MH Haider

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.

19h ago

Lalbagh Fort vs Fort Aurangabad!

Yet another less told story surrounds the name itself.

1w ago

Nawab Ahsanullah's literary pursuits!

But did you know that he was a man of literature as well?

1m ago

The royal Mughal barges of Dhaka

Chandni was one of the favourites of the iconic Mughal subahdar in Dhaka, Nawab Islam Khan

1m ago

English Road vs. Inglis Road: The curious evolution of a name

The road is actually named after a man named Inglis (or Ingles)

3m ago

What was in Ahsan Manzil's place before it was built?

The site was acquired in the 1830s by Khwaja Alimullah, father of Abdul Ghani, from the French. There was a French factory or trading centre on the site.

4m ago

Gol Talab: A pond to remember!

Surrounded by buildings, the roundish tank is a breather, a recluse to the locals and visitors looking for serenity and recreation. To illustrate, one can go angling there in exchange of a fee. 

5m ago

The Mughal mosque of Karwan Bazar

Founded in circa 1680, historians call it the mosque of Khwaja Ambar, stating that Ambar was the "head eunuch" of subahdar Nawab Shaista Khan.  

5m ago
September 15, 2024
September 15, 2024

A Buriganga painting from 1861

One such painting was created in the year 1861, by Frederick William Alexander de Fabeck, a doctor who served as an assistant surgeon in Bengal during the British colonial era. Today (15 September) is his birthday! 

September 13, 2024
September 13, 2024

Mughal heritage Boro Katra attacked again

A portion of Old Dhaka’s iconic Mughal monument Boro Katra has recently been demolished. In response, Urban Study Group, an organisation that campaigns for the protection of the architectural heritage of Dhaka, hosted a press conference last Wednesday, where its CEO, Taimur Islam, elaborated on the damages done and called for the protection of this age-old site.

May 25, 2024
May 25, 2024

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!

May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024

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.

April 14, 2024
April 14, 2024

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. 

April 7, 2024
April 7, 2024

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. 

February 29, 2024
February 29, 2024

Why are biriyani pots covered in red cloth?

Whenever you visit or just walk past any roadside eatery, you often see large deghs or pots covered in a red cloth. You know that those pots hold biriyani, polau, or the like but do you know why all these deghs or dekchis are always wrapped in red?

February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024

Dhaka 2084: Interview of a Time Traveller

The sudden appearance — and the equally sudden disappearance — of a middle-aged woman named Eli Kaizer, who claimed to be a time traveller, has caught the attention of not only our city, but the entire world.

December 24, 2023
December 24, 2023

The Church of the Holy Rosary: Oldest in Dhaka!

Historians say that it was established in 1677,but some historians have also said that the church was founded in or before 1599. 

December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023

The myth of winter in Dhaka

Do not believe the textbooks! As far as Dhaka is concerned, there are only two seasons: summer and monsoon. “This time it will be different” -- many Dhakaiites prophesise every mid-November wishing for a cold winter. However, as is always the case, it is wishful thinking!