Old memories

I was in Mohammadpur after a long while and was looking for a means of transportation to go home. I just happened to be near the bazaar area and was looking about for a bus to go home. I had had enough money for the cab, but unfortunately my friends back here had missed me so much that they had to be treated to soft drinks to compensate for my absence. As a result I ended up being broke, and I had to get back home. I remembered the old bus route, which I frequently used to travel in. I was looking about for a number-12 bus, which would take me to Farmgate, and then I would have to change bus again. Unfortunately, things have changed and a new company had taken over. All that I saw was ATCL buses. I also noticed that the fare had been doubled and one had to 'queue' to get into the bus. Even though I welcome this change, maybe I feel a bit nostalgic about the old fashioned 'bus chase' boarding scenes.

IHK, Gulshan 2

Mugging at a Jam

My mother and I were travelling from Kafrul to Dhanmondi on Sunday. As fate had it, we got stuck in a jam in Bijoy Sarani in front of the 'the petrol Filling Station'. I saw five young people encircling a CNG scooter right in front of mine, where a middle-aged gentleman was sitting. Two of the men quickly got inside the scooter and sat beside the gentleman, while the other two stayed on the lookout. The last person sat beside the driver. In about 20 to 30 seconds, it was all over. I understood that a mugging had just taken place because one of them was putting a big knife back in his pocket. The victim had no choice but to sit helplessly with a frightened look on his face. As the signal was given, the vehicles started to move. Mugging is common in the Bijoy Sarani, Karwan Bazar and Mouchak areas. Although people know about it, nobody seems to take the initiative to stop it.

Shahriar Rahman
North Kafrul

Courtesy costs nothing

Haggling between passenger and conductor for fare is a very common scene for regular bus commuters. A few days back, I was travelling by a city bus and I saw that the bus conductor was asking a shabbily dressed passenger to pay up his bus fare, but the man for some reason, was being stubborn. Finally, the bus conductor pleaded with him very earnestly, " Sir, bharata diya den" (sir, please pay the fare). After hearing this, the passenger looked puzzled and said, "What! You called me SIR! I like people who show such respect!" Saying this, he handed over the money to the conductor with a little extra for the nice attitude on the conductor's part. After the passenger's remark, the whole bus started laughing. Whether the passenger was being sarcastic or not, it made me realise that courtesy really pays and it costs nothing.

Mohammed Sohel Hara
Topkhana Road