For a diehard Bangladeshi any short visit to Bangladesh is bound to generate nostalgic memories. It is bound to give a feeling of tasks unfinished, job unaccomplished. Being involved deeply in sports and cultural activities 10 days stay in the land of origins appears less than even bare minimum. Moreover, given the gridlocks of Dhaka city the time appears even shorter.
However, my last stay in Dhaka from 20 August midnight till 31 August midnight was really hectic. I failed to meet few commitments and now through this write up submitting apology to my friends and acquaintances I failed to meet. I visit Bangladesh at least twice every year. We live in Melbourne, the best livable city of the world, for the past several years. For any person travelling from Melbourne to Dhaka is bound to feel the difference. But Dhaka is changing and if nation remains committed to the changes we have strong believe that by 2021 Dhaka and Bangladesh will have a changed face.
Weather and Time Difference:
Melbourne is usually cold in August but this year many said is the coldest of many seasons. From cold Melbourne to hot humid Dhaka and also getting used to 4 hours’ time difference are always bits of a challenge to adjust over only a few days stay.
Having lost the mobile phone the evening of the day before the flight was not very convenient for me. Even after reaching Hazrat Shahjalal Airport on August 20 Night my cell phone with Bangladesh SIM was not working. Had to struggle to get connected with my nephew Tarakky and driver Amjad. Driving to Uttara sector-3 residence from Airport (usually a 10-15 minute’s drive) took an hour through very thick traffic around the Airport.
Policy makers and planners must have a fresh view of what needs to be done too soon in making Dhaka airport attractive and more travelers friendly to visitors and possible investors. Dhaka Airport as gateway and image of the nation does not let off encouraging views.
Half Day at Uttara:
All my prearranged activities were in the central parts of Dhaka. Feeling the challenges of commuting from Uttara decided to shift to my Mohammadpur apartment the following day. However, I did not lose the opportunity of meeting our new born grandson Tarabi (son of my nephew Tarakky). Zummah prayer offered after almost 10 years at sector-3 mosque. My cell phone could be fixed with some difficulties. Mohasin, the wheel chair Cricket team captain, met me at my Uttara residence. Spending some time with Mohasin gave me opportunity of knowing about the state of cricket of physically challenged cricketers and upcoming international matches. Left Uttara in the evening for my Mohammadpur house in the evening. Jet lag hangover did not allow me get out and stayed put in the house.
Dinner with BCSA Executives:
My main purpose of Dhaka visit this time was participating in the Energy related roundtable conference arranged on the occasion of Energy & Power periodicals 13 years anniversary. As contributing editor, I had to present a key note paper on “Energy Challenges to vision 2030”. By afternoon 22nd my presentation was made ready for copying and distribution. I had to attend a prearranged dinner with four front liners of Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association (BCSA). I had a rare cricket book on cricket, “The Strangers that Visited England” the story about first Australian Cricket team to England. We had about two hour’s very intimate and interesting discussion with very knowledgeable group. BCSA is doing a great work in standing beside and behind the Bangladesh cricket and cricketers in thick and thin. They are also working on making cricket audience cricket knowledgeable. I suggested them to make general cricket admires aware about the tradition of Dhaka cricket fans being “Cricket smart and appreciative of good cricket.” Nazmul Kion, Javed Shaon, Junaid Paikar and Mashrafe Rupak are doing great works. I suggested them for trying and assisting in setting up a cricket archive. They responded positively and I promised them of all possible support.
Energy & Power Roundtable Conference
It was great interactive conference participated by State Minister Power, Energy & Mineral Resources, Chairman BERC, ex-Special Assistant to Chief Advisor of Caretaker Government, Senior Executives of Power and Energy Sector Organizations, Energy Specialists, academicians, Journalists of print and electronic media. Two keynote papers were presented. This writer presented on “Energy Challenges to vision 2030” where the challenges to Energy vision of 2021 and 2030 were identified, assessed and in view of the present state suggestions and recommendations were made.
Dr Tamim, BUET professor of Petroleum Department and well reputed Energy think tank, presented key note paper on “ Mid Income Country and Energy Needs”. His paper highlighted on primary fuel supply as the major challenge. On the back drop of depleting own natural gas resource he suggested for expeditious actions on exploring petroleum in onshore frontier prospects and offshore areas. He also stressed upon exploration of own coal which according to him is the least cost option for power generation. He stated that unless Bangladesh explore and develop on coal the energy security may get vulnerable as the country may be exposed to 92% dependence on imported fuel by 2030.
Taking part in the discussion Dr Mushfiqur Rahman, Dr Ijaj Hussain, Dr Badrul Imam, DG Power Cell, MD DPDC, MD DESCO, President Santos Bangladesh Operation made useful suggestions about the needs and priorities for Bangladesh for achieving Energy Vision of 2030. State Minister for Energy informed the conference about ongoing sectoral activities and future program. He acknowledged the challenges and appreciated the continued efforts of Energy & Power magazine in creating awareness among people especially about Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Chairman BERC talked about appropriate energy pricing as a way to ensure energy efficiency.
Cricket Adda at Radio Bhubon:
A very enlightened couple Aminur Rashid and Nusrat Khan runs a community Radio from their residence. The radio is doing excellent works in interviewing leading personalities Nusrat and Amin invited cricket personality Habibul Bashar Sumon, wheel Chair Captain for a two-hour discussion on cricket in the evening of 24 August. It was a wonderful opportunity for discussing the past and present of Bangladesh and international cricket. We talked about early days of Bangladesh cricket, the gradual development, recent successes, plans, and challenges. Sumon was informed that his name and brief achievements is displayed along with Mohammad Ashraful and Khaled Masud inside the sports museum of MCG in Melbourne. We talked about upcoming Australia Bangladesh test series, domestic cricket, challenges of selecting teams. The requirement of restructuring domestic cricket for playing more of longer versions games on true sporting surfaces was discussed as well as arranging more international matches at home and abroad was also stressed upon. I suggested for exploring opportunities for young upcoming players like Soumya Sarkar, Mustafiz, Taskin, and Sabbir playing in English leagues. All agreed that sustaining the recent success over a longer term will be a great challenge. Bangladesh has to learn losing a few for winning many. Saleque suggested for creating a cricket archive, a cricket museum for younger generation knowing about the past glories and taking heart from there.
To be continued…
BDST: 1123 HRS, SEP 02, 2015
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