27.4.04
Too Fast Too Quick
I knew very well that massages go around the world very quickly in today's world by the help of modern technology. But I had little experienced it before today. Let me tell you in details....
This morning I chatted with a person who lives in USA from a cyber cafe. And on his request I gave him our family cell phone number. And after browsing the net for some time I went home and heard from my sister that a special person from Dhaka had phoned her on the mobile just before I entered home. I was totally dumbfounded as it was totally beyond my imazination that the affect of a massage like this one can go to Dhaka via America and reach my sister in Chittagong within such a short period of time. When my sister asked me how that person knew this number I could only say, "aaahhh...technology".
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This morning I chatted with a person who lives in USA from a cyber cafe. And on his request I gave him our family cell phone number. And after browsing the net for some time I went home and heard from my sister that a special person from Dhaka had phoned her on the mobile just before I entered home. I was totally dumbfounded as it was totally beyond my imazination that the affect of a massage like this one can go to Dhaka via America and reach my sister in Chittagong within such a short period of time. When my sister asked me how that person knew this number I could only say, "aaahhh...technology".
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26.4.04
I'm Sick of that April Virus
My computer is out of order now as it got attacked by that 26th April virus. The same thing happened to me last year too. I'm now writing from a cyber cafe. I'm sorry to admit that for this unwanted incidence I may not be able to be with you people for couple of days. Make prayers for my sick old computer so that it may become well soon.
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24.4.04
I Ran Miles Today
Today at afternoon I left home to buy a calling-bell from New Market. When my tempo (a type of vehicle common Chttagong) went near Technical ( a place) I had to leave the tempo because of the huge traffic jam. I then thought I better walk to Sholo Shahar and then get a bus. But when I went there I felt like I better run to Probortak. And when I went there I thought maybe I should go to Chawk Bazaar running. But when I went there I had already begun to enjoy running, so I said to myself, way not I go to New Market running. I had a great time running through Jamal Khan, Andarkilla and Lal deghe. When I became hungry I ate, when I saw something interesting I decelerated my speed and when I got tried….well I didn’t get tried at all. I felt running to be a great fun.
While running I understood that my skipping (I love skipping rope for exercise) has come to some use. At least it made me capable of running for a long period of time. My confidence as runner increased. Maybe in future I’ll be known as a good runner (a fore runner?). But I had reasons to regret too cause when I went to New Market at 9:30pm I found it closed because it closes just at 9:00pm. So all my labour came to no use.
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Today at afternoon I left home to buy a calling-bell from New Market. When my tempo (a type of vehicle common Chttagong) went near Technical ( a place) I had to leave the tempo because of the huge traffic jam. I then thought I better walk to Sholo Shahar and then get a bus. But when I went there I felt like I better run to Probortak. And when I went there I thought maybe I should go to Chawk Bazaar running. But when I went there I had already begun to enjoy running, so I said to myself, way not I go to New Market running. I had a great time running through Jamal Khan, Andarkilla and Lal deghe. When I became hungry I ate, when I saw something interesting I decelerated my speed and when I got tried….well I didn’t get tried at all. I felt running to be a great fun.
While running I understood that my skipping (I love skipping rope for exercise) has come to some use. At least it made me capable of running for a long period of time. My confidence as runner increased. Maybe in future I’ll be known as a good runner (a fore runner?). But I had reasons to regret too cause when I went to New Market at 9:30pm I found it closed because it closes just at 9:00pm. So all my labour came to no use.
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22.4.04
Beggars: Is every one of them poor?
Who are the poorest people in our society? The beggars, should be the answer. I used to think the same even recently. But I don’t feel the same now, as I know that some of the beggars in our country may have possessions worth of millions of taka. I heard about a beggar, who begs at Shah Amanat Ullah Mazaar (a grave believed to be of a saint person) in Chittagong has a multi-storeyed building in this port city. His family members live in affluence. When asked why he still begs he said, “this is my source of income. I can’t live without this profession.”
