Exploring Southern Bangladesh: On A Tiny Mechanical Bird

I recently took a trip to Southern Bangladesh- Amtali & Barguna, one of the hardest to reach areas. We took generous help from MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) Bangladesh who flew us there in 45 minutes flying on an maximum height of 4000 ft that would make it possible to enjoy most of the views of Bangladesh. At first I wasn't taking photos. I was a bit nervous. However, later when I started, I realized it's too late. Cause we started descending over Barguna and the moment it kisses the river, it felt wow! I later saw this one water landing and skiing. It looked like a giant white-swan. This entry doesn't contain much in detail. I have just put on some photos.  

The Giant Bird before flying: at Shahjalal Int. Airport, Dhaka

We're settled at 4000 ft high. The view is of Bangladeshi rural country-side

Two fishermen at the mangrove forest of sounthern Bangladesh: we just water-landed at Kotkalhali Ghat, Barguna 

Our tiny bird has safely brought us to land: it's behind in the background. The man is now driving us to Barguna City. On Bishkhali river

Bishkhali river: the boat too is owned and operated by MAF. The friendly driver tells us that he would pick us up. There was hartal on the day we arrived. Just held UP election at Barguna saw a brutal violence, and there was local Hartal called by the local politicians. 

A typical rural river-side home on the bank of Bishkhali

Barguna Sadar Launch Ghat: this is the biggest vessel that carries passenger Barguna-Dhaka-Barguna. It takes minimum 14 hours to reach Dhaka from Barguna on this vessel 

Road to the Govt. owned Mother and Child Welfare Centre, Barguna. Brick paved, cow-dung is being sun-dried to be used as fuel for cooking. One of the dirtiest particle generating bio-fuel.

A road down-town

Country-style 2 storey building 

a major road in Barguna

Road to Amtali, the road would take you to Patuakhali and Kuakata as well. The green in the field is pulse. People in Barguna used to live on a single harvest of rice before Sidr. Sidr became a curse bringing fortune for some of the peoples. Because, Sidr brought in development as well. Development workers from INGOs and local NGOs have taught farmers here to cultivate produces other than rice during those 4-6 months period of summer when they'd just seat idle and do nothing in the past 

The river Paira (Pigeon). There's no alternative to crossing this river than taking either a boat, or ferry.  It took us 30 minutes to cross the river. 

Local produce being taken to Amtali 

Inside the Upazila Health Complex (UHC) of Amtali. This is the style the firewoods are dried up. These woods must have been residues from furniture ,making or boat-making 

Entrance to the UHC, Amtali. The signboard is as poor as it's internal condition. However, the officers were generous in words.

Sand to be shipped: near Paira river

Waiting for the ferry on the way back to Barguna. Ferried come every 2 hours. 

The only Public Toilet. Locked. NO way to explore the internal condition.

Barguna people have learnt growing sunflower for oil as well. There are a lot of gardens. This one was close to road, near District Youth Training Centre. 

Sunflowers 

A Ghat near Bishkhali. We are returning 

This fisherman is fixing his net in the river.  

MAF boatman. He was singing a fishermen song while rowing.

We've flown off. Now landed in Khulna over Rupsha. The birdie took another 2 passengers from Khulna.

Flying again from Rupsha. 

River Padma from above. Note the big sand islands (chars) 

Approaching Dhaka: Buriganga River 

Turag River: about to land in Dhaka. Dhaka airport is surrounded by some colonies, too close to airport. A distance not safe enough to live. 

A wildflower in Barguna

A wild seed in Barguna. Made me nostalgic. We used to put this seed on hairs of anyone we'd want to annoy. This would result in a very complex, impossible to untie hair that often would cause loss of a significant amount of hair.