Ekushey Boi Mela-2012

 


The 'ekushey boi mela 2012' will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangla Academy on February 1. As usual, the fair will have over 200 stalls full of new and old books. This is definitely the month of celebration for book-lovers like me!

A brief history of Ekushey Boi Mela

Muktodhara Publishing house started a little sell in front of Bangla Academy in the 21st February 1972, the Shaheed Day, later International Mother Language Day. Chittaranjan Saha of Muktodhara took the initiative. Later, other book publishers joined there unofficially. Steadily it became official and the most popular book fair of Bangladesh. Bangla Academy took over organization of the fair in 1978. In 1984 it was named Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Notably, in 1990s, another national book fair called Dhaka Boi Mela was initiated. This book fair is organized by government in February every year.

Destination Kuakata

Kuakata :

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare charming beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. At Kuakata superb combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge spread of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching.

The name Kuakata have originated from Kua-Well dug on the sea shore by the early Rakhine settlers in quest of collecting drinking water, who landed on Kuakata coast after explled from Arakan by Moughals. Afterwards, it has become a tradition of digging Kua-Well in the neighborhood of Rakhaine homestead for collection water for drinking purpose and general use.

Magnetisms :

Kuakata is one of the rarest places which has the inimitable beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving.

Kuakata is truly a virgin beach-a sanctuary for migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye. Forest, boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colorful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves everything here touches every visitor's heart. The unique customs and costumes of the 'Rakhyne' tribal families and Buddhist Temple of about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, which are objects of great pleasure Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities.
 

Horinghata
Horinghata is a place where you can see deer roaming around. In Horinghata forest sometimes the Royal Bengal Tiger is seen. Horin is a Bengali word for deer. So name itself express why it's called Horinghata. You can go to Horinghata from Borguna District.


immeasurable devotees arrive here at the festival of 'Rush Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'. On these two days they take holy bath and traditional fairs are held here. All these additional offers to panoramic beauty make the beach more attractive to the visitors. One should visit Kuakata and discover the lovely grace of Bangladesh.

Communication :
There exists road communication between Dhaka and Patuakhali district headquarters. Accessible by road, water or air transport up to Barisal. Then one may travel by road or water to Kuakata or Patuakhali.

BRTC has introduced direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides that, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.

Where to stay:
There are some hotel and motels in Kuakata where you can stay, but Holiday Homes is the best place to stay in Kuakata. It is a motel of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and its better if you confirm your booking from Dhaka in advance.
 

Other facilities :

A pond of crystal clean sweet water beside the motel attract the tourists.
For advance reservation and further details one may contact :
Central Reservation, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
Head Office, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Alien Baby Found in Mexico

In late 2009, scientists had their brains stormed in a case that left the world stunned. A carcass of what is claimed to be a baby alien was handed over to them by a Mexican farmer, Marao Lopez who captured the creature alive in 2007. He found the alien caught in an animal trap. He got so scared by the look of the miniature beast that he tried to kill it by drowning it under water in a ditch. But it took him three attempts and few hours before he could finally kill it. He had to hold it for several hours under water before it died.
Scientists had carried out DNA scan and other tests on the creature and the results had left everyone dumbstruck with awe. Tests revealed a creature unknown to mankind. It has skeleton that looks similar to a lizard, its teeth do not have any roots like that of humans and it can hold its breath and stay underwater for a long time. The bulged rear part of the brain meant that it must have been intelligent.

But the interesting part of the story is that the farmer who had killed the baby alien had mysteriously died. He was burnt to death in his car at the side of a road. UFO expert Joshua P. Warren says that the temperature at which the car burnt was higher than normal fire. This led to rumors that the farmer was killed by the guardians of the so-called baby alien seeking revenge. UFO expert Jaime Maussan believes that the story is not a hoax. Farmers had found another similar creature but it ran away when they approached.

There are frequent UFO sightings and reports of mysteriously appearing crop circles in the area where the creature was found. Although the news was first covered by the Mexican TV channel in 2007, the first pictures and videos of the sinister looking creature were published by the website www.bild.de

Others believe that the story is a complete hoax. The creature is no-alien but an under-developed baby monkey.

Source: http://news.indonewyork.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Mysteries&article=1605&utm_source=wahoha.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wahoha

Gulshan Lake

Gulshan (one of the elite areas in Dhaka) as seen from the window of the 13th floor of BRAC center. After the very tiring heat of a day in June, the light was becoming softer, the streets were yet half deserted, monsoon clouds rising high above the horizon - seemed like a beautiful, glamorous view of Dhaka. And yet it is as unreal as can be when you see the slums on the tremendous left. Surrounded by the most elite, rich areas of the city is a small island filled with slums of some of the poorest. Sometimes it looks as if the island is unable to hold the burden small thatched houses. The contrast is so understandable, so sharp that it is impossible to avoid it.

