Looking for escape from a brutal and inhospitable city

Living in Dhaka in normal time is quite challenging. Its environmental pollution is infamous and ranks mostly at the top among the worst polluted cities. Unsurprisingly, the capital city of Bangladesh has the dubious record of ranking among the world cities known for the worst liveability also. A mass of concrete jungle in most parts of the city leaves neither open space for the relief for eyes nor parks or meadows with enough green cover for seeking refuge from the humdrum of the bustling life.

The hostile, chaotic and frenzied city suddenly went crazy and mad last week posing a question if the nation is civilised enough to oversee its own affairs. It is quite clear that those who are in charge of reading the developments in the areas of law and order made a monumental blunder and forces inimical to the country's spirit of the liberation war took advantage of the situation. The age-old adage, "A stitch in time saves nine" also escaped those who matter most.

Now television channels are bombarding the drawing rooms with news and graphic pictures of arson, damage and destruction of public property and facilities all across the country. People cannot be blamed for finding such an overdose of depressing information and news mentally oppressive and stressing. As if the loss of lives of about 200 people ---a few budding lives succumbing in their own homes---is not enough!

So, the more sensitive among the people who do not venture outside unless there is pressing business are having a tough time. They need to escape from the prison their homes have become to them. But there is no escape route unless they know how to distract their attention or spend their time in something creative. Of them with an inventive mind, the escape from the mentally sickening affairs may be easier. One of the ways is to read books.

Unfortunately, people do not read books these days. The few who read are a rare breed indeed. Yet there are hobbies and pastimes that can keep engaged people away from the brutal world that is forced ---or welcomed by some---into the drawing or living rooms. Gardening may be one such distraction as well as a nice hobby to pass time and make life someway meaningful. Those who can afford pets like dogs or cats know the benefits and blessings of inter-species communication. Still other ways of passing time may be watching a good movie or listening to music according to one's own taste and choice.

But the more resourceful minds certainly would like to devote their energy and passion into creativity such as painting, composing poems, songs and such other endeavours of the highest order. But their numbers are few and far between. The run of the mill are not as gifted as them and grope in the dark how to fight the sickening environment that literally engulfs them. This happens because of the dissociation from Nature.

Most people miss the gifts of Nature---the sights and sounds. Certainly not the sounds of tear shell canister nor of gun shots that made hell of a life. Now that such sounds have dissipated, there are still pleasant sounds and sights all around. This city is not a good host to birds but still the twittering of some common birds pours honey into the ears of those who care to listen to the avian friends' call. On some occasions, you are supposed to be all ears when the pleasant singing of a less familiar bird draws your attention close by.

The sights are equally captivating these days. Have you noticed the trees these days? They are greener, lively and apparently happy tossing their heads or branches or drenching under a passing shower. This monsoon has been a wet one with more than moderate rainfall. There are whispers in the environment about the advent of the autumn. After the rain, the sky becomes crystal clear and patches of white clouds hang on or sail away leisurely. These are indeed a treat to the eye, if the mind is prepared to have a feast of the choreography created against the vast azure background. Nature is comforting and healing when man seeks cure from the malaise and maladies of this mundane world.