Lori Walsh Imdad

Coming Home–Repatriating to Bangladesh with Children

2012-06-06T09:58:00.001+06:00

Many people originally from Bangladesh, leave to settle abroad – sometimes merely for the foreign passport, other times with the intention of settling down only to find jobs in their field are difficult to nearly impossible to get and they are struggling working odd jobs at supermarkets just to survive. Eventually, this life becomes too stressful, and they realize that their quality of life in Bangladesh was better than the life they are living in America and return back to their native home with small children. Their first hope is to admit their child or children in the American School, but find it is full or face other difficulties in achieving that goal. So, they admit them in another international school. Now, their children have to adjust not only to a new home environment, but also cope with stark changes to the curriculum they were used to in the U.S. They have to study more and school just isn’t fun anymore. This often leads to the child becoming frustrated and obviously their grades will reflect this. As a parent your heart just breaks seeing your child suffer so much just to pass his classes when he was doing well in all his subjects in the U.S.

American Standard International School opened just in November to fill the gap. Education is such an important part of your child’s life and future, we sincerely want it to be a success! Our doors are always open, even if you just want to “check us out”. No pressure.

If your child is 2+ we offer Pre-School and at present offer up to Grade 5. Our classrooms are large and fully air conditioned. We have two play grounds, one for the smaller children and another for the older ones. Snacks and Lunch are provided from our kitchen, which prospective parents are welcome to visit.

Our teachers come from multi-cultural backgrounds and receive in-service training and counseling year round to ensure our students receive the best education possible. If your child is struggling, we will provide him special tutoring included in his regular school tuition (no extra cost) until he is able to succeed. Your child’s success is our success and the goal of all our teachers.

Summer is around the corner and we know our parents and children wonder how they will pass the summer. Our doors our open! Stop by and check out what we have cooking for summer fun!

At American Standard International School you will find all that your child will need.

Never Judge a Book….

2012-05-22T00:05:00.001+06:00

As I grew up my Grandmother would from time to time fill my ears with adages like, “don’t judge a book by its cover” and “never look a gift horse in the mouth” or “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched” and so on. Now before I continue on topic, let me take a step back to introduce myself. You may recognize me from around Dhaka, like the American Club, Dhaka American Women’s Club or the fun Dhaka Club Balls or Classical Music Evenings.

Now getting back to my topic, today when I repeat these adages that I heard from my grandmother to my children they look at me as if I have come from another planet. I should explain that I was born in Connecticut and my parents and grandparents are of English descent. So, although many of these adages are carry-overs from the “old world”, they still instill good common sense ideals.

In November 2011 a new American school opened its doors in Baridhara. If you drive by you might dismiss it due to its location, or think that is this just another English medium school and miss out on amazing opportunity for your child. So, before dismissing American Standard International School because of its location, come in for a visit.

Our entrance was outfitted to dazzle you and your child - from the fun characters on the walls, to the lighting that dances across the ceiling. Nearby are the parents’ reception, snack bar and children’s play area. Even if you are waiting for their older sibling, the younger ones will not feel bored as they have a fun place to hang out.

American Standard International School arrived to fill a need in Dhaka. First, to assist already over-populated schools in Dhaka offering US, British and IB curricula. ASIS will provide a place for those students these schools do not have the resources to accept. Secondly, ASIS seeks to provide an additional resource for children in Dhaka to receive a genuine American education.

ASIS is supported by its partners in America – the Ohio Board of Education, the U.S. Department of Education, Franklin University, American Education Group, Chicago Training and Consultancy Services, and AdvancEd (one of the largest Education accreditors for schools throughout the world).

In addition to practical education, American Standard International School focuses on creative skills. We believe in developing each child’s unique qualities into strengths that will help them achieve their future goals. Our top administrators, including the Principal, are American educated to assure parents that their children will learn according to the best researched, proven and innovative methods that are used in some of the best educational institutions in America.

Parents are encouraged to work with us in a joint effort. Children learn from all the adults around them, so Parents and Teachers working in unison are the best role models for children to develop into well-educated citizens.

To learn more about our school and its philosophy, visit our website at http://www.asisbd.com or drop by our campus in North Baridhara for a visit.

Technorati Tags: Schools,Dhaka,Baridhara,Bangladesh,Lori Imdad,Lori Walsh Imdad

An American Education in Bangladesh

2012-05-12T14:31:00.003+06:00

Since 1972 when American International School Dhaka (AISD) opened its doors, Dhaka residents in Bangladesh have had an American education option for the children. Since then, Dhaka has grown and today AISD runs at its full capacity and maintains a waiting list of hopeful students until a spot becomes available for them. The same is true of International School Dhaka (ISD) and Grace International School.

Last year (2011) a new American school opened in North Baridhara. A real American school, with an American curriculum, American administrators and American teachers.

The people behind this initiative realized that due to all three of the leading international school are overflowing with students, there is a great potential for another American school to make an entrance.

The curriculum at American Standard International School is based on that of the State of Ohio and is backed by textbooks and workbooks from McGraw-Hill publishers. I am sure that name sounds familiar to anyone educated in the U.S or familiar with U.S. curriculum as a leader in educational publications.

