Bangladesh

Bangladesh was probably the South Asian country I was least excited to visit. I hadn't heard many positive things beforehand, but it ended up reminding me that trips are rarely defined by the place itself. They're defined by the people you meet, and that started with Fahad, a local I connected with through a Facebook group for world travelers. He spent a couple of days introducing me to Dhaka's history, culture, and everyday life. We took pedal rickshaws through the city's crowded streets and wove through the bustling markets of Old Dhaka. More than just a guide, he quickly became a friend.

It was also a transformative time to visit. Sheikh Hasina had ruled the country for 15 years before being forced from power just two months earlier, following a massive student-led protest movement that left hundreds dead and ultimately brought down her government. The political transition was still fresh, and conversations about the country's future seemed to be everywhere.

During my visit, Bangladesh’s Hindu community was celebrating Durga Puja, one of its most important religious festivals. I watched worshippers carry towering statues of the goddess Durga onto boats before lowering them into the Buriganga River. Considering Bangladesh is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, it was wonderful to see Hindus openly celebrating alongside their Muslim neighbors.

More than anything, though, I'll remember Fahad. He had an incredible curiosity about the world and a genuine passion for travel, history, and geopolitics. Despite holding a weak passport, he'd already managed to visit several countries and loved telling me stories from his travels around Indonesia and India. Spending time with someone so eager to explore the world, despite those obstacles, was easily the highlight of my time in Bangladesh.