Rising to the prayers of Allah

In the land of Bangla, where liberty is nourished by the grandeur of noble strife; where the pride of people rose to glory from the shambles of war; and where the once impoverished country has fought tirelessly to shed the stigma of 'bottomless basket' is now geared towards becoming one of fastest growing economy in the world.

Rising to the prayers of Allah brings forth the slumber Dhaka city back to life with hundreds and thousands of vehicles and passer-by queuing up the busy traffic to attend one’s business. With so many new experiences unfolding at every turn, I couldn't help but wonder about the pressures being exerted on social amenities and admire the government's flair in catering services to all people. The day I spent exploring the city with my team really demystified why Bangladesh is regarded as one of the world's fastest developing economy.

Located in the heart of the city, the FSA didn’t fall short of warm welcome to all of the participants from different countries. As is the human trait, the first sight amongst all of them was tinged to the apprehension and discomfort but gradually as the friendship began to take deeper roots, everyone knew no bounds for discussions and laughter. Neither existed cultural differences nor shackled by the sense of stranger to the formation of diverse but a united team.

The session began with travelling back in time through the history of Bangladesh by submitting oneself at the feet of Father of Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence/museum and listened to the teachings in the classroom by pool of experts that included high ranking government officials, former Bangladesh ambassadors, academics, researchers, and members of the civil society and business community. Cruising down the tide and singing to the rhythm of the river Shitholakha had us so engrossed in joy that we staggered up the path like a group of drunks.

The bond of togetherness has been scaled by every deed of doing it together, exploring the shopping malls and supermarkets in and around Dhaka City. Buying Jamdani Saris and souvenirs has kept everyone engaged in a variety of ways, but something has kept me occupied during my stay in Dhaka. The art of life in Dhaka has always been tailored by the beauty of culture, the architect of structures, and the kindness of people, but never did I get the color of it until I met the kindest group of friends.

I I'll admit that I've never seen a god or goddess, but it feels appropriate to consider that everything happening right under my nose is filling the void left by it. Ever since after that I've been pacing around the academy sniffing their presence, so did I prowl through the loneliness, yearning for each one of their voice in a place where darkness doesn't nourish me but silence disturbs me. I hunted for the sleek laugh erupting on their sovereign lovely face day after day and night after night, and there I discovered a modest spot to sneak peep over the brink of opportunity. Thus, I discovered the secret of always knowing them for the first time.

Their grandeur is such that no words can describe and no way can I replace; may the god care all of them manifold, I pray and while we are together apart, in gratitude let’s have the moment of bliss. To having to be at this moment is the highlight of my life and encountering those friends shall be the peak of my fate. As we may live ever, this shall be friendship at first remembrance rather than at first sight.