The large and spacious campus in North Baridhara on Road 13 is complete with air conditioned classrooms, is fully secured with a CCTV monitoring system, has a two bed healthcare facility, Computer Lab, Music Room, Library, Rooftop Garden and petting zoo with small animals (like rabbits) and an outdoor rooftop playground.

American Standard International School (ASIS) seeks to create a fun learning environment that children will enjoy returning to day after day.

ASIS is a subsidiary of the American Education Council Ltd (AECL) and has partnered with American Education Group, Ohio Board of Education, US Department of Education, Franklin University, Chicago Training and Consultancy Services and AdvancEd in order to provide its students a fully comprehensive American education. Parents and , organizations, embassies and consulates are warmly welcomed when visiting the campus and a tour of the facilities including the classrooms and other amenities is gladly provided. Everyone who visits is welcome to review the curriculum and textbooks while there and enjoy a cup of tea.

To learn more about ASIS, please visit its website at http://www.asisbd.com or email the owner of this blog.

At American Standard International School
A REAL American School where learning is FUN!

Technorati Tags: ASIS,American Standard International School,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Women’s Independence: Perception vs Reality

2012-03-11T19:10:00.001+06:00

Sorry, for the lack of activity. I am visiting family and friends overseas and have been offline for the most part. Women's International Day has just passed and a friend who works with Asian Development Bank recently sent me an e-mail about her recent conference that she attended in Kabul.This prompted me to make this brief post. Westerners view of the borka is somewhat mistaken. Not that I wear one or a hijab, for that matter, but the intent behind the borka is not to oppress women. It is worn to protect them from prying eyes. How many of us have walked down the street and have workers whistle and call after us? Muslim women are free from this type of chauvinism as no one can see what they look like underneath the borka except female friends and their family when they are in their homes. In fact, when you read tislamic hadiths that was the intent of the prophet. To protect women from unwanted attention. Ironically, this veiling of the body gives the wearer more freedom and is not really oppressive at all.

The women of Afghan present a different picture only because of the Taliban regime that enforced strict laws on women that went beyond what is found in islamic hadiths or the Quran. Women could not work nor go to school, even those who had already been educated and trained as skilled professionals were helpless to use their skills to help their countrymen.
My friend's colleague tells her that life is changing in Afghanistan. Not only politically, but culturally. Even he now understands that his wife has the right to voice her opinion and he is listening.
This International Women's Day, let us pray that all Afghan men continue to do the same and that the image of the Afghan woman will emerge as a blue clad independent women leading her country and religion away from the perception of the oppressed one that use to exist in its place.

Technorati Tags: Islam,Borka,Afghanistan,Bangladesh,Religion,Lori Walsh Imdad

International Mother Language Day

2012-02-22T13:33:00.001+06:00

If you reside temporarily in Bangladesh, you may wonder what is the appropriate greeting to give on February 21st, a national holiday and, now, also a internationally recognized holiday since the U.N. decision in 2009. The words to the song sung over and over on this day, tell you that this is a sad day." Amar Bhaiyer Rokto Rangano, Ekushe February. Ami ki bulehteh pari?" which translates as “The blood of my brother was spilled on 21st February. Can I ever forget it? So, no, you should not wish any one a “Happy Ekushe” or anything similar. Ekushe February is a day of mourning as it commemorates the deaths of 6 students in 1952.
In 1952 Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan and while it was much smaller according to size, it had a much larger population and that population spoke Bangla/Bengali. When the central government located in West Pakistan announced that Urdu and only Urdu would be the official state language of the nation, it caused a major outcry among the Bangla speaking majority. They could not imagine how their culturally rich and Nobel prize winning language could be made to disappear. On February 21, 1952 the Dhaka University students and Dhaka Medical College student organized a protest march whereas, the West Pakistan central government had called for the enforcement of of Section 144 which basically banned any type of gathering. or meeting. When the students approached Dhaka Medical College the police opened fire on them, killing six of the students.
The events of 21st February 1952 have long been acknowledged as being the precursor to the national independence movement that ultimately led to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
On this day, people organize a visit to the Shaheed Minar which was erected as a memorial to those killed in 1952 and lay flowers. Bangalees who live outside of Bangladesh often erect temporary Shaheed Minars in their locality and organize ceremonies for flower laying. The ceremonies start at midnight on Ekushe February. No matter where you are, if you are from Bangladesh you never forget this day. .
As we mourn in remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their language,we say,.” Ekushe maneh mata noto nah kora” Which translated means,” the 21st means not putting your head down - no compromise.”
Joy Hok Bangla Bhashar.

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,Ekushe February,Interantional Mother Language Day,Shaheed Minar,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

The day John F. Kennedy was Shot

2012-02-19T09:45:00.001+06:00

One of the remarkable parts of being a part of the social internet are the choice memories shared by friends and mutual members of groups we are take part in. Recently, one of the members from the Facebook Group for people from my home town posted her recollection of the day JFK was shot. Of course this memory was more related to her principal at the time, but the memory was still very moving. So, here I offer her recollection of a very sad day in America's history, before Al Qaeda and international terror threats, there were other atrocities that we bore.
Helen Burke Weber, "Most of all, I will never forget our school principal on the day JFK was shot on Nov. 22, 1963. He was generally a quiet man, so it was weird that all of a sudden he yelled, "Oh no -- Oh no!!". Then, "The President has been shot!" and in a flash he plugged in the ancient, huge school radio on the window ledge outside my 3rd-grade classroom, and he turned it up loud. He soon sent us all home that day, and I remember how all of the churches in Cheshire consequently opened and how everyone went to church. The principal took care of us all that day -- students, teachers, families. For some folks, it is probably hard to imagine but the nation was in a bucolic, post WW2, warm and fuzzy era.. until then.
What's your special memory of that sad day in 1963? Please comment to share.