Every Mazaar has authorities that run the mazaars. Without taking permission from the authority no beggar can enter the mazaar area. And the beggars have to pay the authority to get a place there. On special occasions like Shab-a-kadar, Shab-e-barat the prices of these seats are fixed by tenders. Sometimes the price hikes to as much as 20,000taka for a nice place. Unbelievable right??? But believe it.
The Chittagoneans are usually mazaar loving. They have some faiths (not to mention, most of them have no relation with Islam) regarding spending on mazaars. Maybe in future we will find coaching centres where people will be taught how to become successful as a professional beggar.
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19.4.04
My School Headmistress
Few days ago I went to my school to receive my SSC certificate. I was quite shocked to see that the present headmistress of our school is this X madam who was a great pain for my classmates and me in particular 4 years ago. She used to come to our class irregular and even if she had come she’d say, “I know that Nasirabad Govt. School is one of the best schools in Chittagong and I’m confidant that you students are very sincere. So I think that you people have already read this chapter of this simple subject. I’m therefore not going to discuss on it, as it will only kill your time. Besides I have a very important thing (chat with her colleagues?) to do at the office room. But be prepared on the next day cause I will take a test on this chapter.” Isn’t it scary? But she never came to our class for two consecutive days. And after every 2 weeks we used to hear the same old lecture, “ I think ……”
Just when I saw her as the headmistress I understood what to expect from a lazy woman like she. She said, “Why have you come here at this lunchtime” although it was quarter to 12 then. But, I was lucky to have got the certificate on the third day.
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Few days ago I went to my school to receive my SSC certificate. I was quite shocked to see that the present headmistress of our school is this X madam who was a great pain for my classmates and me in particular 4 years ago. She used to come to our class irregular and even if she had come she’d say, “I know that Nasirabad Govt. School is one of the best schools in Chittagong and I’m confidant that you students are very sincere. So I think that you people have already read this chapter of this simple subject. I’m therefore not going to discuss on it, as it will only kill your time. Besides I have a very important thing (chat with her colleagues?) to do at the office room. But be prepared on the next day cause I will take a test on this chapter.” Isn’t it scary? But she never came to our class for two consecutive days. And after every 2 weeks we used to hear the same old lecture, “ I think ……”
Just when I saw her as the headmistress I understood what to expect from a lazy woman like she. She said, “Why have you come here at this lunchtime” although it was quarter to 12 then. But, I was lucky to have got the certificate on the third day.
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15.4.04
I received this mail from a friend of mine today. It seems quite interesting to me although I don’t believe in these kinds of stuffs. My birth# is 7. Find out your # and let me know.
BIRTH TEST
Let me know your number. Once you have discovered your Birth Number, forward this email to the rest of your friends, including the one who sent this to you. Put your "number" in the "Subject" and Pass it on! Have fun! Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.
To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth Date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.
Example March 20, 1950 3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2
2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.
#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER
=====================================================
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR
1 's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch.
#2 - THE PEACEMAKER - 2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus, Mozart.
# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's Alan Alder, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster
# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE
4's are sensible and traditional They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They s should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. Famous 4's Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey
# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST
5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk-taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.
# 6 - THE ROMANTIC
6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Steep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn
#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL
7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not! in the world at large. Famous 7's William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana
# 8 - THE BIG SHOT
8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the bosses. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. Famous 8's Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus
#9 - THE PERFORMER
9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck! , But also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley
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BIRTH TEST
Let me know your number. Once you have discovered your Birth Number, forward this email to the rest of your friends, including the one who sent this to you. Put your "number" in the "Subject" and Pass it on! Have fun! Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.
To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth Date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.
Example March 20, 1950 3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2
2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.
#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER
=====================================================
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR
1 's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch.
#2 - THE PEACEMAKER - 2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus, Mozart.
# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's Alan Alder, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster
# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE
4's are sensible and traditional They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They s should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. Famous 4's Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey
# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST
5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk-taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.
# 6 - THE ROMANTIC
6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Steep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn
#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL
7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not! in the world at large. Famous 7's William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana
# 8 - THE BIG SHOT
8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the bosses. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. Famous 8's Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus
#9 - THE PERFORMER
9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck! , But also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley
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11.4.04
Mangoless year
In the past years during this period of time one of the most desirable things for me was to go to my grandpa’s house and enjoy mangoes. It was a great fun to pluck mangoes from the tree and eat taking comfort on a suitable branch. But unfortunately this year there is no sign of mangoes in my grandpa’s house. Over two hundred mango trees stand completely fruitless as if this is not the mango season. The almost same situation can be found elsewhere. Those who haven’t been lucky enough to experience the pleasure of eating mangoes in village house will very little understand how much it disappointed me. This mango-crisis is due to the fact that it rained considerably less in the beginning of this year than usual. Mango lovers will have to be satisfied with jackfruits and guavas instead.
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In the past years during this period of time one of the most desirable things for me was to go to my grandpa’s house and enjoy mangoes. It was a great fun to pluck mangoes from the tree and eat taking comfort on a suitable branch. But unfortunately this year there is no sign of mangoes in my grandpa’s house. Over two hundred mango trees stand completely fruitless as if this is not the mango season. The almost same situation can be found elsewhere. Those who haven’t been lucky enough to experience the pleasure of eating mangoes in village house will very little understand how much it disappointed me. This mango-crisis is due to the fact that it rained considerably less in the beginning of this year than usual. Mango lovers will have to be satisfied with jackfruits and guavas instead.
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9.4.04
Trouble in Shopping Punjabi
Yesterday I ransacked almost every stall in Chittagong for Punjabies (loose Islamic dress very popular in Bangladesh) for my elder brother. He told me to buy couple of white decent looking Punjabies woven with thick cloth for him. All the Punjabies I found are made of thin cloth, transparent enough to be seen the very trademark of the undershirt that the wearer of such Punjabi wears. I can’t figure out why people love to wear such transparent dress. And amazingly the thinner the cloth of the Punjabi is, the higher the price is. It looks real odd if the wearer is sweating but still it is so much popular in our country.
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Yesterday I ransacked almost every stall in Chittagong for Punjabies (loose Islamic dress very popular in Bangladesh) for my elder brother. He told me to buy couple of white decent looking Punjabies woven with thick cloth for him. All the Punjabies I found are made of thin cloth, transparent enough to be seen the very trademark of the undershirt that the wearer of such Punjabi wears. I can’t figure out why people love to wear such transparent dress. And amazingly the thinner the cloth of the Punjabi is, the higher the price is. It looks real odd if the wearer is sweating but still it is so much popular in our country.
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8.4.04
Study In Australia
The quality of education in Australia is quite good and cheap too. But there are some rules for the foreign students there. A foreign student has to send 1st semester’s tuition fees to the university before going to the university to make sure that the student will study there. And he will not be able to change the university before studying there for a complete year. He is bound to study at least 2 semesters (1 semester takes 4 months to be completed) in a year. If he for some reason fails to take less than 2 semesters in a year then the Australian Government will force him to return to his home country. A foreign student can do part time jobs for a fixed amount of time that is 20 hours per week. If he works for more than this allotted time, he will be charged for it and may even be sent to his home country. But on vacation a student can spend his time as he pleases to. Actually, for foreign students Aussie Government makes sure that they cannot escape studying there.
After studying for 2 years in Australia a student can apply for PR (permanent residency). A person has to get over 150 points to get this PR. Points depend on the student’s subject, place of study, job records etc. 5 points are automatically deducted from the total points if he had been staying in a over populated area like Sydney and for under populated areas in Australia like Tasmania 5 points will get added.
