By way of introduction, Asif has asked me to post again, and while many of my pieces do not exactly meet the lofty requirements of acute political analysis and social insight familiar to UV readers, I hope at least that these evoke some memories and give a flavour of the place to those far away…
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Travelling by coach these days in the UK is a rather colourless experience. Large ergonomically-shaped vehicles with looping mirrors glide in and out of bus stations, the uniformed drivers gently bouncing on their hydraulically-powered seats. Comfortable and on time, they surge along the motorways, stay in lane, and by and large obey the rules. “But where’s the excitement in that?”, I hear you cry. If you want the thrill of a real bus journey, one which connects you with primal feelings of joy, terror and blessed relief, then Bangladesh is where it’s at.

Read more here.