M H Haider

1863 vs 2024: Comparing 2 visuals of a Mughal mosque in Dhaka

Fabeck made a number of artworks depicting Dhaka, such as a beautiful watercolour of Buriganga, which we have featured earlier.

3w ago

Neglected heritage: A historic gate in ruins

You may have visited Ahsan Manzil — or at least know of it — but did you ever encounter this dilapidated gateway? 

1m ago

Pirates, forts, and no crowds: The ultimate history geek’s dream spot

Located in Munshiganj, the 17th century river fort is beyond the hustle and bustle of the more common tourist spots, and gives a rather different experience compared to the grander Mughal edifices that are spread all over the Indian subcontinent.

1m ago

How did Motijheel get its name?

Another etymology that somewhat resonates with the aforementioned one is that Motijheel was the name of a canal or rivulet that flowed in or around the area; then, the label was referred to a particular pond, and eventually, an overall locality adopted the name. 

1m ago

The beautiful gate of Dhaka Christian Cemetery

After all, we are talking about a graveyard that is very old. According to Perween Hasan's chapter in the book "Dhaka Past, Present, Future," the oldest grave in the compound dates back to 1774!

2m ago

Hussaini Dalan and the story of a lost mausoleum

The building has ceased to exist, but the graves are still there, along with a few graves of their family and acquaintances.

2m ago

Which annoying office chat group character are you? Find out here!

Discover the quirky characters in your office chat groups: the Pioneer, Mime Artist, Podcaster, Alien, Ghost, and Boss. From endless GIFs to unwelcome voice notes, identify and laugh at these familiar faces!

2m ago

The former name of DU's Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall

When we refer to the very familiar Shahidullah Hall, our minds do not often register the legendary maestro of a man after whom this student residence is named, let alone the fact that it was once referred to as Dacca Hall. 

2m ago
August 22, 2024
August 22, 2024

How to identify fake news

Fake news existed even before the internet, but with the World Wide Web and social media, the problem has been elevated to a whole different level. Add to that the protests and volatility Bangladesh — and many other places in the world – have been witnessing, what you have is a breeding ground for fake news.

August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024

Serious without suits: The new trend to follow

Call me the lord of useless things but it is indeed with peculiar curiosity I notice some of the student leaders in casual wear, even on the most formal of occasions. I will remember these the next time I am invited to any black tie event!

August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024

Rediscovering patriotic songs: Old melodies that united a new generation

What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.

July 29, 2024
July 29, 2024

Rising from the ashes: Can Dhaka move on for good?

The mayhem that swept over the nation is still alive and vivid in our memories. The harrowing violence that has been carried out will forever remain imprinted in our hearts. Hence the question that haunts us all: after what has happened, can we ever get over this?

July 14, 2024
July 14, 2024

Baldah Garden's sundial: A rare timepiece of Dhaka!

A sundial, simply put, is an archaic device of telling time. Not your ordinary clock!

July 11, 2024
July 11, 2024

Musa Khan's grave: A heritage of the Baro Bhuiyan

Musa Khan died of a long illness in April 1623, just around a decade after Dhaka became a Mughal capital. 

July 8, 2024
July 8, 2024

Two monsoons, and counting

Monsoon has always been a joyous season for me. People speak of the monsoon blues but the rains come with a sense of thrill and awe, especially in the brief minutes just before it actually starts pouring.

June 30, 2024
June 30, 2024

The first 3 residential halls of Dhaka University

Splendid in appearance as they are, the three halls also hold a lot of history.

June 27, 2024
June 27, 2024

The Greeks of Dhaka

A small but graceful-looking memorial that stands at a corner of the TSC field in Dhaka University is a reminder of that Greek presence. 

June 20, 2024
June 20, 2024

The oldest surviving mosque of Dhaka

Binat Bibi's Mosque or the Mosque of Bakht Binat at Narinda was established around 1456 CE, during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah.