🎓 I have completed my postgraduate degree from a renowned college in Bangladesh 🇧🇩 and currently live in Khulna City, the third-largest city in the country.

🧮 My lifestyle is very ordinary and minimal, and if you are interested in experiencing a bit of it, you are welcome to join me. I am a boarder in a local mess (live in a shared bachelor apartment). I make a living as a tutor (supplementary instructor or teaching assistant) in several students' houses, where I teach mathematics to college and high school students.

📌 There is no luxury in my accommodations (please check all my couch images). I reside in an old and shabby building. My friends call my room 'Bunker'. Here, sanitation and hygiene are not up to the same standards as they are in Europe or the United States. However, I am happy to keep you company. You're welcome to come with my family and friends as well. It's possible that you'll get to see my home village.

🧭 I enjoy visiting popular, lesser-known, and even unknown tourist spots, usually on foot or with my bicycle 🚲.

🏕️ I have a roommate who is amicable. For accommodation, I offer a personal bed equipped with a mosquito net, bed mat, cover, pillow, and blanket. In addition, I have a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and camping space available for use. As for amenities, I am glad to provide daily meals (local Bengali foods), Wi-Fi access, a common bathroom, and fundamental toiletries (shampoo, soap) for my guests.

📢 Please note that I only host individuals who have multiple verifications such as Verified Host References, Verified Surfer References, Payment, Phone, and Address Verification.

"But there is an alternative if you don’t have any verification. Then you must show the following documents after coming to my couch, or if you feel safe, you may send them by e-mail (pritish.bd@gmail.com):

1️⃣ Passport copy and visa copy for foreign nationals;

2️⃣ A national ID card copy for Bangladeshis 🪪;

3️⃣ A passport-size picture (Printed/JPEG);

I am taking these precautions to avoid any unwanted situations. Don't take it the wrong way. Life is different and difficult here."

If you are a group of two, each individual must send a separate request. If they do not have a Couchsurfing profile, they can create one and send me links to their other social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram.

However, I am busy with my teaching work, so you may have to be alone for some time during our first meeting. Please do not mind.

One of my students is a coin collector. A humble request to you is that if you have any coins or money receipts from your country or any other country except India and Bangladesh, then present them to him as a gift. He will be highly grateful to you.

My Facebook Link: www.fb.com/pritish.bd

Instagram Link: www.instagram.com/pritish.bd

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@pritish_mondal

LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritish-mondal

☎️Local number: +8801521456442 (Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp)

Feel free to contact me at any time.

*Here is an overview of Khulna City:

Khulna is the third-largest city in Bangladesh, located in the southwestern part of the country. It covers an area of 59.57 square kilometers and is part of the Ganges Delta. The city is known for its strategic location on the Rupsha and Bhairab Rivers and serves as a gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.

**History:** Khulna has a rich history, with roots dating back to ancient kingdoms such as Vanga and Samatata. It became part of the Sena dynasty in the 12th century and later the Bengal Sultanate. During the 16th century, it came under Mughal rule. In 1793, the British East India Company took control of the city, and it became part of Jessore District in 1842.

**Independence and Boundary:** Khulna declared itself as part of India in 1947 but was included in Pakistan following the boundary commission's decision. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, it played a significant role.

**Climate:** Khulna has a tropical wet and dry climate influenced by the South Asian Monsoon. It experiences hot and humid summers and pleasant winters, with an annual average temperature of 26.3°C. The city receives rainfall primarily between May and October.

**Administration:** Khulna City Corporation (KCC) is a self-governing body with an elected mayor overseeing the city's 31 wards. The Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) maintains law and order, and the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) plans the city's development. Khulna's major religion is Islam, followed by Hinduism and Christianity.

**Economy:** Khulna is a major economic center in Bangladesh, with key industries including jute, chemicals, seafood packaging, food processing, sugar milling, power generation, and shipbuilding. The city also has an Export Processing Zone, attracting foreign investment.

**Transport:** Khulna is well-connected by road, with bus and mini-bus services linking suburban areas. Rental car agencies offer various vehicles for hire within the city and metro area.

