Dear Dhaka,
Before we met in person. I heard things. You were the most polluted city in the world. The noisiest. The most crowded. So I didn’t exactly have you at the top of my destinations list. But, seeing you up close changed things.
Pollution? Of course. But it’s also a country that uniquely displays climate vulnerability and the advancement of solutions.
Noise? Yes. But those are the sounds of perhaps the hardest working country I’ve ever been to. The men and women from all over converging on Dhaka to create better lives for their families.
Crowds? Yup. It’s growing. And it represents some of the most impressive strides against poverty, decade over decade any country has ever taken.
I’m glad we managed to meet in person. I feel like I understand you way better now. Also, don’t tell your neighbors, but you do biriyani best.