Dhaka Diary

A smile
The other day, my mother and I were at Dhanmondi, when a little girl came up to my mother to ask if she could buy her a packet of chips. My mother bought her a packet. The little girl's face automatically lit up. I had never seen a little girl's light up because of a mere packer of chips ever before. While coming back home from Dhamondi, our car stopped at the traffic signal, when a little boy came up to sell some flowers. We bought a few sticks and gave them some chocolates as well. I wish I had a camera to capture the little boy's face, which brightened up immediately. From then on, I have been carrying chocolates and toffees to offer to these street children. It's absolutely a wonder to see them smiling with all their heart over something so little and insignificant.
Jafrin Jahed Jiti, VNC

For a trouser Only
Last week, I discovered a new way of seeking alms by one of the street urchins near Hotel Sonargaon. Halting for five minutes in any signal is a common experience for everyone living in Dhaka. While sitting tight and having absolutely nothing to do but sweat in those agonising five minutes, I saw a 10-year-old tokai moving from vehicle to vehicle begging. What was eye-catching about this was that the little boy had no pants on, and was begging for a trouser! This manner of reasoning was quite uncommon and innovative. It wouldn't have touched me if the appeal was like other ordinary pleas which we experience commonly. Ironically, my colleague and I enjoyed a good laugh at the sight.
Saad, Jubok Phone

A journey to remember
I got myself a ticket back to Dhaka, on one of those buses, which actually stop to take passengers on the way. When I got on from the bus stand, the bus was empty. However, as any 'bus-user' is aware of, very soon all the seats got occupied. At one point, even after the bus got quite full, the driver kept on taking passengers, until the whole bus was filled with people everywhere, sitting, hanging, standing about, basically filling up every nook and corner of the vehicle.The bus suddenly came to a halt and would not move any further. Something is wrong with the engine, informed the conductor. A bus full of passengers, more than the required number of course, got down in the middle of the highway and, I am sure, had wanted to beat up the driver and his team of helpers. But there was nothing to do then to wait for yet another bus that would be ready to take up all these passengers.
Mamun, Sherpur

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