Now, the question is how easy it is to get the Australian student visa…. Well, when I asked this question to a university representative he said it’s very easy. Actually the Australian Embassy refuses very few students and every year thousands of Bangladeshi students go to Australia for higher studies. The total cost of going to Australia is as bellows:
Offer letter from the university: 2000taka
Embassy face: 17,000taka
1st semester’s tuition fees: 282,000taka (for University of Tasmania).
Plane fair: 30,000taka.
In total: 3,31,000taka.
First of all, a student has to apply for the visa with all his documents (Birth certificate from municipality, all academic certificates, bank statement/ transaction list, sponsor’s employment certificate). If the embassy accepts him it will give an acceptance seal on the passport but it is not the visa. The embassy will then tell the student to send the 1st semester’s money to the university. After he has done so the embassy will issue visa to the student.
To get the visa a student has to prove that his sponsor is well capable of supporting him financially. For this his sponsor will have to have the total money to carry every kind of expenses that the student will have during his first 2 years at the university. The sum of money is over 24 lakh taka. It is better to show more than that. Although if a student can show 20 lakh taka as liquid money at a bank getting the visa becomes assured.
The sponsor of the student can be anybody and at the same time more than one person can be shown as sponsors to the High Commission.
There are different agencies here that help for visa processing. If a student applies for the visa through an agency then the agency will face the High Commission on behalf of the student. The student in this case will not have to appear in any interview in the High Commission. For prospective students I’ve listed some of the names of the agencies with addresses.
Australian Education Service
Montaz Plaza (4th Floor)
House #7
Road #4 Dhanmondi
Dhaka, 1205
Bangladesh
IDP Education Australia - Bangladesh
CWN (A) 12, Kemal Ataturk Avenue
Gulshan 2, Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh
Tel: +(880) 2 9883545
Tel: +(880) 2 8821967
Tel: +(880) 2 9896134
Tel: +(880) 2 9899738
Tel: +(880) 2 9894581
Fax: +(880) 2 8823343
Fax: +(880) 2 8828737
Email: idpbd@treximp.com
IMPACT
2/6 Block B
Lalmatia
Dhaka 1207
Bangladesh
Tel: 88 02 9123863
Fax: 88 02 8115041
Email: bdmainstream@yahoo.com
Website: www.impactbd.com
Moves Group
House #2, Road #55, Gulshan-2
Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh
Tel: 880 2 986 2629
Email: movesbangladesh@yahoo.com.au
Ozz Study
24/13 Khilijee Road
Shamoly
Dhaka, 1207
Bangladesh
Rem Limited
House-25c (ground Floor)
Road-6
Banani
Dhaka1213
Bangladesh
Fax: 880 02 9120776
Email: Elmocardoza@hotmail.com
Sunland Consultance Services
15 Sahid Mirza Lane
Mehidibagh
Chittagong
Bangladesh
Email: Aparesh@consultant.com
Hopefully these addresses will be helpful to many of you who are willing to study in Australia.
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The quality of education in Australia is quite good and cheap too. But there are some rules for the foreign students there. A foreign student has to send 1st semester’s tuition fees to the university before going to the university to make sure that the student will study there. And he will not be able to change the university before studying there for a complete year. He is bound to study at least 2 semesters (1 semester takes 4 months to be completed) in a year. If he for some reason fails to take less than 2 semesters in a year then the Australian Government will force him to return to his home country. A foreign student can do part time jobs for a fixed amount of time that is 20 hours per week. If he works for more than this allotted time, he will be charged for it and may even be sent to his home country. But on vacation a student can spend his time as he pleases to. Actually, for foreign students Aussie Government makes sure that they cannot escape studying there.
After studying for 2 years in Australia a student can apply for PR (permanent residency). A person has to get over 150 points to get this PR. Points depend on the student’s subject, place of study, job records etc. 5 points are automatically deducted from the total points if he had been staying in a over populated area like Sydney and for under populated areas in Australia like Tasmania 5 points will get added.