**Places to Visit in Khulna**

*Inside the City - Landmarks:*

1. 1971 Genocide-Torture Archive & Museum
2. Khulna Divisional Museum
3. Hadis Park
4. Jatishangho Sishu Park
5. Sheikh Rasel Eco Park
6. Rupsha Khan Jahan Ali Shetu
7. Khulna University
8. Bakultala (Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow)
9. 6 and 7 Number Ghat Rd, Khulna
10. St Joseph's Church
11. Gollamari Memorial Monument
12. National Dairy Farm
13. Indramohan Sweets
14. Satya Narayan Temple
15. ISKCON Temple
16. Khulna Twin Shiva Temple
17. Shitala Bari Temple
18. Premkanon
19. Arya Dharmasabha Kali Temple
20. Shilpakala Academy, Khulna
21. Khulna Shipyard
22. Rupsha Ferry Ghat
23. Jailkhana Ferry Ghat
24. Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
25. SOS Sishu Polli
26. Khulna Zilla School
27. Horticulture Center, Doulatpur
28. Boro Bazar Khulna
29. Kalibari Temple
30. Mistripara Bazar
31. Darul Ulum Mosque
32. Umesh Chandra Public Library
33. Divisional Government Public Library
34. Khulna Wagon Freight Station
35. Government Brajalal College
36. Khulna GPO
37. Rupsha Railway Bridge

38. Khulna Railway Station

*Sculptures:*

1. Sixty Dome Mosque Replica
2. Bangladesh Biman Monument
3. Joy Bangla
4. Bangladesh Navy Monument

*Cultural Landmarks:*

1. Shibbari mor
2. Royal mor

*Outside of the City:*

1. Sundarbans
2. The Sixty Dome Mosque
3. Dakshindihi Rabindra Complex
4. Pithavoge Rabindra Memorial Complex
5. Varot Vayna
6. Chandramahal Eco Park
7. Senhati
8. Poet Krishna Chandra Institute
9. Sir PC Roy's Home
10. Siromoni Memorial
11. Ruhul Amin's graveyard
12. Sener Bazar
13. Kodla Moth
14. Padmabeel or lotus beel
15. Tomb of Khan Jahan
16. Monlga Sea Port
17. My Village
18. Chuknagar Martyred Memorial

The Sundarbans, located in Khulna District, is home to the Bengal tiger and the world's largest virgin mangrove forest, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mosque City of Bagerhat, situated about 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Khulna in Bagerhat District, is also designated as a World Heritage Site.

*Rabindra Complex* is located in the village of Dakkhindihi, approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Khulna. It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore's father-in-law, Beni Madhab Roy Chowdhury. Tagore visited the complex several times, and it has been renovated and is now administered by Bangladesh's Department of Archaeology.

The *Khulna Divisional Museum*, founded in 1998, is another notable attraction established by the country's Department of Archaeology.

The *Gollamari Memorial Monument* commemorates the mass murder in Gollamari river during the independence war of 1971 and is situated on the way to Khulna University.

*Khulna University* is located at Gollamari, a modern university area with a picturesque view and lakes, making it an ideal place to spend an afternoon in natural surroundings.

The *Rupsha Bridge* is frequently visited by locals. It's located in the Lobon Chora area and connects Bagerhat and Mongla port. You can walk along the bridge and capture panoramic views of Khulna city and the Rupsha river.

*Prem Kanon* is a unique place with beautiful statues made from trees, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

*St. Joseph's Church*, situated on Babu Khan Rd, is a Catholic church run by the friendly and English-speaking Father Jacob. Daily mass is held at 6 AM, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

*Hadis Park*, located in the city center, is a great place to spend leisure time. If you're lucky, you might catch a show or event there.

*Shat Gombuj Mosjid (The Sixty Dome Mosque)*, in the Bagerhat district, is an hour's travel from Khulna. You can take a bus from Sonadanga bus terminal or Rupsha ferry terminal to reach there.

*Monlga Sea Port* is an 80-minute bus ride away from Khulna. You can take a bus from Sonadanga bus terminal or Rupsha ferry terminal. It offers picturesque views of the Poshur river and the Sundarbans. You can also cross the river by Shampan boat to reach Mongla city and even hire a boat to explore the Sundarbans.

*Markets in Khulna:*

Market stalls run along the river between the train station and the ferry terminal. While their products may not cater to tourists, the friendly people and excellent tea stalls make for a pleasant experience.

*New Market*, located in the north of the town, is a two-story shopping complex where you can find clothing, electronics, and more. It's a good place to purchase traditional Bangladeshi attire and electronics.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can explore the *Picture Palace Mor Market*.

