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A foreign student in our midst in DU

MS Jamie

In the beginning of the last century, Dhaka University was set up to enlighten the Bengali nation. Within a decade, its reputation spread all over the world. Students from all corners of the globe came to Dhaka University to acquire knowledge. Even today, foreign citizens come to study in this renowned institution, the Oxford of the East. Most of these students get admitted in Finance, Marketing, International Relations, Accounting, English Literature, Economics, Public Administration and a number of other subjects.

MS Jamie ( left) with Salim

Last year one such student got admitted in the well-reputed department of International Relations. His name is Salim and he is from Palestine. When Salim was asked why he chose International Relations he said with a smile, "It's a very good subject. In my country this subject is not available but I have great interest about it. " One of Salim's uncles lives in Dhaka. He is also studying in medical science. We asked him how much money you have to spend in order to study here. Salim said, "Annually I have to pay $ 1200". His father pays for his education here. Salim is a very jolly person, and one of his great virtues is that he can easily befriend anyone. When he comes to the campus, everybody feels cheerful, as if enchanted by the shine on his face.

When he came to Dhaka he could speak neither English nor Bengali, but only Arabic. Therefore, his peers couldn't communicate with him properly. This problem led him to the British-American institute in order to learn English. After three months, he has picked up sufficient English. He can speak Bengali too, although with some difficulty. For instance, when he hires a rickshaw he bargains like "Ai Bhai! Jiban Nilkhat? Koto bara?" This seems amusing to us. Salim lives in the International Hall (Sir P.J. Hertz Hall), along with the other foreign students of Dhaka University. We often go to his room for discussion on our studies.

When I first visited him, I saw a writing hanging on the door -- "If you have time please stay here. If you don't have time, please don't stay here." When I asked him what this meant, he smiled and said, "It is a traditional saying in my country." While chatting along I asked him, "What will you do after graduation, will you stay in Dhaka or not?" He said in a strong voice "No! I'll never stay in Dhaka, or in any other part of the world.

I want to do something for my country. I want to be an ambassador, or try initiating this programme in Gaza University. You will be amazed that this subject is not available in our country." I was astonished by his patriotism. As he said these words, there was something different about the way he looked. From that day onwards I respect his patriotism.

We all know that the Palestinian community is struggling for their sovereignty since the inception of the last century, and since the establishment of the Israeli state this problem has gotten worse.

During IFIC Cup in Bangladesh Salim was very excited as the Palestinian football team was also participating in the tournament. Salim went to each and every match. In the 2nd round the Palestine football team lost the game against Kyrgystan by 1-0. Salim was distressed because he was sure that Palestine would be the champion. Initially, Salim used to feel bored in Dhaka because he did not know anything about the city. These days, even he shows me how to get to some place.

Last month I went for shopping to Twin Tower where I chose a wristwatch for myself, although it seemed very costly. Then Salim bargained on behalf of me and convinced the shopkeeper to give it at a rational price. Once again I was astonished by his practical knowledge. All the students of our department and even our teachers, especially Obidul Haq Sir, always help him with his studies.

Last month our year final course was completed. Salim says it was a new experience for him, because he has never taken part in any international exam before. During the Political Science exam, Salim answered most of the questions related to our country such as parliamentary democracy, Bangladesh constitution etc. I have noticed that Salim is very interested in our political system. Once I asked him, "Do you patronise any party of our country?" He said, "No! I do not support any party in your country. I'm just observing since I take it as a part of my studies."

(MS Jamie is a student of International Relations, University of Dhaka)

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