A DISTRICT IN ARMENIA IS CALLED 'BANGLADESH'

Mahmudul Hasan2251

22/07/2017

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard for the first time that 'there is a district of Armenia called Bangladesh'. When I landed at Yerevan Airport to exchange dollars, I spoke to an Armenian. When he heard that we were coming from Bangladesh, what he said in broken English meant, "The name of a district in Yerevan is Bangladesh."   Our curiosity is to ask, is it fun? And you sure? Answer: No no, it's not fun. You can visit.   We came out of the airport with a little surprise. The members of the organizing committee of the mime festival were waiting to receive us outside. As soon as I came out, I saw a tall young man standing with a poster reading 'Leonid Youngberian International Mime Festival'. He came forward to see us. A young woman came with him. Talking to them while leaving the airport in a private car. Smart young Bagrat and young Armenian Muhtasian. Muhtasian is an English medium student. An artist and also a job at the same time.   

fig: Collected

"There is a district called 'Bangladesh' in Yerevan. We still couldn't be sure," he said. Again, I thought to myself, maybe. If we can have Armanitola in Dhaka, why can't we have something called Bangladesh in Armenia. So when we briefed them on the history of Armanitola, they too became curious.   I got up at the hotel booked for us at night with a plan to visit a district called Bangladesh in Armenia. Then I planned the final at night, our first task in the morning will be to visit 'Bangladesh' here.   In the morning, I also wanted to know about Bangladesh district in the meeting with the international relations secretary of the festival organizing committee. Why this naming, he is not clear about the matter. His idea, however, is that perhaps there is a historical reason. After talking to him, we took the bus number 99 from Moscow Street to Bangladesh.  

Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, is surrounded by mountains and covers an area of ​​8 square miles. Elevation 979.4 m (3246.1 ft). The further down from the main center Republic Square, the lower it goes. Rows and rows of trees on either side of the road. There are also some green fields. Going a little further, we saw a huge pond. I can also see green trees in the mountains. Arrived 30 minutes later. This Bangladesh is beautifully decorated. I couldn't find the English spelling 'Bangladesh' on the billboards on the street. Everything is written in Armenian language. But the locals are pronouncing 'Bangladesh'. The driver says, 'I have reached Bangladesh, get down'.    

  A very curious shopkeeper enters a local shop and introduces us. Can't speak English at all. Understand something. He agreed to take a selfie. I wanted to know how Bangladesh came to be? He could not say anything.   It is believed that a historical trend of Armanitola in Dhaka has played a role here. Those in the eighteenth century, including business, trade   Went to Armenia for various reasons they probably named this in Armenia. But it depends on the assumption.   However, a Google search found the name of the area 'Malatia Sebastia'. Although it is the official name, it is known to the locals as 'Bangladesh'. Everyone knows the name of Bangladesh, including bus passengers, shopkeepers and police. Even when we introduce ourselves as 'We are from Bangladesh', at first everyone thinks of Armenian Bangladesh! Later, if we describe our own country, the matter becomes clear to them.  

According to an article found on Google, the name of this area became known as 'Bangladesh' after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. It may also be named in protest of Pakistan's stinginess in recognizing Armenia as an independent state and out of respect for Bangladesh's independence.   Agreeing with this article, many locals say that the place was named Bangladesh in 1971 in honor of Bangabandhu's strong leadership on behalf of the oppressed people during the liberation war of Bangladesh.   It is a matter of joy and pride for us as Bangladeshis to hear the news of naming this district of Armenia in respect of Bangabandhu and the liberation war of Bangladesh and to make it known all over Yerevan.

  We toured this Bangladesh with great pleasure. I took many pictures. I also took a selfie with a local shopkeeper. Then I bought one kg of apples and left Bangladesh for Yerevan. When I came back, it seemed like I was leaving something, I was really leaving something.  

Courtesy: Saifullah Sadeq, Channel I.

Written by, Sayka Arifin Orpita

References (Information Collected)  

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