My Dhaka
5 reasons why Dhaka is so rude
Let’s neither beat about the bush nor indulge in sugar-coating because we neither have the time nor the empathy for any of that. The plain fact is -- Dhaka is an impatient, mean, rude, cruel, and selfish city. Call it “cranky Dhaka” if you will!
One act of kindness a day keeps sadness away
An act of kindness a day is what mental health counsellors suggest we do; we, the ones who find it difficult to navigate through life’s unforeseen situations. It can be something as trivial as leaving a bowl of water out for the birds, or buying something to eat/drink for the little girl selling jasmine garlands at traffic signals to make ends meet.
Chawk Bazar's Nurani Cold Drink
The drinks are of course great, and so is the Nurani legacy, being more than 70 years old!
Primer to Press: Celebrating the evolution of Bangla alphabets
The recently held exhibition along with the book launch event of Bornomala: Bangla Alphabet Book Collection by Sabyasachi Hazra was profoundly insightful. As an artist, researcher, and prolific book cover designer, Hajra needs little introduction. He has been working to promote Bangla fonts, typography and calligraphy for a while and his efforts went into showing the evolution of Bangla alphabets at the show, Primer to Press.
Where is the grave of Dhaka's Nawab Ahsanullah?
Nawab Ahsanullah is indeed a historic figure. We remember him as a philanthropist and among his contributions was the installment of the first electric lights in Dhaka.
Mirpur Beribadh: A soothing escape in Dhaka
Dhaka residents often complain that there is no escape from the loud and congested city.
Jahanara Foundation Museum: A glimpse into Dhaka’s past
The building located at 25 Bangshal Road is a treasure trove of history. On one of the floors of the apartment, there are numerous antiques and artefacts that give us a sneak peek into the city’s history. Not directly related to political histories we read in textbooks, but something more intimate -- glimpses of family and social life in Dhaka of the bygone era.
Beyond Nilkhet: Dhaka’s second-hand book markets
The second-hand book market is a buoyant one and there are places in Dhaka, other than Nilkhet, where your desire to buy books meets affordability. With a keen eye and some bargaining skills, it is possible to make a deal at these places.
Post-Eid Reflections: Missing the chaos of the city
It is as if Dhaka has been sleeping for the last few days.
Unmukto Library invites you to read under the open sky
When we talk about libraries, what image first comes to our minds?
Pahela Baishakh and the panta bhaat debate
On one hand, it is a traditional dish and PahelaBaishakh is a festival where we celebrate our culture -- not just with songs, crafts, etc., but also with food. Moreover, it is absolutely delicious! You can indulge in it with other deshi delicacies as well, be it with the delightful ilishorthe spicy bhortas.
Ushering Baishakh with mishty
Most Dhakaites have a sweet tooth. We just cannot do without a sweet end to our meals, be it licking your fingers on Kashmiri mango achar, tomato chutney, or slurping up the daal (lentil soup) mixed with sweet, jujube and tamarind pickle.
Eid in Dhaka: The city’s top 5 celebration spots
Are you looking for the spirit of Eid celebrations in Dhaka? Here are the top 5 spots.
Ikigai Dhaka: Redefining furniture craftsmanship
Nawajesh Salahin Sunny’s fame was sitting at his factory in a zen-like state of mind amidst scattered wooden planks and huge containers. His craftsmen noisily worked all over the place; while he supervised the work being done to give the factory a showroom-like facelift.
The almost 400-year-old Eidgah of Dhanmondi
This place holds a lot of historical significance because of its age and also because once upon a time the rulers of Dhaka used to offer Eid prayers here.
Remembering St Joseph on its 70th anniversary
On a sunny afternoon in October 1993, my mother took me to visit the campus of St Joseph Higher Secondary School, nestled among large trees on a relatively quiet (at least back then) road of Asad Avenue in Mohammadpur.
Panthapath street market: A Hub for Affordable Shoes
Eid shopping has already begun in full swing and shoes are one of the indispensable items on your want list.
Ramadan price surge: the same old story?
Two-thirds of the Holy Month is over, and food prices are at an all-time high. Despite strict surveillance by magistrates to control price hikes and adulteration of food, this Ramadan, like always, traders are doing everything against the law.