Bhasani Novotheater: Show Time

Bhasani Novotheater is the only Planetarium in Bangladesh located at the Bijay Sarani in Dhaka. This is a modern space center built by the ministry of Science and Information Technology. This building is another sole architecture in Bangladesh. It is very near to the national assembly building. While visiting the national assembly building, you can also visit this nice place.

The planetarium presents an extraterrestrial show of stars, planets and other heavenly objects in virtual reality. This dome shaped theater with latest technological equipment enables visitors to soar into the space as well as experience the thrills of an interplanetary journey in a three dimensional atmosphere. The beauty of the auditorium is, you do not need to look up in the doom to watch the show. Instead you’ll feel that you are watching the space live and everything is around you, which is presented with more that 150 projectors.

Inside the Planetarium a very thrilling Ride Simulator, model of the planets of the solar system, scientific exhibits and portraits of world-renowned scientists and scholars can be seen. 3D films to explore the universe are shown everyday which are very much enjoyable. 

Tickets of the show is sold in the entry gate. Price is 50 Tk each. You have to stand in Que, and one can purchase only one ticket. Although it is possible to collect advance ticket for students and institutions. Ticket selling starts usually before 2 hours of the show.
Children aged less than two years are discouraged to watch planetarium show. Food, beverage, bags, cameras are not allowed inside the Novo Theatre. Taking photographs, using mobile phones, or switching on any light inside the auditorium is strictly prohibited. Visitors are not allowed to enter into the dome after the start of the show.

Show Time:
In normal time, 4 shows per day
•    Saturday-Thursday: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
•    Friday: 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM
•    Wednesday: Closed

Ramadan Show Time
During ramadan, 3 shows per day
•    Saturday-Thursday: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM
•    Friday: 09:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM
•    Wednesday: Closed

Contact address:
Bijoy Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka

Phone:  +880-2-8110184, +880-2-8110155

              +880-2-8110127, +880-2-9138806

Introducing Sundarban

Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove girdle in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi surroundings from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.


Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.

The park is also dwelling to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters. To see this pristine environment, you need to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.


Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a scene. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the river banks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for splendid meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave.

It's prettiness lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of roundabout streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an immeasurable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural loveliness of the Sundarbans. 

 

This is certainly a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Some Information

AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.
 

Main Attraction:

Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.

FAMOUS SPOTS: Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opportunities for wild tracking.
Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

Communication:
Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speed boats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and night-long coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

Journey time:
It varies depending on tides against or in favour in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.
Accommodation Inside the forest

Hiron Point :
Comfortable three-storied Rest-House of the Mongla Port Authority. Prior booking is to be made.

Katka :
Forest Department Rest-House to be found here. Prior booking essential.
Journey by Rocket Steamer to Mongla and Khulna

Minimum Journey time is 22 Hours for Mongla and 24 Hours for Khulna from Dhaka.

Entry Permission:
Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna (Phone 20665, 211731) to visit the Sundarbans. Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat payable at the relevant forest station/range office.



Guide Tours:
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation & other tour operators offers all-inclusive guided package fours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March).

Climate:
Climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65" and 70". During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide (30 miles and hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.

Days in Forest:
Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals others live on boats. In the chandpai region it is enthralling to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained offers. thrilling activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb.) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is exciting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.

Flora and Fauna:
The Sundarbans is gifted by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a superb place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there are a wide variety of wildlife for which the Sundarbans is so renowned.


Stopover to the Forest
Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful. 

Season & Shooting:
Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is illicit by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna, (Phone : 20665 & 21173).

Introducing Bandarban

Locate merely there is no better place in which to experience the magic of the Hill Tracts than in the hilly small town of Bandarban, which fabrication on the Sangu River, 92km from Chittagong. The river is the centre of local life: bamboo rafts up to 500m long, steered by a single solitary boatman, float leisurely downstream, while country boats make slow trips to neighboring villages. A good number residents belong to the Buddhist Marma tribe. The town itself, which has a couple of appealing sights, isn’t overly attractive, but the surrounding countryside is some of the finest in Bangladesh and offers one of the few opportunities to really escape the masses. Instead of the honking of horns and awe-struck stares of the masses you’ll have nothing much to listen to but birdsong and the only things likely to be fluttering about you will be bright, droopy winged butterflies. All up this is not a town to rush through in a hurry.
At the checkpoint before coming into town, officials may request that you call upon the district commissioner. His office is just around the corner from the Hotel Purabi.
There is an internet café (per hr Tk 40) under Hotel Greenhill.