Discovering Bangladesh with Khairul
Hey everyone! I'm Md Khairul Hasan, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself and where I come from.
I'm an international student from Bangladesh, currently double majoring in Business Analytics and Management Information Systems (MIS) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). If you see me around campus, chances are I'll have my camera or phone out because photography is a huge passion of mine! I love capturing everything from candid campus moments and special events to the pure joy of graduation ceremonies – that's definitely my busiest and most exciting time with the camera.
Beyond snapping photos, I really enjoy connecting with people, sharing stories, and learning from different experiences. I believe in getting involved, and that's why I'm pretty active on campus. Since my freshman year, I've been the Vice President of International Student Promoters (ISP), which is an awesome group that brings together students from all sorts of backgrounds. I'm also a Panther Ambassador, giving campus tours and helping prospective students see what makes UNI so great. It's been amazing to learn even more about our campus through this role.
On top of my studies and leadership roles, I also work two campus jobs: I'm a Marketing & Promotions Assistant at the Office of International Engagement (OIE) and a Student Caller at the UNI Foundation. These jobs let me give back and gain some valuable professional experience along the way.
But today, I'm especially excited to give you a little peek into my hometown, Bangladesh. It's a country bursting with color, culture, and warmth, and I can't wait to take you on a journey to discover its beauty! Stay tuned!
Where is Bangladesh?
So, where exactly is Bangladesh?
Well, it's a vibrant country in South Asia. You'll find it bordered by India to its west, north, and east, with Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast. To our south, we're blessed with the magnificent Bay of Bengal, which gives us a truly vast and beautiful coastline. And right at the heart of it all is Dhaka, our capital city – it's a wonderfully vibrant and bustling metropolis, really known for its rich history, incredible culture, and absolutely delicious cuisine.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Bangladesh
Get ready to be absolutely stunned by Cox's Bazar! This is where you'll find the longest uninterrupted natural sea beach in the entire world. If you love the beach, soaking up the sun, and just enjoying the peacefulness of nature, this place is truly paradise.
This is a real gem of the natural world – the Sundarbans. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the title for the largest mangrove forest globally. What makes it even more incredible? It's also famously home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. It's an experience unlike any other!
Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the most breathtaking sunsets. That's Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh's only coral island. It's a truly pristine natural wonder, absolutely perfect if you're looking to snorkel, dive, or just kick back and relax on its idyllic beaches.
Get ready to be absolutely stunned by Cox's Bazar! This is where you'll find the longest uninterrupted natural sea beach in the entire world. If you love the beach, soaking up the sun, and just enjoying the peacefulness of nature, this place is truly paradise.
This is a real gem of the natural world – the Sundarbans. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the title for the largest mangrove forest globally. What makes it even more incredible? It's also famously home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. It's an experience unlike any other!
Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the most breathtaking sunsets. That's Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh's only coral island. It's a truly pristine natural wonder, absolutely perfect if you're looking to snorkel, dive, or just kick back and relax on its idyllic beaches.
Traditional Food
Bangladeshi cuisine is a burst of flavor and spice – truly an adventure for your taste buds! Here are a few of our signature dishes you absolutely have to try:
- Biryani: This is a rich, incredibly aromatic rice dish, often cooked with tender meat, creamy yogurt, and a wonderful blend of spices. It's a feast in itself!
- Hilsa Fish Curry (Ilish Maach Bhuna): Hilsa is our national fish, and it's something truly special. We typically cook it in mustard oil with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a distinct and unforgettable flavor.
- Panta Ilish: This is a traditional dish often enjoyed during our New Year celebrations. It consists of fermented rice served with deliciously fried hilsa fish and a kick from green chilies. It’s a unique and refreshing experience.
- Rasgulla and Mishti Doi: Sweets are a huge, huge part of Bangladeshi culture, and these two are absolute favorites. Rasgulla are spongy, syrupy cheese balls, and Mishti Doi is a wonderfully rich, sweet yogurt. They're the perfect way to end any meal!
Traditional Dress/Cultural Clothes
Our traditional clothing is just as vibrant as our culture!
- For Women: The Sari is definitely the most iconic and traditional outfit, beautifully worn during festivals and all sorts of special occasions. Another really popular choice is the Salwar Kameez, which is a comfortable and elegant tunic paired with pants and a matching scarf.
- For Men: Men typically wear a Panjabi (which is like a long shirt or kurta) often with pajama pants or a lungi (a traditional wrap-around garment). For more formal events, you might see a Sherwani or even a modern coat-pant ensemble.
What Makes Bangladesh Unique?
So, what truly makes Bangladesh stand out in my eyes? Honestly, it's a place where resilience isn't just a word – you see it shining through every challenge, every single day. And the hospitality? It's not just a polite gesture; it's a genuine, heartfelt welcome that embraces you from everyone you meet.
Our cultural heritage is just incredible, a truly vibrant tapestry. Think about it: from the lively, rhythmic beats of our traditional music to the pure, joyful energy of our colorful festivals, like the amazing Pohela Boishakh (that's our Bengali New Year!) and our cherished Eid celebrations. In Bangladesh, you'll feel this deep sense of togetherness and community right in your bones – it's not just an idea, it's woven into the very fabric of our daily lives.
And if that wasn't enough, we also have this thriving handicrafts tradition that tells stories in every stitch and weave, combined with the sheer, breathtaking beauty of our lush natural landscapes. When you put it all together, you really start to get a feel for why Bangladesh is such a uniquely special place in the world.
It truly made me burst with pride to represent Bangladesh and connect with people from all corners of the world. Those moments really remind me why I love being here.
Favorite Memory at UNI So Far?
Oh, choosing just one favorite memory at UNI is tough, but if I had to pick, it would definitely be attending International Education Week. That was such an incredible experience! Not only did I get to proudly showcase Bangladeshi culture, but seeing myself and my fellow Bangladeshi friends featured on a UNI magazine, all dressed up in our traditional clothes, was just so heartwarming. You have no idea how much joy it brought me to see the enthusiasm of other students – asking all sorts of curious questions about my country. It truly made me burst with pride to represent Bangladesh and connect with people from all corners of the world. Those moments really remind me why I love being here.
Thank you so much for taking the time to journey with me and learn a little more about my home.