Now, the question is how easy it is to get the Australian student visa…. Well, when I asked this question to a university representative he said it’s very easy. Actually the Australian Embassy refuses very few students and every year thousands of Bangladeshi students go to Australia for higher studies. The total cost of going to Australia is as bellows:
Offer letter from the university: 2000taka
Embassy face: 17,000taka
1st semester’s tuition fees: 282,000taka (for University of Tasmania).
Plane fair: 30,000taka.
In total: 3,31,000taka.
First of all, a student has to apply for the visa with all his documents (Birth certificate from municipality, all academic certificates, bank statement/ transaction list, sponsor’s employment certificate). If the embassy accepts him it will give an acceptance seal on the passport but it is not the visa. The embassy will then tell the student to send the 1st semester’s money to the university. After he has done so the embassy will issue visa to the student.
To get the visa a student has to prove that his sponsor is well capable of supporting him financially. For this his sponsor will have to have the total money to carry every kind of expenses that the student will have during his first 2 years at the university. The sum of money is over 24 lakh taka. It is better to show more than that. Although if a student can show 20 lakh taka as liquid money at a bank getting the visa becomes assured.
The sponsor of the student can be anybody and at the same time more than one person can be shown as sponsors to the High Commission.
There are different agencies here that help for visa processing. If a student applies for the visa through an agency then the agency will face the High Commission on behalf of the student. The student in this case will not have to appear in any interview in the High Commission. For prospective students I’ve listed some of the names of the agencies with addresses.
Australian Education Service
Montaz Plaza (4th Floor)
House #7
Road #4 Dhanmondi
Dhaka, 1205
Bangladesh
IDP Education Australia - Bangladesh
CWN (A) 12, Kemal Ataturk Avenue
Gulshan 2, Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh
Tel: +(880) 2 9883545
Tel: +(880) 2 8821967
Tel: +(880) 2 9896134
Tel: +(880) 2 9899738
Tel: +(880) 2 9894581
Fax: +(880) 2 8823343
Fax: +(880) 2 8828737
Email: idpbd@treximp.com
IMPACT
2/6 Block B
Lalmatia
Dhaka 1207
Bangladesh
Tel: 88 02 9123863
Fax: 88 02 8115041
Email: bdmainstream@yahoo.com
Website: www.impactbd.com
Moves Group
House #2, Road #55, Gulshan-2
Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh
Tel: 880 2 986 2629
Email: movesbangladesh@yahoo.com.au
Ozz Study
24/13 Khilijee Road
Shamoly
Dhaka, 1207
Bangladesh
Rem Limited
House-25c (ground Floor)
Road-6
Banani
Dhaka1213
Bangladesh
Fax: 880 02 9120776
Email: Elmocardoza@hotmail.com
Sunland Consultance Services
15 Sahid Mirza Lane
Mehidibagh
Chittagong
Bangladesh
Email: Aparesh@consultant.com
Hopefully these addresses will be helpful to many of you who are willing to study in Australia.
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TOEFL Vs IELTS
We all know what TOEFL and IELTS are. I was lucky (or unlucky) to have taken both. TOEFL’s system is lot better than that of IELTS. It is very easy for a student to understand the method in which the exam is run. So very little practice is required. There are no special techniques or formulae necessary to do well. That’s why very few students who take the actual test go to any coaching centre for practicing. And its application in terms of demonstrating a student’s skill is much better than IELTS. My one friend took this test twice within 2 month’s time but on both occasions he got the same result.
