The Way to Bahrain: Bahrain Story #49
#100 Bahrain Stories is the beautiful brainchild of Tanzeel Jabbar-Khadir. As an Australian writer with Indian and Pakistani heritage, Tanzeel relocated to the small Gulf island of Bahrain several years ago and embarked upon a personal project to interview 100 people from all walks of life in her new home. TCK TOWN is proud and excited to be able to share the stories from some of the 100 inspiring people that were interviewed. These stories have even been published as a book. Take a look at the end of this article to find out where you can purchase it. We hope you enjoy this series as much as we do!
"I am from the district of Feni in Bangladesh. I work as an air conditioner repairman in Bahrain.
I came here in 2005, after dropping out of school as a teenager. I had failed English and some other subjects, I didn't see the point of school after that. I had always wanted to study further and become a policeman, but things didn't work out that way. Failing academically was disheartening, and although I started working as a welder back home, my heart was set on coming over to the Gulf for work.
My father was a gardener for a Sheikh in Bahrain and at first, he was against me coming here. He said I was too young and should get more experience in Bangladesh. We're simple people, but even simple people have expectations and plans for their children, particularly for their only son. My father really wanted me to keep studying but I insisted on coming over here.
Initially, I was a labourer and it was grueling work. The long days in the heat were really tough. Things started changing a couple of years later when I got my driver's licence and began working for a metal scrap shop in Janabiya. The shop was next to an air conditioner repair shop and I would find myself observing the technicians as they worked. Soon, I too began tinkering around with the machines. After that, the repair shop hired me and I have been working there for the last six years. I trained on the job and it took me some time to understand the machines, but now I can say I am confident with repairing air conditioners. I also have a kind employer who trusts me. I now manage the shop.
I got married in 2010 and have two children with a third one on the way. My wife was here for about a year, but she recently went back home so she could be with family when she delivers. I visit Bangladesh once a year. Alhamdulilah, things are good for me. I live with about five other Bangladeshi brothers in a flat in Janabiya. I call them my brothers because we are like brothers. We're all from different places in Bangladesh but we get along. It's nice when someone speaks your language and eats the same food. We all cook together. People from my country love rice. We also eat vegetables and fish. Fish is our absolute favourite."
Interviewee: Mohamed Haroon from Feni, Bangladesh. Living in Bahrain.
The #100 Bahrain Stories book is currently available at Neo Books and Coffee and all Jashanmal Bookstores in Bahrain. If you are not in Bahrain and would like to order a copy, please email: storiesbahrain@gmail.com