WHAT WE THINK

It is a source of great pride that our nation fought to establish Bangla as our state language. And because of our noble sacrifice in 1952, UNESCO in 1999 recognised Feb 21 as International Mother Language Day. I feel lucky that I get to speak it everyday with my countrymen, friends and family members staying here in the UAE, away from the homeland”. Dr. A.K.M. Rafique Ahammed, commercial counsellor, Consulate General of Bangladesh, been in Dubai for two years

We’re soft-spoken, hard-working and lawabiding people barring a few outcasts whose bad deeds are heavily and disproportionately covered in the local media, tarnishing the image of the vast majority of the Bangladeshis living in the UAE…I feel my most interesting Bangladeshi habit is that despite living in the desert, I keep eating bhaat-machh-dal-shak (ricefish-lentils-greens).” — Dr Reza Khan, principal wildlife specialist, Dubai Municipality, been in Dubai for 34 years

We are not represented at the Global Village here because the consumer market here is only for textiles; and textiles, however, rich and exquisite, are not enough to take up an entire Bangladesh pavilion. Also, wares of other countries are displayed and sold by businessmen from those countries, who actually live and work in Dubai, which is not the case with us. The visa issue is another problem.” — Lt (Retd) Kazi Gulshan Ara, managing director, Aydin boutique, been in Dubai for 6 years

I miss the people in Bangladesh. In the market, everyone refers to each other as ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ in Bengali, even while bargaining! It’s nice to listen to everyone converse in the native tongue. I also love how closely knit we are; friends and neighbours are treated like family. We all feel related to one another.” — Sarah Rahman, first year university student, been in Dubai for 18 years

A disturbing misconception that people have here is that all Bangladeshis are labourers. A huge percentage of us are also white-collar knowledge professionals, bankers or business owners. Yet, most people think of us as lower to lower middle class blue-collar workers... what I miss about Bangladesh: the warmth, the kindness, the hospitality of my in-laws, especially my mother-inlaw who treats me like a prince!” — Nesar Reza Khan, head sales, investments & marketing at GGICO Properties, been in Dubai for 33 years

I recently took up a job in Dhaka. However, I am a resident of Dubai and grew up here. Living in cosmopolitan Dubai does keep you somewhat removed from your cultural background. But due to the strong ties within the community in Dubai, you hardly feel you are in a foreign place... I miss Dubai’s shawarmas, resorts and parks. Bangladesh makes up for it in plenty, in the street food and flea markets. I love the simplicity of the people and the rural areas in Bangladesh.” —Nahela Nowshin, media person, been in Dubai for 15 years