Business & Economic Research Center | Jones College of Business | Middle Tennessee State University

by Steven Sibley (November 18, 2008)

I safely returned from my journey in Bangladesh late Friday night. It was certainly a shock to exit the airport to a temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit after two months of temperatures no cooler than 80 degrees. It was also a shock to see gasoline at $1.85 per gallon. It was pleasantly surprising to be able to move efficiently through traffic without rickshaws and CNGs. It was pleasant to drive down streets not populated with maimed and starving beggars or polluted with litter, excrement, and diesel exhaust.

Over the course of my 36-hour itinerary, I had the opportunity to see the deserts and mountains of Iran and the glaciers and ice sheets of arctic Canada -- both incredible sights. After two months of Bangla, it was strange to be surrounded by English-speakers during my stopover in Houston. The cold, clean water available at the Houston airport water fountains was delightful. It was wonderful to see familiar faces welcome me in the airport.

I am truly thankful to have been given this unique experience available to few. I am grateful and humbled that so many in America were interested in reading my reports from such a distinctly different place with distinctly different socioeconomic conditions and culture. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support and for thoughtful insight and feedback. I hope that all of you are well and will have wonderful upcoming holidays. For those able to attend, I look forward to seeing you at the reception Monday, November 24, at 3 p.m. in the SunTrust Room in MTSU's Business and Aerospace Building.

While I learned so much during my time in Bangladesh, I feel that my work there did little to help the Bangladeshi people. I feel like I need to do more. I feel like I must return someday. Perhaps, upon my return, I will again get sick and need medical attention. It is my sincere wish that one of the children I met in the slum school will have achieved his or her dream and will care for me as a doctor or a nurse. Perhaps the wages earned and benefits enjoyed by the Grameen Knitwear employees will be the standard for Bangladeshi garment factories. Perhaps I will return to see that Shohana and her husband (the rickshaw driver turned bus business owner) have completed their five-story dream house. Hopefully, there will be fewer beggars in the street and fewer children with starving bellies. Perhaps someday I will return to find that there is no longer a need for Grameen Bank and its sister companies, as Bangladesh is no longer an impoverished nation.

I am grateful for the wonderful people I met along the way -- everyone who was so helpful, kind, and generous. I am thankful for the Grameen Bank employees who serve the poor with such passion and dedication. Those who welcomed me as their brother, uncle, nephew, or son will forever be in my heart as my extended family.

Farewell

I am including several emails from some of the people with whom I worked, lived, and came in contact during my time spent in Bangladesh. While the people there are so materially poor, they are a spiritually rich people who truly love their fellow human beings, regardless of race or creed. I have omitted their names for anonymity's sake.

Dear Brother Sibley !

We welcome you in our poor country Bangladesh.
And we give you thanks for your journey in Bangladesh.
I am personally very glad to meet you.
I'll give you a book by name "Ethics of Islam".

I have a free mind about Religion.
Everybody has freedom about Religion.
So I am not asking or invitation you about Islam.
But I think that everybody should know about Popular Religion
like Islam, Christianity and Hinduism etc.
I am a student of Comperative Religion.
I have read The Holy Bible several times.
A true Religious Person is peaceful for all human being.
So you can discuss with me on any topic except the current world politics.
Because every Governer has own policy with denying the public opinions.

When you are free then come to my Computer Centre.

Good evening,
How r u. I am fine, today is my day off, Now I am writting by cybercafe for u. Sir I have seen
many forigner without u. You r very good man. I always rebember u & pray May ALLAH
bless to u. I think u have reach in your country. Plz send my wishes to your parents.
Take care.
Best Regards.

dear friend:
it is being feeling bad in fact,to see my friend leeved.
did not we passed a good time here in bangladesh?
after ariving in ur country do not forget me please.
some how i know ur the exceptional man from usa

Dear,
We are missing you so much cause you were a very friendly person to all of us. We cannot forget u. Kabir bhai also missing u so much cause he is very happy to make friendship with u. Plz try to keep in touch with us regularly. After reaching in America plz inform us and thanks a lot for ur Foto.Its very nice to look. Wishing ur nice journey and happiness forever.

Bye