By Richard Yule – Managing Director, International Cricket Tours
Sandwiched between this winter’s tours to South Africa and Australia, England’s men stop in Bangladesh for a two Test match series. It was time for ICT (lucky me) to become more familiar with the Land of the Bengals.
A Warm Welcome in Dhaka
On arrival at Dhaka airport, as is customary, I follow the signs to the immigration hall. As I approach the entrance there is an official looking gentleman holding a sign displaying my name. This fellow is an immigration agent, who to my relief, guides me through the ‘visa on arrival’ procedure (visa on arrival assistance will be offered to all ICT clients). Once the formalities are complete I exit the airport building where I am instantly welcomed by my guide in Dhaka, Mr Tanbir.
As soon as we leave the relative calm of the airport my western sensibilities are challenged by the horn happy traffic goers as we drive to the city centre. The colourful rickshaws and mopeds dominate the roadside and jockey for gaps at every opportunity. They effectively slow the flow of vehicles and ensure nobody gets anywhere quickly. I am slightly in awe of our driver who skilfully and serenely navigates the downtown chaos.
Discovering the Heart of Dhaka
The next day Mr Tanbir has an array of hotel visits lined up for my consideration. From the standard business-like accommodation to 5 star luxury, on every visit I am greeting with genuine warmth followed with tea, biscuits, cakes and an array of snacks.
We then head to the older part of Dhaka for some sightseeing. We enter the old town on foot and suddenly the streets are narrow and built up. With all my senses on alert I dodge the motorbikes and rickshaws that hurry past. Bicycle bells and horns give me fair warning of their approach.
After a short walk through the alleyways we reach the riverside unscathed and this is where Dhaka reveals some of its spiritual allure. Mr Tanbir hires a long tail boat taxi and we leave behind the clamour and claustrophobia of the old town.
We chug downriver and the perspective shifts to reveal great cityscape views from the water. The riverbanks are filled with either boats or people, often both. I think to myself ‘this is how Dhaka should really be explored’.
A Visit to Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
Later we drop by the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Another sincere welcome with sandwiches and I am shown around the stands and facilities. I try to picture the arena full of enthusiastic supporters and make a mental note on the best viewing points.
Tea Gardens and Tranquillity in Sylhet
Before I know it Mr Tanbir has me back at the airport. I take the short flight to Sylhet in the northwestern corner of Bangladesh and embrace a distinct change of pace.
The city is situated in the Surma Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, tea gardens, and tropical monsoon forests. I feel like an interloper in a tea advertisement as the verdant fields around me are scattered with small groups of tea pluckers. Meanwhile sari adorned ladies file down the road carrying impressively large bundles of tea leaves on their heads.
A swift visit to the picturesque Sylhet International Cricket Stadium with its modern pavilion, grandstand and, in keeping with its surrounding landscape, a grass bank (green gallery) on one side.
Bangladesh’s Legendary Hospitality
On to the nearby Grand Sylhet Hotel and the welcome here is the best yet. I am overwhelmed as an impressive boutique of flowers is presented to me and the staff all introduce themselves to me along with a photo opportunity. Like a blushing birthday boy I am shown around the hotel and its facilities, most notably the on-site 170 seater HD Movie Theatre, with popcorn maker outside to boot. However, I am too full from the welcome tea and cakes to indulge further.
Reflections on Bangladesh
It is back to Dhaka for a night as my flight departs early the next day. I use the time to reflect on my Bengali adventure.
There is no doubt the urban energy is intense and there is no hiding that the cities are loud, crowded and congested. However, like a natural antidote once outside the city the landscape transforms to tranquil river deltas and lush tea gardens.
My main enduing impression will be the genuine welcome and unmatched hospitality of the locals. Their generosity ensures I am a few pounds heavier on my return. If, for you, it is the people that make the place, then there is little doubt that Bangladesh is the place to go!
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