Never stayed outside Bangladesh for more than two weeks until the year 2000 when I left for UAE on a professional assignment. By that time, my grey hair almost reached its peak. I was looked after pretty well by the company which also provided a car with a driver. My house had the privilege of being cleaned by daily visit of a foreign maid (note, not Bangladeshi). The pay was good too, so was the position. I don't want to make this letter weary and dull by mentioning the benefits but the reason why I am saying this is because, in spite of all these privileges, I could never feel the warmth (not literally speaking) in Dubai.I've tried to identify and understand the situation of those who live abroad, including my younger sister. I tried to be sympathetic towards their feelings, motives and needs but was unable to penetrate to the depth of the meanings of such things. For me, its very hard to fathom how much it is needed to actually leave the root.
It's probably my lack of exposure to living abroad during my student life when the mindset is better equipped to deal with changes and adversities. Or maybe my priorities are different from others'.
I am proud , like all Bengalees, of my country.