Two Idiots in Dhaka

Translated by Fakrul Alam

That building over there—that is the High Court!

--"Wow-looks so amazingly round—so beautiful!"

"But what was the cost involved in building it?"

"Who knows? Such a major feat of architecture !

Is there any limit to spending on such occasions?"

"Tell me—wasn't there a tiny zoo there

Once upon a time—do you remember it?"

"The things you say—how could I forget?

I've been living in Dhaka for thirty years now!"

"So where has the zoo been shifted to?"

"It's been a while since it moved to Mirpur."

"The other side of town? What a bright idea?

Couldn't have these two things in the same site."

"And that is our famous parliament building!"

"Wow! Isn't that quite fantastic looking?"

"And why won't it be? Mr. Louis Kahn designed it,

He is the internationally renowned French-American architect."

"Louis Kahn? That man has a visionary!

Lest anyone had any reservations

He built eyes of all sizes on it."

"And you'll be delighted to know

There is no zoo anywhere near it"

"Really?"

Fakrul Alam has just retired as Professor from the University of Dhaka. He is the Editorial Advisor of The Daily Star Literature Page.