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
September 3, 2023
Rose Garden and a story of rise and fall of affluence
It was also rumoured that Rose Garden was made to compete with the famous Baldah Garden, which was one of the venues for elite parties, and that the insult probably came from someone associated with the affluent Baldah family.
August 31, 2023
Our undying love for kebabs in Dhaka
Once upon a time, naan-taftan was a kind of bread that accompanied assorted kebabs — essentially a kebab platter — among which, this sheekh kebab was much-cherished.
August 27, 2023
The iconic Tara Masjid did not always have those stars!
Today, it is hard to imagine our beloved Star Mosque without its stars. And with that comes the obvious question, what was the name of this mosque before those stars were added?
August 24, 2023
Tehari for breakfast?
The passion for this food is nothing new, and mornings used to be the popular time for it.
August 17, 2023
Buriganga once flowed beside Lalbagh Kella
Centuries ago, the walls of the fort actually touched the water of this river.
May 14, 2023
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: Portrait of an artist
Given the heights of the art world she has reached, it is obvious that her name follows a long list of prestigious accolades and exhibitions in Bangladesh and abroad. Let us, then, not even go there. But if we mention just one — the very fact that Kanak Chanpa Chakma is an Ekushey Padak recipient this year, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, speaks volumes about her work.
February 20, 2023
What makes Professor Shonku so special to us?
As Bengalis, we have grown up reading Satyajit Ray. Who does not remember the clever, witty, and adventurous detective, Feluda? Or the highly revered Professor Shonku, an eccentric scientist, inventor, explorer, and polyglot? Today, we celebrate one of these characters, Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, paying a humble tribute to the Bengali maestro that is Satyajit Ray. For many of us, Ray was the entrance to Bengali literature, and the Shonku series — an influential work of science fiction in the Bengali language.
February 19, 2023
Inkpot a reminiscent of the past
The hobby of collecting inkpots is arguably unique. We all know of the hobby surrounding stamps or currencies, for example, but have you heard of someone doing the same with inkpots?
February 16, 2023
The Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in all of us
Do you consider yourself a nice person? If you nod, I shall disagree. If your answer is no, I shall still disagree.
November 20, 2022
Amitabh Reza on Puran Dhaka, Afzal Hossain, and his latest web series
A retired judge haunted by his past asks, “Was my judgment all wrong?” That is the premise of Bodh, the recently released web series by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. We sat down with this celebrated filmmaker to discuss Bodh, his experience of working with the eminent actor Afzal Hossain, and life after Aynabaji’s success.
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