My Dhaka

My Dhaka

Dhaka’s love for deliveries

Once upon a time in Dhaka, telephone operators and postmen were the most revered service providers, especially for a young adult in love or an elderly parent residing in any mufassil town.

1d ago

Dhaka’s Signal Economy

Often, on my way to the office from Dhanmondi to Mohakhali, I pass through at least three or four major traffic signals -- the stubborn standstill at Dhanmondi 27, the long, impatient pause at Khamarbari, and the inevitable gridlock at Farmgate.

5d ago

An elusive painting of Boro Katra from 1863!

A 'katra' is essentially a caravanserai — a traveller's inn of sorts. It was established around the mid-17th century.

1w ago

Brihatta’s quiet revolution in Hazaribagh

Essentially a research-based, artist-run, non-profit organisation, Brihatta Art Foundation has worked in Dhaka for quite some time. With an objective to integrate locals in community development, they have given the people of Hazaribagh greater accessibility to art and culture.

1w ago

Dolile drishyapot: A celebration of Bangla calligraphy

Imagine entering a gallery filled with canvases, where sepia-toned papers with brittle edges and faded ink burst into life with vibrant colours and witty catchphrases from ancient Bengal. On his 20th solo exhibition — the versatile artist Arham-ul-Huq Chowdhury presents one such immersive show titled “Decorated Deeds: Bangla Calligraphy on Antique Documents” (Dolile Drishyapot).

1w ago

Dhaka numis show 2025: Preserving history through collectables

A three-day collectable exhibition titled “Dhaka Numis Show 2025”, organised by Old Dhaka Collectors Society (ODCS) was held at the National Museum from April 18 to 20. The event brought together collectors, currency researchers, and enthusiasts from all over Bangladesh.

1w ago

Old Dhaka’s food trail: A nostalgic gastronomic adventure

I went to the Lalbagh area last Saturday to finalise an interesting project for My Dhaka readers (stay tuned), but this business meet-and-greet was unlike any I had ever attended or conducted.

2w ago

Dhaka in bloom as Bougainvillea takes over

Dhaka often feels like a city suffocating in its own chaos.

2w ago

Capturing Dhaka moments: Winning shots from “My Dhaka Lens”

The Daily Star’s “My Dhaka” recently ran a photography contest titled “My Dhaka Lens,” where people were asked to submit their entries on the theme of Dhaka -- anything that embodies the beauty, soul, or essence of our city.

2m ago

Evolution of the Dhakaiya Bangla

Tracing the roots of Old Dhaka's unique dialect

2m ago

Dhaka’s Culinary Street Performers: Live cooking stations captivate the city

Food prepared on the streets is nothing new in Dhaka. Darul Kabab of yester-Dhaka saw various kebabs on skewers, or seekh as it is called in Bangla, being grilled over an open fire or coal embers.

2m ago

Shojon extends mental health care beyond class boundaries

Shojon, a Bangla word, when roughly translated means a dear one, or maybe a near one. With the promise to hold your hands in your darkest times -- like a loved one, SHOJON is a mental health service, an initiative of the SAJIDA Foundation.

2m ago

The pulse of Dhaka’s corporate lunchtime

If you ever happen to walk past any busy corporate neighbourhood in Dhaka during lunchtime, you are in for quite a sight!

2m ago

The decline of tomtoms: Old Dhaka’s historic carriages fade into history

The centuries-old charm of Old Dhaka's horse-drawn carriages, locally known as "tomtoms", is gradually disappearing. These carriages have been part of the city’s streets for nearly 200 years, but are slowly fading away with time..At one point, there were 35 to 40 horse-drawn carriages oper

2m ago

Surviving Dhaka: One commute at a time

Dhaka is full of stories and opportunities. However, living in the capital city comes with a price. Mostly in the form of time, physical and mental stress, and last but not least, stress on your pockets. But perhaps nothing annoys the residents more than the toil of its traffic.

2m ago

Paw Carnival 2025: A celebration of love, adoption and community

Picture a day where wagging tails, playful paws, and laughter fill a space, with a chance to witness the unique, unspoken connections between humans and animals

2m ago

Landmarks on banknotes: Canvases of history, heritage

Imagine you’re flipping through a book on Dhaka’s history. As you turn the pages, you come across a chapter on the Tara Mosque. Something about it feels familiar. You’re right -- you’ve seen it before.

3m ago

Memories of Dhaka: Saat Gombuj Masjid’s changing landscape

This is an image of Saat Gombuj Masjid in the Mohammadpur area

3m ago