Photo: Tania Shukrana

Fishing

Tossing a hook into the water or using a net isn't the only way to catch fish in our country. In many places the water is drained from a pond or a portion of a beel, so that some brave men may be able to pick off the helpless, floundering fish from the mud. In shallow areas of a river you could see guys with big steel bowls wading around in ankle-deep water. If you wait long enough, you'll see them plunge the bowl down, then carefully reach inside and take out an edible prisoner. Our fishermen can also catch their prey with bare hands.

By Professor Spork

New Market

Is there anything you cannot find in that place? From chalks to china, from chickens to churidars, there isn't anything you can't find in this wonderful shopping paradise. It might not be the posh-est of places, but if something sounds too rare to be found anywhere else, New Market probably has it. In this true city landmark, the prices are cheap, the bargain is freestyle and the fun in shopping there is unlike anywhere else.

By Orin

Ancestral Diversity

The majority of the tribal population (about seven lacs) of Bangladesh lives in the more rural areas of the Chittagong Hills, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Rajshahi. There are over 75 different tribes, who speak over 100+ dialects! The four most prominent tribes are Chakmas, Marmas, Tipperas, and Mros. Each tribe follows different traditions, speaks a different dialect and altogether lives a very different life from the general population of Bangladesh, and often from each other. For example, the Marma and Tanchangya tribes are more artistic, while the Khumi and Mro tribes show animist attributes. Some are not so different, though; many from the Tripura tribe are university graduates!

By Amiya Atahar

Reference: "Adibashi Jati Shomuher Shangbidhanik Shikriti Bishoyok Shuparishmala" published by Research and Development Collective

Lalon Fakir

The spiritual leader of all spiritual musicians in Bangladesh was born in Kushtia and went on to define folk music in this region of the world. He lived his life in self inflicted poverty and hardships so he could understand and get a feel for the nature of humans. His songs were lyrical masterpieces and the power of his voice inspired (wrongly, in most cases) a newer generation of folk and fusion musicians.

While fusion bands may have distorted the image of Lalon, the closest thing to the real deal is still there to those who seek it, just head to Kushtia and have a look around.

By Shaer Reaz

Himu

Although a work of fiction by Humayun Ahmed, Himu is as quintessentially Bangali as the crows on the telephone wires. Weirdly refreshing, Himu is hugely popular among the deshi youth. His anti-logic somehow manages to make sense in today's crazy world, and that is where much of his appeal comes from. His trademark yellow Panjabi has even found itself into popular fashion these days. Himu's bohemian lifestyle and unconventional way of thinking is like a breath of fresh air for everyone. He is the alter-ego of the average Bangali youth, defining us in that subtle, but unambiguous way.

By TheAlien4mEarth