Md. Azizul Alam from Bangladesh

First name: Md. Azizul Alam
City / Country: Rajshahi / Bangladesh
Year of birth: 1973

First thing in the morning, I think about “Es sucht der Bruder seine Brüder" from Beethoven's Fidelio.

With DW I associate a trip on a small rowing boat, alone on the Rhine River and thinking of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. I am overwhelmed by the panorama of the Rhine, the sound of the waves, the birds, swans and fish, the blue, crystal-clear water and the fascinating night sky. By the coast there are blooming peach trees on a green field and a fresh wind is blowing. What an amazing atmosphere! The view enchants my spirit. I can't explain the boundless joy and poetic feeling over this wondrous stretch of nature. One of the most beautiful poems, Ralph Hodgson's "Time, You Old Gipsy Man," reminds me of the situation. I changed the words a little:

Rhine, you old gipsy man
Will you not stay,
Put up your caravan
Just for one Day?
All things I will give you,
Will you be my guest,
Bells for your Jennet
Of silver the best,
Goldsmiths shall beat you,
A great ring,
Peacocks shall bow to you
Little boys sing,
Oh, and sweet girls will
Festoon you with May,
Rhine, you old gipsy man,
Why hasten away?

Eventually it is time to anchor my boat on the coast – directly across Kurt-Schumacher Straße, site of Deutsche Welle in Bonn. The building is one of the most environmentally friendly and modern ones to house a broadcaster in Europe. DW Director-General Erik Bettermann said "the green spaces, terraces and view of the Rhine create an environment that is fun to work in." …all this happens in my mind while I listen to DW with my Grundig YB-400.


My first experience with DW was in 1989.

I am very interested in topics such as the environment, European affairs, science and technology etc.

I use DW via radio and the Internet.

This year I am thinking a lot about global peace.

My wishes for the future: for DW to be the best broadcaster in the world.

Sent by: Md. Azizul Alam from Bangladesh
Edited by: Jeanette Müller