During this period of the year, Bangladeshi expatriates long for the enticing fragrance of spiced chickpeas, mutton haleem, crispy fried eggplant, and warm jilapi. They deeply miss gathering with family around the dining table to break their fast, while the melodious call to prayer echoes in the background. The buzz of Eid shopping and the festive spirit that fills the sacred month of Ramadan are sorely missed.
We interviewed a few non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB) individuals to understand what they yearn for and how they observe Ramadan while residing abroad.
Mushfiqur R Bhuiyan, a Corporate Client Group director at Royal Bank of Canada who relocated to Canada in 2019, shared that Ramadan days are akin to regular workdays for him. Unlike the adjusted office hours in Bangladesh during Ramadan, he experiences no change in routine in Canada, leading to significant sleep deprivation during this holy month.
Bhuiyan and his family of four have their iftar meals at home on weekdays. However, during weekends, they aim to attend community iftar gatherings at the local mosque. He highlighted the vibrant congregations of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani Muslims at these events and the joy of exploring halal restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat iftar specials on certain Saturdays or Sundays.
Though Bhuiyan endeavors to participate in Taraweeh prayers at the mosque, he deeply misses his homeland during this time, especially the sense of belonging and community he felt during the prayers in Dhaka. He also reminisces about the iftar get-togethers with friends and colleagues, alongside the bustling iftar bazaars of Dhaka where he would purchase traditional delicacies like jilapi, haleem, doi bora, and egg chop after leaving the office early.
Despite the loneliness experienced abroad during Ramadan without the usual festivities and gatherings, Bhuiyan perceives it as an opportunity to exhibit greater sacrifice and self-discipline in Canada.
Shama Ahmed, a senior accountant at Northrop Grumman Corporation in the US, expressed that Ramadan lacks the festive essence in the US compared to Dhaka. While fasting poses no challenge, she finds the lack of a modified office schedule leading to sleep deprivation as the main struggle during Ramadan.
For iftar, Ahmed and her family typically consume chhola or chotpoti with an abundance of fruits. Occasionally, she prepares dishes like khichuri, haleem, or noodles for the evening meal, limiting fried foods to occasional indulgences.
Similar to other NRBs, Ahmed longs for the spirited Ramadan ambiance of Bangladesh, where the air is infused with the aroma of iftar from midday onwards. She misses the vibrant iftar bazaars of Dhaka and the cherished moments of breaking fast with her parents, especially her late mother’s signature dish, doi bora. Despite the absence of elaborate iftar spreads, Ahmed appreciates the healthier eating habits adopted during Ramadan in the US, leading to potential weight loss.
Dr. Sharif Quddus, a speciality doctor at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust in England, faced a demanding Ramadan this year following the birth of his second child three months ago. As a Bangladeshi Muslim doctor in the UK, Dr. Quddus highlighted the early start to his day, with minimal rest after sehri before heading to a packed schedule at the hospital.
Hospitals maintain their usual pace during Ramadan, necessitating continuous medical care regardless of the fasting month. The provision of a brief break for Muslim staff members to break their fast and pray Maghrib at work proves beneficial for practicing Muslims like Dr. Quddus. While he often breaks his fast at the hospital, he reserves iftar for home, emphasizing the profound sense of togetherness, celebration, and familial traditions he misses from Dhaka during Ramadan.
Dr. Quddus reflected on the vibrant Ramadan atmosphere in Dhaka, reminiscing about the bustling streets, colorful attire, and the enticing aroma of iftar delicacies that defined the season. He acknowledged his wife’s indispensable support in managing household responsibilities, allowing him to fulfill his professional duties while observing Ramadan.
Mahnoor Ali, who recently moved to Shanghai, China, due to her husband’s job, navigates her second Ramadan in a new environment. Despite missing Dhaka’s festive Ramadan ambiance, Ali is gradually adjusting to her surroundings and finding ways to observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid ul-Fitr in her unique manner.
Ali fondly recalls her iftar experiences in Dhaka, particularly indulging in jilapi from local vendors and her mother’s special zarda preparation. She longs for the vibrant Eid shopping culture of Dhaka, where the city transforms with decorations and lights, enhancing the festive spirit.
Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr alone in Shanghai last year accentuated the distance from her homeland, with her husband and son