Technorati Tags: JFK,John F. Kennedy,November 1963,Memories,Facebook,Groups,Cheshire,Sad day,USA Politics,History,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Dear Microsoft Office 365

2012-02-02T09:52:00.001+06:00

While appreciate your special offer of a free trial for 6 months, why would I want to switch to your your service for six months when Google Apps has been giving free service that keeps improving for years. With my free service I get, Google Docs,Email for my domain, Calendar, Groups, YouTube and so much more. What will give me for free and then, for only six months? Why would I go somewhere that will want to charge me $5 -6 per email address per month, when I get unlimited email domain addresses on Google Apps at no cost at all?

Let me know when you have a comparable product that I will be able to use for free with all the features I presently enjoy from Google, until then......STOP SPAMMING ME. I will not switch.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Microsoft Office 365,Google+,GoogleApps for Domains,Google,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Seatbelts in Bangladesh

2012-02-01T18:48:00.001+06:00

In Bangladesh, many people do not fasten their seatbelt when riding around Dhaka. Moreover, there aren't any carseat laws to protect small children either. We all begin to believe that because traffic is slow and congested, these safety precautions are just not necessary. This is a complete incorrect assumption. Even if your car is travelling at a slow speed, if for some reason there is an accident you will get injured if you are not wearing your seatbelt.

2009 was a difficult year for me just because I failed to refasten my seatbelt after going to the bank. The brakes on my car failed with the only option being to stop the car which was moving at only 10mph by hitting a tree. My husband was driving and I was sitting in the front sit. We were only returning home after dropping our son off at school and going to the bank. So, when I came back from the ATM I didn't fasten my seat belt. Don't know why I didn't, but it was the worst mistake I ever made. If you know the Gulshan area of Dhaka, we were driving on Road 84 that the Australian Club is on. We were approaching the intersection when my husband found the brakes had no pressure and made a decision on the spot. He told me what he was going to do, but it didn't register fast enough and before I knew it my head had hit the windshield. I must have blacked out briefly when my head impacted the windshield because I only remember my head hurting really bad after the car stopped. I pulled my head back as carefully as possible and that's when my husband saw me. A rickshaw stopped near us and got us to United Hospital.

The Emergency Room people there cleaned me up while the Neurosurgeon was called. One of the bad things about Dhaka is that if you have an emergency before 10am and after 8pm the senior doctors are not available. After reaching their the nurses had me change clothes and they began cleaning and wrapping the wound. They did this several times before my husband stepped in and told them they needed to stitch my wound closed, at least temporarily. The doctors their resisted doing this because their senior staff were not present, yet. Finally, my husband ordered them to do it. After the stitching was done, the Neurosurgeon arrived and I was taken into surgery. After a 6 hour surgery the Neurosurgeon advised that it had gone well and that I was lucky, but one of my eye lids skin was severely damaged. Once I had recovered for a few weeks from the accident and the surgery, I had to have another surgery to replace the eyelid.

I imagine that Bangladesh also has laws about wearing seatbelts just as the U.S. does, but they are not enforced. The congestion in the city makes it impossible to do this. I hope someday the government is able to introduce similar practices as followed in the west for the betterment of society. Now when I go out, I always where my seatbelt. I hope you do, too.

Technorati Tags: Vehicle Safety,Road Safety,Seatbelt laws,Dhaka,Bangladesh,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

A Prayer for Death of a Leader

2012-01-28T18:44:00.001+06:00

I like to pick up my news in bits from here and there. I was rather shocked to see that House Speaker, Representative Mike O’Neal (R. Kansas) had sent an email telling his colleagues to Pray Psalm 109. This email was somehow leaked (did he really think it wouldn’t be) and now numerous major news outlets are reporting the disturbing prayer request. One has to wonder why he made such a request in the first place. For those unfamiliar with the prayer for vengeance, here it is in its entirety:

Psalm 109

¹Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;
²For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
³They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
⁴For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.
⁵And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
⁶Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
⁷When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.
⁸Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
⁹Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
¹⁰Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
¹¹Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.
¹²Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.
¹³Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
¹⁴Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.
¹⁵Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
¹⁶Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
¹⁷As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
¹⁸As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
¹⁹Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
²⁰Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
²¹But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.
²²For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
²³I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.
²⁴My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.
²⁵I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.
²⁶Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:
²⁷That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.
²⁸Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
²⁹Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.
³⁰I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.
³¹For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.
Along with the request was this message from O’Neal himself. It is one thing to internalize these kinds of thoughts, but to send it to your colleagues is another matter altogether.
“At last — I can honestly voice a Biblical prayer for our president! Look it up — it is word for word! Let us all bow our heads and pray. Brothers and Sisters, can I get an AMEN? AMEN!!!!!!”
According to these article that appeared on LJ World and Kansas City he has since apologies and although a 25,000 signature petition requesting his removal over the issue, he has stated he is remaining in office.
I really have to wonder at the logic of him staying, despite the apology in this brief message he sounded gleeful at having found this verse in the bible. Considering that he has recently had a series of errors in judgment, should such a person continue to represent the people?

