

Where to stay:

Parjatan Motel,Khagrachari(which is located at entrance of Khagrachari town),we stayed at this hotel.Hotel fare:non-ac double bed-Tk.1200 per night,ac double bed Tk.2000 per night.Contact-0371-62084,0371-62085

Hotel Shailow Shuborna,Price (Tk.200-1000) ,VIP,AC/Non-AC,Contact:0371-61436
Hotel Ziran,Price (Tk.150-700),AC/Non-AC,Contact:0371-61071
Hotel Lobiyat,Price (Tk.70-120),Contact:0371-61220
Chowdhurry Boarding,Price(Tk.70-120),Contact:0371-61176
Three Star,Price(Tk.50-120),Contact:0371-62057
Four Star,Price(Tk.80-250),Contact:0371-62240
Upahar,Price(Tk.60-120),Contact:0371-61980
Raju Boarding,Price(Tk.40-300),Contact:0371-61161
Changee Hotel,Price(Tk.180-200),Contact:0371-61254
Shobuj Boarding,Price(Tk.30-60),Contact:0371-91983

Bhai Bhai Boarding,Price(Tk.30-60),Contact:0371-61461

Government Rest Houses:Circuit House,Road and Highways,LGED,Forest,Development Board,Red Crescent,BISIC,Mass Health etc.

baliati zamindar bari

2011-01-28T10:19:00.014+06:00

Baliati Zamindarbari is situated about 35 miles northwest of Dhaka and 5 miles east of Manikganj district headquarters. There were two great periods of palace construction in India: the first corresponded to the period of Mughal supremacy from the mid-16th century to the mid-18th century and the second to the British Raj.

In both cases, the provision of an overriding central authority kept rulers in check and accelerated the growth of a provincial elite who gained both power and prestige as local representatives.

During the post-Mughal period, the British weren't the only ones who were changing the construction style. Magnificent palaces were also being built by local feudal chiefs -- Zamindars -- in a style to which was unique in the history of Bengal architecture. The families like Rags of Taras (Pabna), Mitras of Sitlai (Pabna), Chakrabartis of Balihar, Rags of Dubalhati (Naogaon) and Sahas of Baliati (Manikganj) were all Zamindars.

Though Manikganj has lost much of its past glory, its remarkable Zamidnarbaris like the Tosta, Dhankora, Terosri, Pakutia and Baliati and other historic relics, both religious and secular, bear testimony to its rich heritage. Since Manikganj was within Dhaka district, it was more populous and developed than other subdivisions. Moreover, in the early periods of Muslim rule, great Sufis and saints came here for their religious preaching and became famous for their activities. Manik Shah, one of the early Muslim saints, who came to Manikganj, was so famous that it is believed that the district was named after him.

Baliati Zamindarbari is one such remarkable example of the 19th century palaces of Zamindars in Bangladesh. A fascinating set of buildings of their Zamindarbari extended the reputation of the splendour and prosperity of the Saha family throughout undivided Bengal.

The Baliati Zamindarbari originally consisted of five similar but separate blocks. The south facade of grand palace presents an attractive frontage of about 400 feet. Of the extant four blocks of the palace, the two central blocks are two-storied and the other two terminal ones are three-storied. The lofty encircling walls of the imposing Zamindarbari complex is pierced by three superb gateways, identical in their architectural features. Each imposing gateway is spanned by semi-circular arch surmounted by an attractive stucco figure of a lion. The lion gate was a common feature of the feudal palaces in colonial architecture and considered a symbol of pride and strength. The broad facade of the palace with its impressive array of lofty fluted Corinthian columns lining a wide continuous corridor creates a grand consequence.

The vast complex of the Zamindarbari occupies an area of over 20 acres of land that is now beyond verification, while the block situated at the east-end of the building complex has now completely disappeared. The complex comprises over 200 apartments of varying sizes and shapes.

At present, the palace has four inner blocks or 'Mahals'. Each of the blocks situated around an oblong open courtyard behind the front line buildings. On the north there is a big excavated water tank with landing masonary ''ghat'' that leads long succeeding steps towards the water below. On the other side of the tank there are outhouses, servant quarters and stables.

