Whenever I visit Bangladesh, it feels as though everyone is perpetually on edge. Whether it is water, electricity, food, gas, roads, offices, or family life, people seem to be constantly searching for a reason to become upset. Stepping outside exposes one to impatient people, poor civic behaviour, chaotic traffic, dust, scorching heat, rain, and relentless noise. Together, these appear to form the backdrop of everyday frustration. At times, it seems as though people would not feel comfortable unless they had something to be angry about.

Life here, on the other hand, feels remarkably predictable. To be honest, I find very little variation in my day-to-day experiences. New friendships are formed, only to fade away with time. Love and separation coexist as natural parts of life. Everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities.

Even after living in this country for more than two decades, I have never fully managed to become one with it. Perhaps that is because I arrived here as an immigrant, and my roots have never truly taken hold in this soil. There is a profound difference between my emotional connection to this country and that of my sons. Most likely, that is because this is their country, not mine.

My wife, however, has grown deeply attached to this country. I believe two factors have contributed most to her affection for it: women's rights and women's safety.

I have travelled to many countries around the world, yet nowhere have I found the unique feeling that Bangladesh gives me. As a result, I continue to feel a strong connection to my homeland and to my friends there. Almost every day, I speak with someone back home, eager to learn about the latest news and developments.

Murder, robbery, sexual violence, extortion, bribery, corruption, money laundering, examination paper leaks, and the influence of the unqualified remain persistent challenges. Yet despite all this, the country continues to move forward. People's standards of living are improving, and the nation's GDP continues to grow.

The key difference between the progress of this country and that of ours is that here, improvements take place every day, yet they are often so systematic and gradual that few people notice them. In Bangladesh, however, progress and corruption seem to advance side by side. Nevertheless, the country continues to develop, its people continue to advance, and within that ongoing journey lies the promise of a better future.

(Originally written by Shariful Alam from New York, reflecting on identity, migration, and the enduring pull of one's homeland)