Haikus from Dhaka

Dhaka is a city that pulsates with relentless activity. It's not merely busy—it's a tempest of motion, where the ceaseless cavalcade of vehicles creates a tableau of urban struggle. The city's streets, ensnared in perpetual congestion, transform what should be a brief journey of fifteen minutes into an odyssey stretching over hours. This congestion is not just a matter of inconvenience; it's a vivid illustration of the city's grappling with its own growth and infrastructure challenges.

The public transport system, stretched beyond its capacity, fails to provide a reliable solution for its inhabitants. Coupled with a scarcity of stringent traffic regulations and the uncontrolled flood of imported used vehicles, the city's roads are more than just crowded—they are a vivid display of the complexities of urban development gone awry.

Caught in this daily turmoil, I write these lines. Stranded for hours in the snarls of traffic, the frustration and idle time bred inspiration. It was during these hours of waiting, suspended in the heart of Dhaka's tumult, that I turned to the succinct expression of haiku. Each poem, a distilled reflection of my experiences, emerged as a form of solace and expression, capturing the essence of my daily journey through the congested arteries of the city.

The Street! June 17, 2013

Stalled buses and cars,

Cars hooting and men clattering,

Not Moving at all! 

Man Next to Me, August 23, 2013

Folding Arms, Starring up

Looking, beyond the crowed, 

Lost in thinking!

An Expensive Hotel, Sept 15, 2014

Lush Greenery, sparkling 

Surrounded by the  beggars,

A sparkling palace! 

No Entry Sign; Jan 23, 2015

Standing, labels crossed

Cars moving in, without care

Regardless of its sign! 

Motorcycle, Feb, 17 2015

Waves through the  traffic,

Woman at his back, perilous 

Waves through the traffic! 

Traffic Light in Dhaka; April, 15, 2016

Shone in Green and Red,

Police with his wand in hand

Standing! Controlling traffic!