I travelled from London by Gulf Air and arrived at Zia International Airport by GF 248 on 18th July at 2115lt. After deplaning I felt very thirsty and looked for drinking water. But to my surprise, I could find not a single water cooler anywhere in the terminal building unlike Heathrow and Bahrain where a water cooler is available near each entry door of the rest rooms. I could not convince myself about lack of such a basic facility like water.
Along with me a group of elderly Muslim clerics dressed in Islamic attire belonging to Arab countries also travelled. We all were seated in business class. In course of my discussion with them, I came to know they were visiting Bangladesh for conveying the message of Islam to the people and in course of that they would stay for 40 days and visit as many places as possible at their own cost. They also hoped their interactions would cement the bonds of Muslim brotherhood among various nationalities. But this reminded me of the silly remark passed by the immigration officer who cleared their immigration, he not only looked upon them with pity but also commented about their visiting this country for nothing dressed up like beggars. I felt pained and explained their purpose of visit to him. I also told him it was sad that the so-called Muslims in Bangladesh were critical of their own religion and would taunt the Maulanas. He felt embarrassed.
After getting my phone call a relative of mine hired a taxi and reached the airport to accompany me home. But the car park attendant blocked the passage leading to the canopy and would not allow the taxi to pass through. It was 2200 hrs lt. I asked my relative to pass on the mobile phone to the attendant. He told me taxis were not authorized to use this lane and get inside the canopy. I explained that since I did not own a private car, so my relative had to hire a taxi to pick me up at that hour of the night. I told him how else I could get home? I requested him not to take the law into his hand. But he was adamant. Then I told him I would get the CAAB security involved if he would continue to act so whimsically. I also told him he had no business to interfere in passenger's movement. Finally, he calmed down and allowed the taxi to pass through. But while leaving the airport another car park attendant rushed towards my taxi and demanded parking charge. After a few altercations he retreated.
My homecoming appeared to be a nightmare. What a state of affairs!