Dhaka street, 300 Feet!
300 Feet even a few years ago was, for me, the 'edge' of Dhaka. Back then it was more popularly known as Baluchor. It was desolate, and empty – except for a few fuchka-chotpoti and tea stalls here and there. And I never dared to cross that edge, even though I often wondered what lay beyond. But today, 300 Feet is possibly one of the favourite hangout places in Dhaka.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The road itself has undergone improvement. If you fancy a relaxing drive, 300 Feet is your answer. Bikers and cyclists, too, flock there for stunts or a recreational ride.
Meanwhile, the bazaar at Purbachal is a prime attraction. The groceries arrive fresh from the villages nearby, and many of the grocers are actually themselves the producers of these fruits and vegetables. The bazaar has earned a reputation of being a farmers' market.
The market also boasts several sweetmeat shops. They have a wide array of sweets on display, but if size matters to you - and if your appetite is as big as your pillow - try their poisonously sweet 'Balish Mishti!' Moreover, there are Bengali snacks of all sorts. But again, if convention is not your cup of tea, opt for 'Kaat Biscuit', which is bigger than your face!
You can embark on a boat ride a little further away from the bazaar. At Baalu Nodi, amidst the serenity, one will be able let go off the sprains Dhaka's chaos brings.
Owing to the eateries, 300 Feet has become a favourite hangout place. Yes, there are a number of universities nearby, but people from all corners of Dhaka come here for its ambience, food, and live music. As the sun goes down, 300 Feet lights up, with its glitz, glitters, and songs creating an air of festivity.
From Italian to Mexican, the choices seem endless. Prices are reasonable, not putting a stress on the wallets of the youth, which comprises of a big chunk of 300 Feet's demographic.
300 Feet as we know it today is quite a recent development. And it just might change again!
Md Fuadh Saki, the owner of the eatery L'Asparagus, wonders what the future has in store.
"The government is planning to build a lake here," he informed."And we wholeheartedly appreciate this initiative, but we request at least a year's time so that we can properly wrap up our businesses. A sudden move may not be the best for us."
When I walk on 300 Feet today, I find it hard to believe that it is the same isolated Baluchor where I used to hang out as a university student. But when I walk a little further - away from bustling food scene - the rustic vibe and the seclusion still is much prevalent. 300 Feet has remained a little slice of heaven!
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