The imposing central block with corridors on both sides is given highest importance. The broad staircase leading to the upper storey is a distinguishing feature of the palace complex around the reception hall dotted with artefacts, odd bits of art and crafts overlooked by a hanging chandelier from top of the ceiling.

In front of the Baliati Zamindarbari there is a temple in a comparatively good state of preservation and an old school and some beautiful fruit trees. Nearly one mile to the south of the palace an artificial tank (dug by the Zamindars) in the middle of which there is a 50 feet high tower set on a square 'Airy Lodge' or 'hawakhana' with four attractive masonry landing 'ghats', one with screenwall that are reserved for women.

The buildings of Zamindarbari are gradually falling apart and in a pitiable condition of neglect. The Department of Archaeology that can still save a large number of these impressive Zamindarbaris from destruction should immediately initiate some efforts.

These Zamindar palaces in outlying areas of Bangladesh that were erected during the British period represented renaissance style derived from the aspirations of the local zamindars to European ideas and consciously cultivated European social habits. This led so significant changes in their palace architecture, featuring classical columns, attractive triangular pediments, semi-circular arches, slender Corinthians columns with acanthus, staircase with flights of steps, hall room in the centre with subsidiary rooms on both sides and elegant stacco decorations. But it is interesting to note that the geographical and social conditions of the region influenced and enriched the architecture by combining European Renaissance elements with some architectural features of Bengal. The individuality of Bengal's architecture comes from such an ultimate resolution of a series of stylistic experiment in a blend of eastern and western architecture that produced an extraordinary heritage of palaces unparalleled anywhere outside Bangladesh. The Baliati Zamindarbari undoubtedly is one of the finest examples of feudal palace architecture developed in the 19th century.

Birishiri:The un-seen beauty of Bangladesh

2010-11-21T22:40:00.035+06:00

Riverscape:The Shamashwari

Frame in frame: Bangladesh-India Border

The Shameshwari

Portrait Study:An Old Garo Woman

At the dawn of life......

Portrait Study:An Old Garo Man

Portrait Study:An Old Hazong Woman

China Clay or White Clay mine in Durgapur,Natrokona

Landscape of Durgapur

Portrait Study:Two friendly young girls in Durgapur

I will come back once again in the bank of the Shameshwari...

Shusong Durgapur of Birishiri will surely get the prize of the most photogenic natural look of all. Its scenic beauty is very unique. What makes it so charming is that theceramic mountain, blue water of the mountain’s valley, Shomeshwari River, deserted coal mines and the green countryside.

Shusong Durgapur of Birishiri is located at Netrokona about 200 km north from Dhaka. It’s not only blessed by charismatic natural beauty, is also reach in ethnic culture as there are many ethnic groups like – Hajong, Garo, Achik and Mandi etc lives here. Many people around the world come here to learn the ethnic culture and livings.

The main attraction of Birishiri is the ceramic hill of Durgapur and the picturesque landscape along the Shomeshwari River. Except the rainy season it’s hard to find any water in the river and that’s why the river changes its landscape color with the seasons. There is also an ethnic museum at Birishiri. It’s a must place to visit while you are in Birishiri.

Birishiri is a remote place as it is situated at the Bangladesh India border. As a result all modes of transportation aren’t available here. So the best way to get in here is by road from Dhaka. You can find direct bus to Birishiri from Mohakhali bus stand at Dhaka. It will take 7 hours to get there and last half an hour may get bumpy as the last 30 km road is not well constructed. When you are there you can go around the town by rickshaws. In fact it is advised to visit the tourists spot in rickshaws as the pullers know all the places very well.For us,It took almost 7 hours to reach YMCA Guest house by microbus.

There is two way to get yourself accommodate. One is you can camp on the hills if you come here in a group. And the other way is to book rooms of YMCA rest house. However you stay there it will not get in your way of enjoying your stay at Birishiri. The memories you will get on that trip will be unforgettable and magnetic.