*Exploring Food in Khulna:*

**Street Foods:**

1. Golamer Puri
2. Michael Jackson of Khulna's Chanachur
3. BL College Jhalmuri
4. New Market's street foods

**Lunch and Dinner Options:**

1. Aloka Restaurant
2. Dutta Hotel Khulna
3. Kosturi Hotel
4. Lablu Hotel
5. Kamrul Hotel
6. Abbas Hotel
7. Kitchen Express
8. Mega Biriyani
9. New Azmeri Kabab
10. Jesco

Khulna is renowned for its cuisine, and there are numerous famous restaurants and food courts to explore. Dutta Hotel, with over 80 years of history, is renowned for classic Bengali cuisine. Kamrul and Abbas Hotel are known for their spicy beef curry, but some find Kamrul to be overhyped. Mega is famous for its Biriyani, while Jesco and New Azmeri serve delicious Kababs, grills, and parothas. Don't miss the delectable treats from Indramohon Sweets, with a legacy spanning 130 years.

Khulna also has vegetarian restaurants, including one located in the city's Satrasta Mor. *Aloka Restaurant*, situated in the central hotel district, is an excellent option.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have a deep appreciation for diversity and enjoy meeting new people. I'm eager to learn about various cultures and build strong friendships. Currently, I am unable to afford international travel, which is why I seek to connect with fellow travelers to hear about their experiences. I hope that one day I'll have the opportunity to explore the entire world.

Interests

I have a diverse range of interests, including cycling, backpacking, hiking, wildlife photography, macro photography, nature photography, cinematography, video editing, audio mastering, documentary filmmaking, indoor gardening, ham radio, robotics, coding, electronics, open-source software, reading, creative writing, learning languages, and playing the violin.

• writing
• electronics
• reading
• violin
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• computer science
• teaching
• history
• volunteering
• learning languages
• learning new things
• cinematography
• scouting
• open source software
• video editing
• computer programming
• nature photography
• ham radio
• macro photography
• documentary filmmaking
• wildlife photography
• indoor gardening
• teaching math

Music, Movies, and Books

I have a wide range of interests:

**Books:** I enjoy reading non-fantasy literature.

**Music:** My passion lies in music, particularly Bengali folk songs.

**Movies:** My film tastes are diverse, spanning from art films to Western classics. Some Western movies I've watched include:

1. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)
2. "Unforgiven" (1992)
3. "Django Unchained" (2012)
4. "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968)
5. "True Grit" (2010)
6. "High Noon" (1952)
7. "The Magnificent Seven" (1960)

I've also seen famous movies such as "The Godfather" (1972), "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994), "Forrest Gump" (1994), "Schindler's List" (1993), "Titanic" (1997), and "Gladiator" (2000).

As for Bengali cinema, I've watched the classic "Pather Panchali" (1955), directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray.

Among my favorite Bengali songs are:

1. "Tomay Hrid Majhare Rakhbo" - A timeless folk song by Lopamudra Mitra.
2. "Moner Manush" - A popular folk song by Lalon Fakir.
3. "Prithibi Ta Naki Choto Hote Hote" - A soulful melody.
4. "Amar Shonar Bangla" - The national anthem of Bangladesh, written by Rabindranath Tagore.
5. "Tumi Jake Bhalobaso" - A romantic song from the movie "Praktan."
6. "Ekla Chalo Re" - Another inspiring Rabindra Sangeet by Tagore.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most remarkable experiences I've had is a bicycle camping trip in the southern region of Bangladesh. During this adventure, I explored the picturesque landscapes and immersed myself in the local culture.

Additionally, I've dedicated a substantial amount of time to volunteering, which has been a deeply rewarding experience. Through volunteering, I've had the opportunity to contribute to various causes and make a positive impact on the communities I've served.

These are just a few of the many incredible experiences I have to share, and there's so much more to tell.

Teach, Learn, Share

Through my real-life experiences and struggles, I've come to understand that life is a journey. It's important to keep moving forward and savor every moment. I'm constantly learning, and I'm eager to share my journey with others. Additionally, I can teach Bengali.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can provide my valuable experience, my time, and my living space when hosting someone in my home.

Countries I’ve Visited

India

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bangladesh