A tourist brochure for Dhaka will mention the National Parliament House, Bashundhara Asia, the Lalbagh Fort, built in the 17th century, and the colorful open markets humming with activity, but what it neglects to mention is that this is the city to be in if you are tried of your dull, routine and orderly life and want to get in touch with your primitive side. What a brochure will fail to mention are the many interesting sights and smells one can't even imagine in their wildest dreams unless they have experienced Dhaka first hand. A walk down the streets will show you that here in Dhaka we have the freedom to do what we please, follow our whims and impulses and never worry about inconveniencing others.
A prime example of this is the fact that despite there being 48 public toilets and 100 newly ordered mobile toilets for the 12 million this is just the official people of the city, most people still choose not to say the five takas charge to use these facilities and use the streets instead for urination and defecation. This a common practice for people, especially the make city dweller regardless of their socio economic background.
It is not out of the ordinary to see men lined up on the sidewalk, urinating either into the open drain next to it or any old corner they find comfortable. Why, you ask? Because they have been stuck in traffic for hours, public toilet is nowhere in sight or too expensive, or simply because they enjoy the exhibition, the excuses are endless. Parks are also extremely popular makeshift toilets. The streets and most public places are also used liberally for disposing other types of bodily fluids such as spit and phlegm. From the rickshaw pullers to the polished, educated people sitting in air conditioned cars, this habit is a favorite amongst most Dhaka city dwellers. Stand on the sidewalk for more than half a minute and you are guaranteed to be overwhelmed by the disgusting sounds of people clearing their throats, gagging and spitting loudly, inconsiderate of those around them. Believe it or not there have been times when people have mistaken all the spit around them for an out of season rain shower. It can by confidently started that there is not adorned with spit and phlegm in this entire city.
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন