I got some real life experience which I could not get anywhere else. I saw how people lead their lives in coastal regions of Bangladesh. Their lives depend on the low and high tides which really surprised me. Near Cox’s Bazaar, most people we met were fishermen. Their lives depend on the rivers. Both the sea and the rivers are crucial for their survival. Natural calamities have ruined their livelihoods year after year. In Maheshkhali, Gorokghata area was very damaged from the Sidr cyclone. A large area was totally destroyed which had still not be remediated. People are in real need in these areas. When we went to meet with them and collect primary data, they thought we were there to give them something. They explained their situation without us even asking. The Laxmipur, Ramgoti, Charlokkhi area was devastated by river erosion. The rivers snatched everything they owned: land, animals, homes. I learned to understand their situation better.
When we were going to Bhola from Noakhali, the team faced a horrible river storm which was a really difficult situation. The experience was very frightening. Actually, I cannot express it well in words. Overall, it was a very valuable experience.
Name: Md. Nasif Alam
Education: BBA, NSU.