Mostofa Mahin

Bangladesh-born Mostofa Mahin loves a lot of things about living in the Northern Territory – and near the top of the list is the sense of space.

The difference between his old country and new home could hardly be more stark.

The Territory Health Department administrator comes from one of the most heavily populated countries in the world.

There are 1265 people per square kilometre compared with only 3.3 in Australia and a mere .16 in the Northern Territory.

At 1.4 million square kilometres, the NT is nearly nine times larger than Bangladesh.

But 32-year-old Mostofa is delighted that his home town of Dhaka and Darwin have two things in common – weather and mangoes.

“The weather is very similar,” he says. “And the mangoes are just as good. I love mangoes.”

Mostofa has been in Australia for two and a half years and in Darwin for 18 months.

He emigrated after marrying his wife Humaira, who was already in Australia studying for her master’s degree, and has slotted into Territory life with ease.

“Darwin is a good place,” he says. “Everyone is  friendly. People are always smiling. And it’s very multicultural – there are people here from all over the world. I like that.”

Mostofa and Humaira enjoy the welcoming nature and vibrancy of Darwin life.

His first job was with Qantas, but he lost that during the covid layoffs and now works on the Health Department COVID-19 prevention program.

“It’s not hard to get a job in Darwin. There are plenty of opportunities. If you want to work, there’s something for you.”

He has got involved in the Territory community  – he plays for University Cricket Club and is president of the Darwin Tigers.

Mostofa hopes to settle permanently in Australia to make a new life with his wife.