Technorati Tags: Representative Mike O'Neal,Psalm 109,Vengeance of a Leader,Petition,USA Politics,Republican Party Politics,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Bangladesh - What to See

2012-01-23T15:54:00.000+06:00

Yesterday, I was skimming my Facebook updates and this was one of the leading ones, ‎"Tourism is the number one service we export...And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work. It’s that simple." -President Obama. This is not only true for America, but for every country and that includes Bangladesh. Somehow, a few years ago when the Caretaker Government was still in power a rather unwise decision was made to brand Bangladesh as “Beautiful Bangladesh”. There are many better choices and we are in severe need of rebranding, to take us from the negative brand of poverty, flood and microcredit to a brand that sells Bangladesh as a place for investment, tourism, and excellent manpower resources.

Many people come to Bangladesh to visit and go to Cox Bazaar, Sundarbans, Bandarbans and that is really where it ends. There are many historical places in Bangladesh to visit.

Dhaka is known as the city of Mosques, so be sure to make a visit to some of the historic mosques in the city. The Red Fort is another great historic site to see. Wikipedia says that Lalbagh Fort (also known as "Fort Aurangabad") is an incomplete Mughal palace fortress at the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Construction was commenced in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam during his 15-month long vice-royalty of Bengal, but before the work could complete, he was recalled by Aurangzeb. His successor, Shaista Khan, did not complete the work, though he stayed in Dhaka up to 1688. His daughter Iran Dukht nicknamed Pari Bibi (Fairy Lady) died here in 1684 and this led him to consider the fort to be ominous.

Lalbagh Fort is also the witness of the revolt of the native soldiers against the British during the Great Rebellion of 1857. As in the Red Fort in India, they were defeated by the force led by the East India Company. They and the soldiers who fled from Meerat were hanged to death at the Victoria Park. In 1858 the declaration of Queen Victoria of taking over the administrative control of India from the Company was read out at the Victoria park, later renamed Bahadur Shah Park after the name of the last Mughal Emperor who led that greatest rebellion against then British empire.

In Chittagong there is not only Cox Bazaar to see, but also the historic site of Faiz Lake where the Pakistani Army set up a Guillotine that was used to murder the country's intellectuals in 1971.

The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and the Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and the south. The valley has a good number of haors which are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These haors provide a sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from across the Himalayas to escape the severe Siberian winters.

Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich history. Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303, the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360 disciples to preach Islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda, Sylhet thus became a district of saints, shrines and daring but virile people.

Its rich potential was quickly realized and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal, which is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.

Among the sites to visit while in Sylhet, the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal stands out. Shah Jalal is a saint of Bengal particularly in the region of Sylhet, Bangladesh. Jalal's name is associated with the Muslim conquest of Sylhet, for which he is given the most credit. He was buried at Sylhet. Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh's main airport is named in honor of this saint.

An Eco Resort is being built in Jessore and hopefully will be completed soon. Watch for the opening of Panigram in the Fall of 2012.

While Bangladesh has many things to offer tourists in the country (and more quality hotels are being opened every time I travel), it still has work to do in other areas. First and foremost is creating a brand that is inviting for investors and travelers across the world. One of the brands I have heard is Bangladesh - Truly the Heart of Asia. I picture children and residents smiling. It exudes warmth and friendliness. Marketing professionals could truly promote Bangladesh to the world with a brand like this.

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,Tourism in Bangladesh,Bangladesh- Truly the Heart of Asia,Rebranding,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

2012-01-19T16:20:00.001+06:00

One of the more famous quotes of the American Revolution for independence, is “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” which was said by Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. Of course the liberty he was referring to was from Britain, but I can’t help but wonder what the founders of America would be thinking about the situation facing American citizens right now. I have always viewed the internet is an amazing advancement as well as a great resource because so much information on any topic imaginable can be found because of it. Of course, there are good and bad things out there on the internet, but this is not anything new. Currently, the internet is buzzing with articles and protests against SOPA and PIPA, the bills facing congress that if approved with effectively Censor the internet. It really doesn’t matter how you dress it up, once passed it will allow ISPs and other the right to determine which websites we can and can not see. Where has our Freedom gone?
After 9/11 many changes have taken place that has given the government more and more authority of what we do and how we do it. Our conversations are listened to, our emails and internet browsing are monitored by the government and by employers. Slowly America’s face is changing and I doubt our forefathers would even recognize it. This is not the country they envisioned upon coming to the new world and gaining liberty and from the British over 235 years ago. The came for a world where the people would have freedom. Freedom to believe and worship their God in the way they wished to worship, Freedom to protest against the government and not be thrown in jail and accused of treason, Freedom to write books, articles, and publish newspapers without censorship from the government and much more. Today, we are facing the loss of some of those freedoms we all have enjoyed. The freedom to browse the internet, go to the websites we wish to without censorship from our ISP and our government.
Wikipedia led the way of sites to protest this bill by darkening its website on January 18th and was followed by many others. Today we read the news that it isn’t over, yet. Advertisements are planned that will attempt to woo us into understanding that SOPA, PIPA or any other anti-piracy act presented to congress are not Censorship. When we won’t be able to browse a certain website because our ISP or the Government believe that website is a piracy website that is censorship. Not only this, once this bill is passed it is sure to lead to others. This anti-piracy act is basically a Pandora’s Box and once opened many evils will spill into the world as we know it. So, continue protesting and don’t buy into those advertisements.

