I have been living in Dhanmondi for the last few years but my admiration for this place began some 17 years ago when I started studying at a college in the area.

Having spent so much of my life here, it is not just a residential area for me but a place where I can experience the convenience of urban facilities and the beauty of nature in a best-of-both-worlds package.

Talking about Dhanmondi, people will mention modern residential and commercial buildings, glitzy shopping malls, and a bustling food scene. However, Dhanmondi's biggest strength is how it still maintains a residential area identity.

If you have a keen eye, you will still spot some two-storied houses, something that will make you reminisce about the yesteryears of Dhaka. The changing landscape of traditional to contemporary architecture tells the story of the transformation in Dhaka, which can be witnessed when you take time and walk around the neighbourhoods of Dhanmondi.

If we consider the living aspect, then one of the biggest advantages of Dhanmondi is the close proximity to so many top-notch educational institutions. Seeing school children going to their campus is one of the things Dhanmondi residents are very familiar with, as many leading schools are situated here. For parents who prefer living close to their children's school, Dhanmondi is the ideal place for many.

Of course, another feature that will be mentioned over and over again is the Dhanmondi Lake. Serving as an oasis in the heart of the city, this is a place many Dhakaiites go to unwind, walk or run for a workout to keep fit or spend time with a loved one amid the greenery.

As Dhakaiites, we only have very few open spaces left and Dhanmondi Lake plays its part in welcoming everyone.

Aside from the living experience, Dhanmondi is also known for being a paradise for foodies. Whether you are craving kachchi biryani, pizza, sushi or fuchka, rest assured you will find it in various restaurants in the area, and even under one roof in the numerous food courts. 

As satisfying as the Dhanmondi experience can be, like the rest of Dhaka, it also has its share of challenges and problems. The traffic congestion can get pretty bad during peak school and office hours, and an abundance of commercial entities just along the residential area is making the place busier than ever, taking away its serene effect. And last but not least, the relatively high cost of living here, as rent for residential apartments is significantly more expensive than in many areas of Dhaka. 

Despite the drawbacks, Dhanmondi is the place that still has this great underlying charm. For me, it's where "Old Dhaka" reaches out and expands itself to its "new Dhaka" identity, which makes it a special place in the hearts of Dhaka dwellers.