Iftar away from home
For many residential university students, Ramadan entails staying miles away from home and missing out on homemade dishes. But residential students of Dhaka University have found solace in their "second home" at the campus dorms.
For them, having iftar together has become a cherished ritual, where they come together in small or large groups, either in their dorm rooms, the canteen or on the green fields under the open sky.
The festive ambience is enhanced by the aroma of piyaju, beguni, jilapi, and other delicious iftar delicacies.
However, the students could not help but miss their family members and reminisced about past Ramadan celebrations spent with them.
Shohidul Shaan, a residential student of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, said, "Yes, we miss having iftar at home, surrounded by our loved ones. But the campus is our second home. When the dorms were closed during the pandemic, we realised how much we missed hall life. We are like one giant family here, composed of seniors and juniors."
Before iftar, the students collect money from each other and buy food from hall canteens. Some even go to the extent of bringing traditional iftar items from Old Dhaka to share with their peers.
Hundreds of makeshift shops have been set up near the DU residential halls, taking the shape of large iftar bazaars, the ones we see across the capital during this month. Staffers of hall canteens become part-time iftar vendors during this time to earn extra money.
One such shopkeeper Jahangir said, "We try to make fresh iftar for all and sell it at a reasonable price."
Galib Ahmed Shishir, a residential student of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall said, "It's a wonderful feeling when we break our fast together, alongside our friends. However, we miss our family."
Sumaiya Binte Hossain, a residential student of Bangladesh Kuwait Maitree Hall, said, "We feel a homely atmosphere in the hall as we make iftar in our room. When we stayed at home, we helped our mother. But now, we miss those days."
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