Technorati Tags: SOPA,PIPA,Censorship,Wikipedia,anti-piracy acts,Patrick Henry,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Bangladesh - My Home Across the Sea

2012-01-16T23:06:00.002+06:00

Those who have visited my blog before may recall that I live in Bangladesh. Since my arrival here I have had many experiences traveling in Bangladesh, but more than that I would like to clarify that the Bangladesh that I live in is not the one you see pictured on CNN and other national and international news networks when it is hit by a Cyclone or flooding during the rainy season. Here I have attempted to provide some information on Bangladesh.

For those new to my blog here is a bit about Bangladesh from Wikipedia:
Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma (Myanmar) to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south. The capital (and largest city) is Dhaka, which is the hub of all cultural, political and religious affairs. Together with the Indian state of West Bengal, it makes up the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. The name Bangladesh means "Country of Bengal" in the official Bengali language.

The borders of present-day Bangladesh were established with the partition of Bengal and India in 1947, when the region became East Pakistan, part of the newly formed nation of Pakistan. However, it was separated from the western wing by 1,600 km (994 mi) of Indian territory. Due to political exclusion, ethnic and linguistic discrimination, and economic neglect by the politically-dominant West Pakistan, popular agitation grew against West Pakistan and led to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, which succeeded after Pakistan surrendered to Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh, and her ally an Indian Brigade in Dhaka. After independence, the new state endured famines, natural disasters and widespread poverty, as well as political turmoil and military coups. The restoration of democracy in 1991 has been followed by relative calm and economic progress.

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy, with an elected parliament called the Jatiyo Sangshad. It is the ninth most populous country and among themost densely populated countries in the world. A high poverty rate prevails, although the United Nations has acclaimed Bangladesh for achieving tremendous progress in human development. Geographically, the country straddles the fertile Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and is subject to annualmonsoon floods and cyclones.

Bangladesh has many more resources than actually perceived and is better off than what is portrayed on national and international news networks and programs. First and foremost, the world's perception is influenced by reports on CNN, BBC, Fox and others that have perpetuated many misconceptions about Bangladesh. To begin with Bangladesh is not the most impoverished of nations and there are many nations prone to flooding far worse affected than Bangladesh.

Yes, during the rainy season many areas experience flooding. However, the nation has been working to improve drainage systems and though some flooding still occurs, it is not nearly as severe as it was in the past.

Bangladesh's best resource is its people. The more its people are trained in various fields the better it is for the country as those highly skilled people can work in other nations and send remittances back for the betterment of the nation.

Also, the country needs to develop its own sources of fuel to save its foreign currencies that are currently spent importing fuel. Hopefully, the nation will soon do this and begin working toward independence from fuel imports.

One thing that has confused me for sometime is the choice of branding chosen a few years ago. At best it is ineffective for any marketing purpose. There a few better choices, Bangladesh - Truly the Heart of Asia and another I have heard another was Bangladesh - the Gem of Asia. I prefer the first because it allows many more marketing schemes to attract foreign investments, build up tourism and much more. I have traveled in Bangladesh and have seen the school children, the villages and more. Nothing beats the smiles of the people all around Bangladesh and this could be featured in every advertisement. The same way a recently aired, "My Singapore" ad campaign was made that showed clips of great things to see in Singapore and featured the warmness of the people all throughout. I look forward to seeing Bangladesh continue to grow and improve. It is a great place to be right now.

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,About Banglesh,Information on Bangladesh,Flooding in Bangladesh,Resources in Bangladesh,Tourism in Bangladesh,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Breast Cancer Awareness

2012-01-13T10:46:00.001+06:00

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer or has been affected themselves in some way. In Bangladesh the Dhaka American Women’s Club (DAWC) does an event each year in October to raise awareness. Most years it is an information and awareness based program and speaker who are survivors are invited to share their story. In 2011 in addition to this, we also helped organize a fund run with the DiffeRunce group from American International School aimed at raising funds to help local residents seek diagnosis and counseling about treatment options.
Every year on Facebook the ladies start a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign that keeps the men wondering and the ladies entertained. This year it was destination based. Of course my luck was my destination was the place I usually travel to anyway. What luck! So, now the world thinks I am off for vacation, though I will be anyway just not right now.
Breast Cancer tends to run in families and the best first treatment is self exam. If you don’t know how to do this, ask your doctor or a friend who may know to tell you. If you live a distance away from a good clinic or hospital, use Google to find out about Breast Self Exam it could save your life.

