I never really get many pics on the Bangladesh trips and I realized why. It's not a place to go out for a walk. There is a huge undereducted, poor poulation. the place is a big bloody mess, the corrupt government is ripping the people off with huge import duties, for example 300% on a new car. There is virtually no public transport, so people need cars but the tax money sure isn't being spent on roads. many city streets aren't paved, let alone rural areas. There seems to be virtually NO money spent on infrastructure.
Having said that, 22 no bid contracts have just been awarded for the building of gas powered power stations (despite the fact there are gas shortages) and a certain sector of the community is doing very well thank you.
I have visited 2 private homes (apartments) there and they are very nice, insulated from the clusterfuck just outside their doors by a high wall around the first floor carpark (no garden) wherein reside armed guards so the entrance to the elevators is through the carpark via security doors.
The buildings are 5-8 floors high.
We took a trip to the outskirts of Dhaka to inspect some land that has been purchased for a factory which gave me a slight glimpse into another Bangladesh.
I think surreal best describes the place. (once we've covered shitheap, dump, clusterfuck etc)It's muslim so can't get booze outside top hotels and restaurants but most of them don't mind a beer (or wine or whiskey for that matter).
They like music, there are virtually no taxis and those that there are are old, tiny blue russian things that have been absolutely battered.
Desspit my best efforts I wasn't in the right place at the right time with the camera to get a pic of one of these. here are a few random pics.
I took a few waiting outside the hotel for my ride one day.
This is a Dhaka Tuk tuk. millions of them. They run on Gas. The air is surprisingly clean for such a city.
This is a typical city bus, they ALL look like they've been scraping by one another.
Tuktuk anyone
Unfortunately this lush and rich area is destined for industry.
The mowed patch is the site of the new factory. just that morning I had been reading in the paper about the problems they have growing enough food to feed themselves.
A roadside tea stall
Sheltering from the rain
This bloke
Makes the best cuppa I ever had.
Rural bus
Looks like there might be work for English teachers.