Roshunbhora: The Case of a Waterlogged Paradise

The days are gloomy and the nights are snug, all thanks to the monsoon showers of this month.

As people all over Bangladesh indulged in warm plates of khichuri, played mellow music and cosied up to rewatch their favourite comfort movies, the residents of Roshunbhora, a neighbourhood in the city of Chaka, couldn't help but worry about their flooding streets. Several consecutive days of rainfall had left homes in the area engulfed by water.

Exasperated and exhausted by the relentless rain, the residents of Roshunbhora had no choice but to improvise and adapt.

Therefore, Roshunbhora has now been rebranded. What used to be a neighbourhood drenched in filthy water is now a waterlogged paradise, ideal to unwind in when the fast-paced city life has worn you out.

The locals have now abandoned their cars and bikes to embrace more water-friendly modes of transportation like boats and canoes.

"I don't mind it here. When the wind hits my face, I completely forget that I am, in fact, floating about on questionably grey water and not on Instagram-worthy clear water," said one resident before speeding away on her... speedboat.

"I exchanged my bike for a jet ski for the sake of convenience. It's smaller than boats, so I can still cut people off in traffic and use the footpath to get ahead whenever I deem necessary. In other words, it has the same benefits and is much more fun to use," another resident said cheerfully.

Additionally, many students of the educational institutions located in Roshunbhora are delighted as they, too, can now tell stories about how they've had to cross a sea and other obstacles to get to school, just like their parents.

The beach-like waterlogged paradise now offers nature lovers and adrenaline junkies an array of water-based activities to relish. Those that want to witness the hidden beauties of nature can now experience scuba diving and observe the beauty of underwater creatures such as littered cigarette butts, candy wrappers and a crowd favourite -- Underwater Bottles.

The recent developments are causing many residents to consider the flooded state of the area as a blessing in disguise.

"Oh, what a place to live in! It's like owning a beach house in Malibu," says one resident, who has clearly never been to Malibu.

As the locals rejoice and celebrate the change of scenery in a city made of concrete, we are forced to acknowledge that not everybody is thrilled by the waterlogged paradise's recent success. Residents of Nearpur are calling this a quintessential case of cultural appropriation.

"Nearpur has remained flooded day in and day out every monsoon, but never received the adoration and praise that Roshunbhora is currently receiving. We were bullied and ridiculed for our water wonderland. We are the pioneers of mastering the art of living on land and water at the same time, and are yet to receive the credit we deserve!" complained one Nearpur resident who was found resting on a pool floaty in the middle of a flooded street.

Regardless, Roshunbhora teens can't help but gleefully take pictures of the view from their bedrooms and upload it on social media.

"Beach day! #wanderlust #sea #blessed," read the caption under a picture of the water, posted by an overly optimistic youngster who attends the local private Bidirectional University.

When life gives you lemons, right?

Nuzhat enjoys baking but simply cannot find the required ingredients. Tell her about your favourite baked goods at nuzhatchowdhury07@gmail.com