Main Route to Birishiri:Dhaka-Mymensingh

-Shamgonj-Jaria-Jhanjail-Birishiri-Durgapur

If you like stay at YMCA Guest House,then here is the updated contact information
Mr.Antu :01743306230,01714418039

Main Attraction: 1.SHOMASHWARI RIVER 2.KONGSHOW RIVER,3.BANGLADESH-INDIA BORDER,4.GARO VILLAGE,5.CERMIC LAKE,6.HAZONG MATA MEMORIAL,7.PALACE OF 8.SHUSANG MAHARAJA 9.,CULTURAL ACADAMY,10.RANIKONG CHURCH

Munshigonj Part-1

2010-09-26T20:43:00.009+06:00

Cox's Bazar in Rainy Season

2010-08-04T21:02:00.028+06:00

I made a short trip to cox's bazar on 29-30 July to capture the beauty of the cox's bazar in rainy season. It was really a wonderful trip.The sky ah

Inani Beach

Ukhiya beach-fishing boats

Kalatoli Beach,Cox's Bazar

Ukhiya beach-A Typical fishing boat

Kalatoli Beach,Cox's Bazar

fishermen village in ukhiya: football on the beach

Ha-do-do on the kalatoli beach

Bird's view:Himchari

A walk through the History-Old Dhaka:Part-1

2010-07-17T20:11:00.028+06:00

A typical narrow road of old Dhaka

The gate of Historical Tara Mosque
Armenian Church at Aremanitola

Image of you in a cloud rolls by
The sky opens up, somewhere in my mind
A vision of you in a pale blue dress
Tears falling down, you took my breath
Memories of you . . .

Rain always hides these tears in my eyes
Thunder laughs and my soul dies
Will I hear your voice
Will I touch your skin
Will the ocean waves let me in

Epitaph read like a warning sign
Lightning strikes, I close my eyes
A vision of you in a torn red dress
Tears in your eyes, your hair a mess
Memories of you . . .

Rain always hides these tears in my eyes
Thunder laughs and my soul dies
Will I hear your voice
Will I touch your skin
Will the ocean waves let me in

The time is near, the time is nigh
To answer the call, to answer the cry
My head still spins, my body aches
Cold wind stings my eyes, my face
Look around, no one there
Will anybody notice, anyone care . . .

Will I hear you laugh
Will I see you cry
Will this world just end and let me die
by Jaimie D. Travis

View Larger Map
A Epitaph
'A FOND WIFE'S TRIBUTE
TO HER DEEPLY MOURNED
AND BEST OF HUSBANDS
CATCHICK AVIETICK THOMAS
DIED 24th SEPTEMBER 1877
AGED 56 YEARS'

Cemetery inside the Armenian Church

The Armenian Church, Dhaka: It is one of the oldest constructions in this city and was built in 1781. The Armenians were rich influential business community. Armenian traders came to the Indian subcontinent in 12th century. After their ample success in trade, Mughal Emperor Akbar permitted them to preach. The Armenian Church in old Dhaka was one of the meeting places for the orthodox Armenian Christians, who observe Christmas on January 7. In the mid-19th century, they numbered no more than about 40 families. Because of their close business ties with the British East India Company, many Armenians became rich 'zamindars' with palatial houses. The church in Armanitola, in the heart of the crowded old city is known an oasis of tranquility. Twice a year the Armenian Archbishop from Australia comes here to hold ceremonies. Mother Teresa during her visit to Dhaka, stayed in this compound. The Church has a chapel with a balcony and the original wooden seat for 100 people. The ground cover nearly a hectare and is paved with 350 old graves stones, some quite ornately carved. Judging by the ages of those buried here, it seems that the local climate suit the Armenians.

The Sadar Ghat

The Sadar Ghat's boy

Jumping is fun..

Sculpture/statue in Dhaka

2010-06-19T20:09:00.011+06:00

Flower Study(Close-up)

2010-06-06T13:14:00.012+06:00

Nayan Tara

Sandhya Maloti

ladies finger's flower

Sandhya Maloti

Sunflower(small)

ladies finger's flower

Time flower

On the bank of River Turag

2010-06-03T20:50:00.022+06:00

Photo Story: I was feeling bore in Friday and decided to go out side of this concrete jungle.You know,you can hardly escape this concrete of jungle..there is no fresh air to breath in..sound..lot of sound around me.Where should I escape? Finally I made my choice and took my Digital Camera,my only friend..whom I trust most.I went to Beri Badth near Botanical Garden,Mirpur.It was late evening.The sun was about to sink.The river turag on front of me,gave the impression that it is near about to die.The river became narrow.Sand dunes are clearly visible from this side.I took some shots of riverscape..the boats...young children breathing in the river...the riverside fish market..the charming evening light around me and offcourse ,the fresh air.