Technorati Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness,Facebook,DiffeRunce,AISD,Dhaka,Bangladesh,Breast Cancer,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad,Dhaka American Women's Club,DAWC

New Hampshire 2012 Debates

2012-01-08T23:04:00.001+06:00

Well, admittedly I am not a republican. Still I like to keep track of the political scene overall and most assuredly have taken a look at the debates to see who are front runners. The media has been saying all week that it is Romney.However, after reading the reports of both debates, I am not convinced. Some important points were brought out here by several of the candidates. In the first debate, Romney did well, but he came under scrutiny in the second debate. Mr. Romney seemed to play it safe not getting involved in the more heated arguments between some of the other candidates and was reported in the New York Times to have said, "“I don’t want to be critical of people on this stage.” As he is in the lead coming out of Iowa it seems he may be trying to hang on to his lead by not being over critical.
While Speaker Gingrich is not in the lead, he does come out with some strong points during sparring with Ron Paul and Mr. Romney in particular.
Mr. Perry’s statements on several topics are concerning. For one his idea of sending troops back to Iraq was very strange at this juncture and I think if I worked for either the Department of Energy or the Department of Education I would be worried.
Overall, I think Speaker Gingrich and Mr. Santorum came out ahead based on the points they made during the debate. Let’s see what the voters say on Tuesday.

Technorati Tags: New Hampshire Debate,Romney,Speaker Gingrich,Rick Santorum,Ron Paul,ABC News,NBC Meet the Press,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Dowry Related Violence on the Rise

2012-01-08T10:16:00.000+06:00

A few days ago I wrote a post on this same topic. This morning in the Daily Independent I found the disheartening news that over the last three years. Dowry related violence has risen 43%. In the article, the current government is targeted in the context that programs they have set up have failed. However, the truth comes a few sentences later and is the same as what I have said, "Human rights activists blame the spike in the number of victims on a heavily protracted legal system, an ineffective police force and lenient sentences for perpetrators."

Regardless of awareness programs are established and irregardless of what administration is in power, such violence will continue until perpetrators are punished consistently for their crimes. I feel that this is a systemic problem and not a political one. However, if policy makers would review the current laws and ordinances regarding dowry and empower the police to take a stronger stance enforcing them, it would be a good step towards solving the problem. Take a look at the article here.

Aging, Gracefully?

2012-01-05T16:26:00.000+06:00

I've often wondered how fair it is that society as a whole forces people of a certain age to give up their careers. Essentially they are forced to retire at an age determined by the government, not when we want to stop working. Just because we are older are we less knowledgeable, less effective or are we just in the way? I am of the mindset that it’s the latter.

Today, cellphones are made seemingly to begin to breakdown at about the time our contract is up for renewal. Technology icons are in a rush to get the next great thing out before the next guy’s product is in the market. Out with the old and in with the new. It is a never ending cycle and we are doing it even with our older adults.
Why is there a mandatory retirement age? Why can’t our older adults continue to work until they are ready to call it quits themselves or become ineffective? It seems as though we push them out the door the same way we put our cattle out to pasture. I am sure there is a study out there on the effects of retirement on our senior citizens, but just from my personal observation I would say that people actually start aging when they are forced stop working which results in them leading more sedentary lives. In countries where seniors are allowed to continue to work, they do so with fervor and remain active. This activity seemingly keeps them healthier both mentally as well as physically and they are effective members of society just as their younger counterparts.

Why can't we do away with discriminatory hiring practices that mandate at what age people can be hired and what age they are required to retire?

Coaching Crackdown

2012-01-05T09:02:00.001+06:00

One of thing that is very frustrating to many parents in Bangladesh is the fact that their children must have tutors in order to complete lessons and learn how to do the assignments given by their teachers. The question has always been why isn’t the teaching completed in the classroom? Often the same teachers who fail at school to impart the necessary skills to complete the assignments are providing tutoring or coaching to the students after school for a fee.
Every school you approach will say that your child shouldn’t use a tutor and that the teaching is done in the classroom. However, you will see your child struggling to complete assignments given by their teachers supposedly based on what was taught in the classroom and you are left with little choice, but to help them yourself or hire a tutor.
It is encouraging the Prime Minister has announced that an inquiry is being made into teacher’s coaching. The Daily Star article quotes Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid as saying, "It is true that students need not go for coaching if schools ensure complete education in the classroom. And for this, we need cooperation from all," he said. The minister also urged teachers to give more time after class to the weaker students.
He, however, observed that teachers get involved with coaching business for financial solvency. To address this problem the government has increased salaries of teachers and will do so in the future, said Nahid.
This action is being taken on the government schools, but what about the private international institutions. They are just as guilty of this practice as the government schools. When will a blanket policy be put in place that covers all schools, government and private?

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,Schools,Teachers,Tutors,Coaching Centers,Daily Star,Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Dowry Deaths

