My Dhaka
Where is the grave of Dhaka's Nawab Ahsanullah?
Nawab Ahsanullah is indeed a historic figure. We remember him as a philanthropist and among his contributions was the installment of the first electric lights in Dhaka.
Mirpur Beribadh: A soothing escape in Dhaka
Dhaka residents often complain that there is no escape from the loud and congested city.
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.
Beyond Nilkhet: Dhaka’s second-hand book markets
The second-hand book market is a buoyant one and there are places in Dhaka, other than Nilkhet, where your desire to buy books meets affordability. With a keen eye and some bargaining skills, it is possible to make a deal at these places.
Glass bangles make a fashionable comeback
There is an undeniable charm associated with glass bangles, particularly during events like Pahela Baishakh. Traditionally sold by churiwalis, the craze for these colourful glass bangles died down in recent years as fashion changed.
Rise of a Nation
“We hardly hear people talking about how lucky we are to be an independent nation. How incredible it is that we earned our freedom. Without understanding the trauma and struggles we endured to earn our freedom, the new generation cannot truly appreciate it.”
My Dhaka / The busy days of AC mechanics
As Dhaka continues to tackle the woes of summer heat, the business of selling air conditioners, stand fans, table fans, and coolers has seen an obvious rise.
Love road at Mirpur: A youthful street
Certain neighbourhoods in Dhaka have that one spot where people gather to just sit back and relax. For Mirpur, it’s the frequently discussed street referred to as “Love Road”.
The Dhaka Gate Cannon: Secrets of Bibi Mariam
Around a couple of months ago, the age-old Dhaka Gate near Doyel Chattar was unveiled to the public upon its renovation. If you visit the Gate, now in renewed glory, you are bound to see an imposing artefact in its premises -- a cannon called Bibi Mariam.
How did Chawk Bazar's iftar market become so famous?
This hints towards a monopoly Chawk Bazar enjoyed in the olden times.
Bicycles against traffic
If you ask anyone what would be a defining trait of Dhaka, the notorious traffic congestion might be one of the answers.
The Jilapi Craze: Crunchy, sweet, and irresistible
Jilapi or jelebi, Ramzan or Ramadan; whichever way you say it, #jilapis is now a trending post on social media. And why not? It is the quintessential iftar delicacy second to none.
Poneer with tea: An old Dhaka favourite
Poneer-flavoured tea? How about bits or slices of poneer in your tea? The concept may not be all that surprising for many people these days, as just a few years ago various teashops and brands tried to popularise this almost as a novelty.
When budget shopping meets style
The latest craze for city-dwellers is the cycle vans selling all kinds of things, from undergarments to cushion covers. I leave it up to you to broaden the spectrum of things you get in these footpath vans.
Old traditions of Ramadan moon sighting
People used to gather at Ahsan Manzil, Boro Katra, Choto Katra, and Hussaini Dalan to spot the crescent moon.
Preserving Family Recipes: Share your legacy with Protibha Flavours
Every family has a special recipe -- a cherished dish that only the mother, a specific aunt, or sister can cook to perfection. The steaming Eid day polao garnished with almonds, pistachios, raisins, and plums may well be the grandma’s speciality, as is the Baishakhi special of the mother.
The lesser-known marvels of Baldah Garden
Although many of us have known or heard of Baldah Garden, how frequently have we visited this century-old botanical paradise? Perhaps, not often enough to know what a splendid recreational space this garden can be!
Int’l Women’s Day: Give up on chauvinism and inspire inclusion
Dhaka loves celebrations! Any whiff of festivities and we jump right in. So, today – March 8 -- is no different.
