Mohammad Monir Hossain
Mohammad Monir Hossain, famously known as “Monir mama” is a man who always tries to see the brighter side of things. His journey of starting a tea shop began alongside the new campus of Brac University in Merul Badda. “After enduring many setbacks in my career, including business losses and unsuccessful attempts at overseas employment, I put my blind faith into this shop. At the beginning, I would sit from day to night, in the hopes of attracting customers. Today, it stands here because of the love and support of the students who visit this place from time to time,” he candidly explained.
He first moved to Dhaka from his hometown in Lakshmipur in 1998. He lives in a joint family with his wife, 3 children, older brother, and his family. When he is not busy with the shop, he likes to spend all his time with the children of the family. “I incurred a severe loss in my air-conditioning service business during COVID, after which I worked in an organisation where I was treated poorly. I told myself I would rather sell tea and make a living than experience such unfair treatment again,” explained Monir.
Photo credit : Afra Afia
From 7.30 am to 10 pm, he and his brother manage the shop from making tea to taking care of the finances.Except for Eid holidays, his shop remains open every day, showing his commendable work ethic.
One of the most memorable encounters he experienced with the students of Brac University was during the aftermath of July revolution when chipichapa ceased to exist and he felt like all hope was lost for him. Unexpectedly, a BracU student invested in his business and he was able to relocate to his current location, beside the new chipichapa, which he is eternally grateful for.
To the students of BracU, he acts as a constant presence and a source of comfort, amidst stressful academics and cups of tea shared with friends at his shop. In future, Monir mama aspires to open a new branch of his shop in a restaurant-style space, offering more than just tea.