2012-01-05T00:51:00.001+06:00

To say headlines like the one this morning are news, is tantamount to saying idioms like the sky is blue or the grass is green are news . Despite laws and ordinances against the practice of dowry in Bangladesh, it is still prevalent and in-law families are still committing atrocities against their daughters-in-laws when they don’t receive what they feel is due to them.
A wedding in Bangladesh is a time of joy for both families, but where there is dowry involved the bride’s happiness is often short lived and can turn to times of terror quite quickly.
Today’s story in the Daily Sun was no different than many other similar stories that I have seen, a house wife tortured by her in-laws and husband for dowry that they had not received. As in many areas, it is not that laws do not exist against this practice, but that enforcement methods have not been found. Each day you can open your newspaper and find an article similar to the one today, it is disheartening that as much as you can witness change in many areas, this is one that does not see change.
Housewife Killed for Dowry
COMILLA: A housewife was allegedly killed by her husband and in-laws for dowry in Darikandi village under Titas upazila of Comilla district on Monday. The deceased was identified as Halima Akhter, 22, daughter of Lilu Bhuiyan of Shahpur village. Police and family sources said Halima had been married off with Almas Mia, 28, son of Shahidullah of Darikandi village four years back. During the marriage, Almas had been given Tk 1.20 lakh and gold ornaments as dowry, said victim’s cousin Md Towfiq. But Almas often tortured Halima as she failed to bring more money, Towfiq added. On the fateful day, Almas and his family members beat up Halima mercilessly as she failed to bring the money as demanded by him. Later, Halima was sent to Gouripur Health Complex where she succumbed to injuries. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Comilla Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. Titas police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nurul Alam Talukder said the body had borne several injury marks. A case was filed in this connection, the OC added.
—A Correspondent

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,Dowry,Housewives in Bangladesh,Dowry Killings,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad

Legacies

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000+06:00

Recently, we celebrated the 100th Birthday (post humus) of my Grandfather-in-law, Principal Tafazzal Husain (affectionately known as Principal T. Husain). This made me begin to think about Legacies. Now, Nana was a great educator and philosopher. He was a dynamic person in many respects. Many of his students he helped to make sure that they completed their education and got them registered for their exams, even when their families could not afford it. He truly believed in education being the cornerstone that will move not only the person, but the nation forward.
He was renown not only in Noakhali, but to many important people in in varied circles. During 1946 Gandhi maintained a residence in Noakhali in Bangladesh. The met from time to time to discuss different matters. At one point, Nana had sent him a letter that went unanswered and he then sent a message inquiring why Gandhi had not yet responded.

The letter is written in Hindi, but in Gujrati script and says simply:

In Hindi:

Bhai Tafazzal Husain,

Aap shikayat kartey hai ki main ne chitthi nahi likhi hai. Baat think to hai, lekin ab aap ki ke liye ushi ne mujhe aapka khat diya aur maine kehla bheja ki aapka gunegar hu. Aaphi yaha aakar mujhe bula le jaye. Aab to aapki nazdik mein hu.

English:
Brother Tafazzal Husain,

You say that I have not responded to you. You are right, someone just handed me your letter hence my late response. I ask for forgiveness. If you need me please come and get me, I am at your service.
(Note: it is possible that some of the emotion has gotten lost in the translation, as some of words use to describe closeness or friendship are often taken the wrong way in today’s day and age).

This past Saturday, there was a grand event organized by the students alumni organization of the College where he had been principal. One of the noted speakers who credited Nana with his success during his speech also said that Nana would live forever due to the values that he had taught his students. These values would be past on for generations to come and thereby Nana would live on in the hearts and minds of his students, their children and their children’s children. What a legacy to leave for humanity!

Technorati Tags: Principal T. Husain,Chauhumoni College,Mahatma Gandhi,Noakhali,Bangladesh,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad,Education in Bangladesh,Legacies

Moving Note

2012-01-04T00:53:00.002+06:00

Dear Readers,

I am transferring my domain this week to a new registrar, so if you find my site down rest assured it will be back up soon. Thank you for reading my bits ...... From Where I Sit. Come back soon.

New Directions for Single or At-Home Moms

2012-01-03T13:50:00.001+06:00

The world has changed for many single parents and for those who have found themselves unemployed due to the current economic situation. Honestly, what do you do if the job market sucks, but you still need to get food on the table? Of course, there are unemployment benefits to start with, but that isn’t anywhere near what many people earn from the job they lost. You know you need to make up the difference, but how do you do that when jobs are scarce at best in many parts of the country?

My niece is one who is in the situation of have small children and needing to be home for them, yet also being the sole bread winner of the family. Initially, she had worked a job and that was hard because she would have to find sitters or friends who could take care of her at that point one child. So, she started working from home. Odesk was her first stop when she began working from home and it has worked out well for her. Odesk has many varieties of jobs that range from customer service, SEO, graphic design, software development, blog to article writing. All of these jobs can be done from home and pretty much from anywhere in the world. Aside from writing to make make money, she also does graphic design from her site Funky Fresh Mama. In addition to this she has found a few sites that add bits of income to her monthly flow, like Google Adsense, My Likes, Amazon and a few other sites that offer affiliate programs. A relatively new entry for those who like to write is iWriter. With iWriter, one you sign up you then can scroll through the Article requests for requests that you think you can do. When you have submitted the article, the requester can then approve or reject your submission. So, keep in mind that merely submitting your work doesn’t mean you will get paid. My niece works diligently everyday, so that by the month’s end she has enough income to pay her bills and buy all the things her kids need for the month.

Working from home is not easy, as my niece says. You must be focused and organized. There are many freelance job sites available, Odesk is one of the best and a great place to start. Elance and Freelance are two others. Just because you have experience on your resume does not mean finding and getting a job on Odesk will be easy. It takes applying to many jobs each day and week before you get your first job. Once you begin to get positive feedback from employers, you will get other jobs more easily. Finding longer term stable jobs also takes time and are the result of building up your reputation on Odesk with smaller short term jobs. Eventually, you will find your stride and a stable income. However, as in all things it takes time, patience and dedication.