On the contrary, to comprehend the system of IELTS one has take much hardship. (I think the system has been kept so weird willingly. Just look at the British Council, how much money it is earning through IELTS coaching programmes. It takes 12,000taka from a student for some numbered IELTS coaching classes.) In the listening module there is no question asked. One has to write the answers while listening. And if there is any spelling mistake or grammatical mistake or excessive words are used in answering, the student gets no points. Well, why would I have to care about my writing so much in this module when it is meant to reveal my skill on listening? And on the reading module one can fair well just by following some instructions or techniques. And anyone can do well in the speaking module if he has the answers of couple of common questions sorted out before the exam. As this test is not computer based and the calculations are done manually there is a great possibility of mistakes to happen unlike TOEFL. And if an examinee is not satisfied with his result and wants re-examination his paper he has to pay additional 6,000taka with an application and the result of that re-exam will come after 17 or 18 weeks. How funny!!! If the score gets changed the student will get a portion of the money otherwise the full money will become non-refundable.
But with all these problems in IELTS we, the students cannot escape it because British and Australian High commission do not except TOEFL.
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We all know what TOEFL and IELTS are. I was lucky (or unlucky) to have taken both. TOEFL’s system is lot better than that of IELTS. It is very easy for a student to understand the method in which the exam is run. So very little practice is required. There are no special techniques or formulae necessary to do well. That’s why very few students who take the actual test go to any coaching centre for practicing. And its application in terms of demonstrating a student’s skill is much better than IELTS. My one friend took this test twice within 2 month’s time but on both occasions he got the same result.
On the contrary, to comprehend the system of IELTS one has take much hardship. (I think the system has been kept so weird willingly. Just look at the British Council, how much money it is earning through IELTS coaching programmes. It takes 12,000taka from a student for some numbered IELTS coaching classes.) In the listening module there is no question asked. One has to write the answers while listening. And if there is any spelling mistake or grammatical mistake or excessive words are used in answering, the student gets no points. Well, why would I have to care about my writing so much in this module when it is meant to reveal my skill on listening? And on the reading module one can fair well just by following some instructions or techniques. And anyone can do well in the speaking module if he has the answers of couple of common questions sorted out before the exam. As this test is not computer based and the calculations are done manually there is a great possibility of mistakes to happen unlike TOEFL. And if an examinee is not satisfied with his result and wants re-examination his paper he has to pay additional 6,000taka with an application and the result of that re-exam will come after 17 or 18 weeks. How funny!!! If the score gets changed the student will get a portion of the money otherwise the full money will become non-refundable.
But with all these problems in IELTS we, the students cannot escape it because British and Australian High commission do not except TOEFL.
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7.4.04
Lesson at Sealand Restaurant
On my last visit to Dhaka I went in a restaurant at Kamalapur named Sealand Restaurant. There are about 5 hotel-boys there. While waiting for one to come to me, I over heard two hotel-boys' conversation. The older one was saying “you got 30 taka from that man!!! You will have to give me a share of this money. I never get tips.” Then the younger boy said, “Just when the customer comes I can understand whether he might give tips or not. I look at his shoes if they are clean and shiny and the style in which he sits on the chair.” I was much impressed by the knowledge of that young boy and was much glad later on when he came to serve me. But I didn’t give him any tip.
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6.4.04
The beginning of my blogging
“Hey, do you know Zahir?”
“No”
“He is tall, slim and plays table tennis a lot”
“Are you talking about the guy who always comes up with some weird arguments and never agrees to whatever you might say?”
“Yeah, now you got him”
This is how my classmates used to describe me. I could never make them listen to me. But I always wanted to let them know how I feel, my way of thinking, my explanations of things. When a week ago I saw my friend Rifat’s blog I said to myself, “ This is it. This is the thing I’ve been looking for.” And now, I’m here with my own blog full of new thoughts and ideas.
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“Hey, do you know Zahir?”
“No”
“He is tall, slim and plays table tennis a lot”
“Are you talking about the guy who always comes up with some weird arguments and never agrees to whatever you might say?”
“Yeah, now you got him”
This is how my classmates used to describe me. I could never make them listen to me. But I always wanted to let them know how I feel, my way of thinking, my explanations of things. When a week ago I saw my friend Rifat’s blog I said to myself, “ This is it. This is the thing I’ve been looking for.” And now, I’m here with my own blog full of new thoughts and ideas.
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