মুড়াপাড়া জমিদার বাড়ি

2010-05-27T11:12:00.026+06:00

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Jahangir Nagar Campus

2010-04-08T20:28:00.010+06:00

International Mother Tongue Day-2010:Through the Lens

2010-02-22T10:20:00.012+06:00

Ekusha BoiMela-2010:Through The Lens

2010-02-19T20:46:00.021+06:00

A young reader searching her favorite book

Female Readers

Nirmolandu Goon:Poet

The light of Book Fair

Published books on Fair

New Publication board on Fair

Emdadul Hoque Milon(Novelist,Writer):Busy with giving autographs

new photographs

2009-12-17T17:42:00.016+07:00

Rose Garden-A Visit to the Historical Palace

2009-06-22T22:25:00.013+07:00

A little Walk through the Green (Baldha Garden)-Wari,Dhaka

2009-06-20T17:57:00.022+07:00

Note from Shubho Salateen:It was a hot evening in June,18,2009.I took my digial camera and went to wari for visiting the historical Baldha Garden.The Baldha Garden is surrounded by the tall wall.When I entered through the gate,I noticed the guide map of Baldha Garden.It was green everywhere....and I was curious to rare trees...plants

"Lord Grant me Infinite love and light and end my endless Journey"

A rare tree-Beaucarnea Recurvata(Poni tail palm)
Growin plants in a green house
The Sundial

Sankhanidhi pond

Baldah Garden: a botanical garden located at Wari in the old part of the city of Dhaka.

Location Map

It is one of the oldest botanical gardens established in this part of Bengal by a private individual. The naturalist, philanthropist and poet Narendra Narayan Roy Chaudhury, landlord of the Estate of Baldah, established the garden on his own property in 1909. It is divided into two units. The larger unit is named Cybele after the Greek nature goddess of fertility. It is roughly rectangular, with the northern side slightly cutting a corner, and measures about 136 metres in length and 76 metres in width. The smaller unit, Psyche meaning 'soul', is approximately 100 metres long and 45 metre wide. Chaudhury passionately enriched the garden with rare plant species collected from different parts of the world until his death in 1943, when further expansion of the garden came to a halt. This situation continued until 1962, when the garden was handed over to the government of East Pakistan and the Forestry Department took charge of managing the garden. After the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, the Department of Forestry of the new government began to work with renewed vigour for its improvement, with the result that most of its past glory has now been restored with the addition of two new greenhouses and modernisation of civil amenities inside the garden. The Baldah Garden is now managed as a satellite unit of the National Botanical Garden by the Department of Forestry.

The collection of the garden is classified into seven categories - orchids, cacti, conservatory plants, aquatic plants, roses, rockery and wall plants, arboretum, and miscellaneous flora. The garden has about 15,000 plants representing 672 species. Many of these are exotic and rare plants; perhaps the richest collection of exotic plants in the country is housed in the Baldah Garden. The flora of the garden represents collections from over 50 different countries. The garden has among its attractions the 'century plant' which is believed to flower only once in a hundred years, and was seen in bloom a few years back. The Adansonia digitata tree which adorns the garden is historical. Central African aborigines used to seal their deads in holes dug into the cavity of the tree in order to mummify the body long before the days of the Pharaohs.

There is a big sundial in the Cybele unit of the garden which shows the time of the day with precision on sunny days and is still a surprise attraction to the visitors, particularly children. To enjoy the floristic beauty of the garden a rest house-cum amphitheatre, called the Joy House, was built in the garden. It has been visited by many celebrities, including the poet Tagore whose poem 'Camelia', a plant introduced from Japan, was actually written while he was staying in the Joy House. The Psyche unit of the garden houses several varieties of the aquatic plant Nymphea pubescens, the national flower of Bangladesh which is called 'shapla' in Bangla, maintained in a section of the garden known as the 'Shapla House'. The rose garden in Cybele is famous throughout the subcontinent for its rich collection of roses. One of the two greenhouses has rich collections of orchids, aroids and conservatory plants. The Baldah Garden, although relatively small in size, is an exciting place for naturalists and tourists to visit. source:Banglapedia

Banglar TajMahal !! Will You love it or hate??

