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An AFP file photo dated June 30, 2008 shows Bangladeshi surfer Jafar Alam with his surf board in Cox's Bazar. The 25-year-old Jafar is often found surfing the waves on one of the world's longest beaches. Jafar claims to be Bangladesh's first surfer and is working not only to popularise the sport but also to build international recognition for the largely untouched beach where he surfs. |
With his fluorescent board shorts and muscular body, Jafar Alam does not look like a typical Bangladeshi.
While most men his age in this conservative Muslim country are obsessed with cricket, the 25-year-old is more likely to be found surfing the waves on one of the world's longest beaches.
Alam, who says he is Bangladesh's first surfer, is working to not only popularise the sport, but also to build international recognition for the largely untouched beach where he surfs.
This month he will hold his fourth annual surfing competition, when a group of 15 American surfers will descend on the beach to compete against locals.
Until Alam started the Cox's Bazar Surf Club in 2002 -- based out of the two-room house he shares with five family members -- he said the sport did not exist in his country. He now has 48 students, including 12 girls.
Although home to a 125-kilometre (78-mile) stretch of unbroken coast, it was only the occasional intrepid international tourist who would test the waves, he said.
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