My Dhaka
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.
Glass bangles make a fashionable comeback
There is an undeniable charm associated with glass bangles, particularly during events like Pahela Baishakh. Traditionally sold by churiwalis, the craze for these colourful glass bangles died down in recent years as fashion changed.
Rise of a Nation
“We hardly hear people talking about how lucky we are to be an independent nation. How incredible it is that we earned our freedom. Without understanding the trauma and struggles we endured to earn our freedom, the new generation cannot truly appreciate it.”
My Dhaka / The busy days of AC mechanics
As Dhaka continues to tackle the woes of summer heat, the business of selling air conditioners, stand fans, table fans, and coolers has seen an obvious rise.
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.
The origins of haleem
When was the last time you spent an entire month of Ramadan without eating haleem at least once? This food has indeed survived the test of time!
Mastercard Dhaka Night Market 2024: An adventure awaits!
Night-time shopping has a certain charm to it, almost a like starry-eyed rebellion. Come Ramadan, staying out late into the wee hours has almost become a trend for Dhakaites.
DNCC in action: Transforming Dhaka with vibrant murals
Dhaka North’s newest venture is painting murals on flyovers, dustbin depots, free walls and spaces to make city streets look vibrant and colourful.