2009-05-29T11:43:00.014+06:00

A giant replica of Taj Mahal near the Bangladeshi capital, which cost a whopping USD 58 million, is fast becoming a major tourist draw since its inauguration with thousands of visitors queueing up daily to have a feel of India's famed Monument of Love.

"I built it to pay honour to Emperor Shahjahan and enable the ordinary people including students to have an idea about the heritage as most of them don't have scopes to visit Agra spending huge money," the wealthy builder of te structure in the suburban Sonargaon district, Ahsanullah Moni told to news agencies.

Moni, who bore the entire cost of building the life-size structure, said it took hundreds of workers and designers, many of whom were Indians, some seven years to build the 'Taj Mahal', which was opened for all in exchange of entry fees though "it is not built with a commercial purpose."

The replica, located 30 kms northeast of Dhaka, has been built on over four acres of land while the complex is much bigger in size to accommodate a five-star motel, a huge film studio and amusement park.

"Everyone dreams to see the Taj Mahal but few people of our country can make the trip as it is too expensive to visit there," said Moni, also a film director and hotelier.

Moni said the idea of building the structure first crossed his mind when he visited Agra in 1980, following which he made six more trips there to realise his dream to replicate it.

But the initiative simultaneously drew some criticism with several legal experts and architects saying copying of such landmarks keeping the original sizes was contrary to archaeological laws.

"It's also not morally acceptable to build such life-size structures without permission of the concerned authorities," President of Bangladesh Architects Institute Professor Mobaswar Hossain said.

But Moni rejected the allegations saying despite being huge the 'Banglar Taj Mahal' was not exactly the same size of the original while he used different materials, including stones for the replica considering their weather suitability.

He said he imported marble and granite from Italy, diamonds from Belgium and used 160 kilogrammes of bronze for the structure built with the help of modern technology.

"Otherwise it would have taken 20 years and 22,000 workers to complete it as the original structure had required," Moni said. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal in Agra in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal, who died during childbirth in 17th century.

The Spirit of Bangla New Year-1416 ( L'Esprit de la Nouvelle Année Bangla-1416)

2009-04-19T22:06:00.013+06:00

Enjoying the festival from father's shoulder

Buying Ektara( a handmade muscial intrument) is a passion for our heritage

Hanging Ektaras in a temporary shop at sharwardi park

I am glad my friend,you took my photo...god bless you!

A gathering at Charukola

Birds seller seen at sharwardi park on pahela baishak

Introduction :Pahela Baishakh first day of the Bangla year. Pahela Baishakh is celebrated in a festive manner in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. In Bangladesh Pahela Baishakh is a national holiday. Pahela Baisakh falls on April 14 or 15.

History of Bangla New Year:Under the Mughals, agricultural taxes were collected according to the Hijri calendar. However, as the Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, the agricultural year does not coincide with the fiscal. As a result, farmers were hard-pressed to pay taxes out of season. In order to streamline tax collection, the Mughal Emperor akbar ordered a reform of the calendar. Accordingly, Fatehullah Shirazi, a renowned scholar and astronomer, formulated the Bangla year on the basis of the lunar Hijri and Bangla solar calendars. The new Fasli San (agricultural year) was introduced on 10/11 March 1584, but was dated from Akbar's ascension to the throne in 1556. The new year subsequently became known as bangabda or Bengali year.

Celebrations of Pahela Baishakh started from Akbar's reign. It was customary to clear up all dues on the last day of Chaitra. On the next day, or the first day of the new year, landlords would entertain their tenants with sweets. On this occasion there used to be fairs and other festivities. In due course the occasion became part of domestic and social life, and turned into a day of merriment.