Recently, my niece has added even more onto her list of things to do, she has started an online college program. I really have to respect that after taking care of two kids and writing numerous freelance articles that she still is focused enough to look towards the future and is working towards it. So to any single parents out there, having kids does not mean the end of your life or future. Be creative and think outside of the box.

Technorati Tags: Freelancing,New Dimensions,Online Jobs,Working from Home,Odesk,Freelance,iWriter,FunkyFreshMama,Lori Walsh Imdad,Lori Imdad,Graphic Design,Single Parenting from Home.

Peapod Grocery Service

2012-01-02T07:53:00.001+06:00

You may wonder why I would choose this topic being I live far away from where this is a practical option. The fact is, this is a great service for those who cannot get out of their homes for shopping. Most people make their lists and head to the local Stop and Shop or other grocery store and do this themselves, but for some elderly or handicapped Americans this is not a possibility. In the past, these people were reliant on the kindness of friends and family to shop for them. Sometimes they would hire a teenager or helper to do it for them. These days, with the advent of the internet and computer technology, they can shop online from the comfort of their own homes and Peapod service delivers.

Although I had heard of Peapod first just before I moved abroad, my mother who was self-sufficient her entire life has told me of her first hand experience using it. She has had a series of health problems in recent years and more recently breathing problems due to which her physician has told her to avoid going out as much as possible. She has now resorted to using Peapod for her grocery shopping in order to get her groceries delivered at home. She can choose online what she needs, pay for it and on a designated day and time her groceries are delivered. Peapod has been a blessing for her.

According to Wikipedia, Peapod began its services in 1996 as one of the earliest internet start ups. In the year 2000, Royal Ahold bought the controlling interest in the company and cancelled Peapod’s contracts with all, but it own affiliates, essentially Stop and Shop and Giant Food.

Peapod will generally deliver to any street address in the following metropolitan areas in the United States using:

Giant Food:

Maryland
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Montgomery County, Maryland
Virginia
- Northern Virginia cities and counties
Washington, D.C.

Peapod's Chicago-based warehouse:

Illinois
- Chicago, Illinois
- Plainfield, Illinois
Indiana
- Northwest Indiana
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Wisconsin
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Stop & Shop:

Connecticut
- Ansonia, Connecticut and surrounding towns.
- Colchester, Connecticut and surrounding towns.
- Cromwell, Connecticut
- Danbury, Connecticut
- Fairfield County, Connecticut
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Middletown, Connecticut and surrounding towns.
- New Haven, Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island

If you have an aging, handicapped or invalid parent or other loved one, look into Peapod grocery delivery service.

Technorati Tags: peapod,peapod grocery,stop and shop peapod,online food shopping,food shopping,online supermarket shopping,online grocery shopping,food shopping online,Lori Walsh Imdad

A New Year's Wish for 2012

2011-12-30T15:30:00.000+06:00

The end of 2011 is nearly here. What a great year it has been! This post is just a wish to all my friends, followers and readers.

In 2012 may the Almighty grant you...
12 Months of Happiness,
52 Weeks of Fun,
365 Days Success,
8760 Hours Good Health,
52600 Minutes Good Luck,
3153600 Seconds of Joy...and more!

Look forward to writing for you again in 2012. Have a safe, but joyful New Year's Eve.

Google+ passes 60 million users

2011-12-28T17:19:00.001+06:00

When articles qualify their reports about Google+ growth by saying that G+ is still not a competitor to Facebook I am really not phased. Did Facebook start with its current number of users? No, of course not. So, why then does the tech community think the Google+ will be any different? The good news is the Google+ has now passed 60 million users. I am sure we will see the numbers continue to grow and eventually it will be a strong competitor to Facebook. Good read this great article from Yahoo News.

Technorati Tags: Google+,Yahoo,Facebook,Lori Walsh Imdad

Is A Caretaker Government Really Necessary?

2011-12-27T17:25:00.000+06:00

This morning I opened up the Daily Sun and found that one of the major political parties joined by some of the smaller parties is objecting to elections without reinstating the caretaker government system. Not really news as this argument has been going on for sometime. Similar articles have appeared today in The Indendent on BDNews24 and the Daily Star.

The current Awami League led administration made a bold move to abolish this system and ever since many of the opposing parties have been protesting. I really don’t understand why these parties find the caretaker system a necessity. How does it assist the democratic system as it exists in Bangladesh? The parties protesting are claiming that if the current administration oversees the election, the results may be tampered with thereby allowing the existing party to retain power. of course, if a proper electoral system is in place this will not happen. Of course, I come from a country that has existed without this caretaker/interim government that steps in, oversees the election and the transition to the new administration for centuries. In fact, I don’t believe we ever had one. So, perhaps this is the reason that I don’t see the value. However, now that’s its gone why should it be brought back? Most countries don’t have this interim government system, so why are some parties here so insistent on moving backwards? Let’s look forward and develop an electoral system in Bangladesh that truly represents the democracy that exists here.

Technorati Tags: Bangladesh,Caretaker Government,Bangladesh Politics,Democracy in Bangladesh,Bangladesh Electoral System,Lori Walsh Imdad