The main event of the day was to open a halkhata or new book of accounts. This was wholly a financial affair. In villages, towns and cities, traders and businessmen closed their old account books and opened new ones. They used to invite their customers to share sweets and renew their business relationship with them. This tradition is still practised, especially by jewellers.

New year's festivities are closely linked with rural life in Bengal. Usually on the day everything is scrubbed and cleaned. People bathe early in the morning and dress in fine clothes and then go to visit relatives, friends and neighbours. Special foods are prepared to entertain guests. Baishakhi fairs are arranged in many parts of the country. Various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, toys, cosmetics as well as various kinds of food and sweets. are sold at these fairs. The fairs also provide entertainment, with singers and dancers staging jatra, pala gan, kavigan, jarigan, gambhira gan, gazir gan and alkap gan. They present folk songs as well as baul, marfati, murshidi and bhatiali songs. Narrative plays like laily-majnu, yusuf-zulekha and Radha-Krishna are staged. Among other attractions of these fairs are puppet shows and merry-go-rounds.

Many old festivals connected with new year's day have disappeared, while new festivals have been added. With the abolition of the zamindari system, the punya connected with the closing of land revenue accounts has disappeared. Kite flying in dhaka and bull racing in munshiganj used to be very colourful events. Other popular village games and sports were horse races, bullfights, cockfights, flying pigeons, boat racing. Some festivals, however, continue to be observed, for example, bali or wrestling in Chittagong and gambhira in Rajshahi.

Observance of Pahela Baishakh has become popular in the cities. Early in the morning people gather under a big tree or on the bank of a lake to witness the sunrise. Artistes present songs to welcome the new year. People from all walks of life wear traditional Bengali dresses: young women wear white sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers, and tips. Men wear white pyjamas or dhoti and kurta. Many townspeople, start the day with the traditional breakfast of panta bhat (cooked rice soaked with water), green chillies, onion, and fried hilsa fish.

The most colourful new year's day festival takes place in Dhaka. Large numbers of people gather early in the morning under the banyan tree at Ramna Park where chhayanat artistes open the day with Tagore's famous song, Eso he Baishakh eso eso (Come O Baishakh, come), welcoming Baishakh. A similar ceremony welcoming the new year is also held at the Institute of Fine Arts, university of dhaka. Students and teachers of the institute take out a colourful procession and parade round the campus. Social and cultural organisations celebrate the day with cultural programmes. Newspapers bring out special supplements. There are also special programmes on radio and television.

The historical importance of Pahela Baishakh in the Bangladesh context may be dated from the observance of the day by Chhayanat in 1965. In an attempt to suppress Bengali culture, the Pakistan Government had banned tagore songs. Protesting this move, Chhayanat opened their Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Park with Tagore's song welcoming the month. The day continued to be celebrated in East Pakistan as a symbol of Bengali culture. After 1972 it became a national festival, a symbol of the Bangladesh nationalist movement and an integral part of the people's cultural heritage. [Sambaru Chandra Mohanta] source:Banglapedia

Dhaka,My Dhaka(Dhaka,mon Dhaka)

2009-04-16T09:42:00.003+06:00

Lake View,Dhanmondi

An evening gathering at Dhanmondi lake

I saw the face of Bengal-Part:1(J'ai vu le visage du Bengale-Part: 1)

2009-04-01T14:26:00.013+06:00

A Storm is coming........( Une tempête est venue......)

Resting ducks on a bank of a pond( Repos des canards sur la rive d'un étang)

Reflection on a pond's water(Réflexion sur un étang de l'eau)

Protecting paddy (Protéger padday)

The Joy of Writing( La joie de la Rédaction)

Warming the fire on a cold winter morning(Réchauffement pour l'incendie d'un matin froid d'hiver)

A farmer with cattle(Un agriculteur de bétail)

Children of the Soil(Les enfants de la terre)

Harvest in a remote village(Récolte dans un village isolé)

Potrait Study (Potrait d'études)

2009-03-14T16:27:00.005+06:00

I have been waiting a long for your mercy( J'ai attendu longtemps pour ta miséricorde)

In the search for an unknown bird(Dans la recherche d'un oiseau inconnu)

Winter Landscape (Paysage d'hiver)

2009-03-12T14:26:00.008+06:00

In a cool winter morning(Dans un froid matin d'hiver)

A village hat in winter(Un marché de village en hiver)

Winter landscape( Paysage d'hiver)

Leafless trees in a winter morning( Feuilles des arbres dans un matin d'hiver)

Bite of time( Bite de temps)

Leafless tree(Feuilles des arbres)

Mist is all around me(Mist est tout autour de moi)

Some Moments of International Mother Tongue Day-2009( Certains moments de la Journée internationale de la langue maternelle-2009)

2009-02-28T14:16:00.007+06:00

Flag seller near Central Shahid Minar( Drapeau du vendeur à proximité de Central Shahid Minar)

New genearation has a keen interest on the history of Language Movement 1952( nouveau genearation a un vif intérêt sur l'histoire de la langue Mouvement 1952)

A lady viewing a photo in a exhibition in Bat tola near arts building,D.U(Une dame l'affichage d'une photo dans une exposition de près de Bat tola arts bâtiment, D.U)

A young flag seller selling flags and bands in front of Sharwardi park,Dhaka(Un jeune vendeur de vente drapeau drapeaux et bandes en face de Sharwardi parc, Dhaka)

A young boy named Rubab viewing a photography of Language movement(Un jeune garçon nommé Rubab l'affichage d'une photographie de la langue de circulation)

A couple in a photo gallery of Language Movement 1952( Un couple dans une galerie de photos de la langue Mouvement 1952)

Painting Alpona(art) on face of young boy(Peinture Alpona (art) sur le visage de jeune garçon)

Howai Mithai maker making mithai in a fair in Sharwardi park(Howai Mithai fabricant de mithai dans un parc juste à Sharwardi)

A stunt man performing a acrobat in a over crowed place( A l'exécution d'un cascadeur acrobat dans un endroit bondé de plus)

Alpona on the road

Writing on a wall

An artist painting on the front wall of central shahid minar(Un artiste de peinture sur la façade du centre de séminaire shahid)

Language Movement Photography Gallery at Bat tola,D.U( Langue mouvement Galerie de Photographie à Bat tola, D.U)

Painting Alpona on face-some students earn some pocket money doing it( Peinture sur le visage-Alpona certains étudiants de gagner de l'argent de poche, il fait)

Famous Singer Babu(Ami banglar gan gai...)

Poet Nirmolandu Goon in a photography exhibition

Performing the acrobatic game in a local park

Note:The above photographs were taken on 20th february and 21st february 09.The photographs reflects my deepest respect and feelings.The equipments were Nikon F-80 and Fuji 100 ASA film.No flash used.

History of Bangla Language Movement 1952

The Bengali Language Movement, also known as the Language Movement (Bengali: ভাষা আন্দোলন; Bhasha Andolon), was a political effort in Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan), advocating the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language of Pakistan. Such recognition would allow Bengali to be taught in schools and used in government affairs.

A big funeral rally on 22.02.1952 after funeral prayers. The police force let loose by government also fired upon this mourning procession.Source:Source: Prof. Rafiqul Islam

When the state of Pakistan was formed in 1947, its two regions, East Pakistan (also called East Bengal) and West Pakistan, were split along cultural, geographical, and linguistic lines. In 1948, the Government of Pakistan ordained Urdu as the sole national language, sparking extensive protests among the Bengali-speaking majority of East Pakistan. Facing rising sectarian tensions and mass discontent with the new law, the government outlawed public meetings and rallies. The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists defied the law and organised a protest on 21 February 1952. The movement reached its climax when police killed student demonstrators on that day. The deaths provoked widespread civil unrest led by the Awami Muslim League, later renamed the Awami League. After years of conflict, the central government relented and granted official status to the Bengali language in 1956. In 2000, UNESCO declared 21 February International Mother Language Day for the whole world to celebrate[1], in tribute to the Language Movement and the ethno-linguistic rights of people around the world...source wikipedia

21st February 1952: Historic Rally of the students of Dhaka University at Amtola just before Section 144 was violated.Source: Prof. Rafiqul Islam.

21st February 1952: Historic Rally of the students of Dhaka University at Amtola just before Section 144 was violated.
Source: Prof. Rafiqul Islam.