Old Dhaka

Bazaira Vasha: Dhakaiya Sobbasi and their language

When Subahdar of Bengal, Islam Khan Chishti, entered Dhaka in 1608 or 1610, he was accompanied by a diverse group of North and North-West Indians, Afghans, Iranians, Arabs, and other foreign Muslims and Hindus.

Heritage / Old Dhaka Weddings: Of flavours and traditions

In Old Dhaka, kachchi biriyani has emerged as the quintessential wedding dish

Heritage / Shakrain: Kites and tastes of Old Dhaka

Shakrain is now observed by the entire community of Old Dhaka

30 injured as students run riot at govt college

Violence engulfed parts of Old Dhaka yesterday as students from over a dozen colleges attacked Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College in what they said was a retaliatory move.

5 reasons Old Dhaka will ruin your love for the rest of the city

Whether you’re a curious traveller or a local looking to rediscover your roots, certain experiences in Old Dhaka simply can’t be missed. So, here are 5 quintessential Old Dhaka experiences that will make you fall in love with this part of the city all over again.

Shankhari Bazar: The street that transforms for Durga Puja

Shankhari Bazar in Dhaka transforms during Durga Puja with vibrant decorations, music, and rituals. This narrow street, famous for its conch shell bangles, becomes a lively hub of cultural celebration, culminating in the ethereal Sindur Khela on Bijoya Dashami

Old Dhaka’s hidden gems: Where history meets crumb mutton chops

Last Friday, I was strolling through Mohini Mohan Das Lane in the nostalgic neighbourhood of Farashganj in Old Dhaka. I love the old architecture of the area, and often go on such random excursions whenever I need to unwind.

Dhaka Gate: Old monument, new life

This old image portraying Dhaka Gate has a rustic vibe — with the grass and pathway and the elephants.

Gandaria: Sugarcane central of a bygone era

The hint of this past is in its very name — “gandari” means sugarcane, and it is widely believed that the etymology is based on all the sugarcane cultivation that took place there.

August 10, 2022
August 10, 2022

Old Dhaka must preserve its historic character

Protect heritage sites and buildings from being demolished

August 7, 2022
August 7, 2022

Historic graves at Old Dhaka's Hussaini Dalan that often go unnoticed

Hussaini Dalan is not just a Shiite centre in Dhaka; it is also a Dhaka landmark, spanning centuries of history. While its religious programmes, especially during Muharram and more particularly Ashura are unparalleled, Hussaini Dalan as a Dhaka heritage is extraordinary as well.

May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022

Patuatuli: A treasure trove of affordable, quality glasses in Old Dhaka

Fancy a new frame every day? Spectacles like power glasses help us see the world in a clear way, while sunglasses help to make a fashion statement, providing protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022

Boro Katra, Chhoto Katra: Dhaka's key historic sites in ruins

Dhaka city’s two ancient structures -- Boro Katra and Chhoto Katra -- are at the verge of extinction due to rampant encroachment in absence of government measures to preserve those.

January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022

Your go-to guide to hosting a Shakrain party at the heart of old Dhaka

Shakrain, also known as ‘Poush Songkranti’, takes place to mark the last day of the Bangla month, Poush. It will take place on 14 January this year, with last year’s festivity observed in a limited scale to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Whether you are hosting for the first time or need a refresher, let us give some pointers to have a fun event this year!

November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021

Beauty Lassi: A legacy of taste

While many establishments struggle to survive in the restaurant business for more than a few years, ‘Beauty Lassi and Falooda’ has done it for a hundred years and it not only survived, it has thrived with glory.

November 14, 2021
November 14, 2021

The best lassi in Dhaka

There are lots of eateries and restaurants in Dhaka that serve delectable lassi, and within these are some places that one must visit. Thus, we set on a hunt down town for the best lassi available!

July 18, 2019
July 18, 2019

Old Dhaka building collapse: 2 bodies recovered from debris

Firefighters recover the bodies of two men from the rubble of a partially collapsed two-storey building in the Old Dhaka’s Patuatuli area.

July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019

One found dead in Old Dhaka building collapse

The body of a man is found inside the rubble of a collapsed building at Pathantoli in Old Dhaka.

May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019

Joloj’s watercolour show marks Shilpangan’s 27th anniversary

Old Dhaka is the birth place of our art practice; be it fine art or performing arts like poetry, music and dance. It also bears the testimony of Mughal architecture. Traditional festival, like Shakrain, are unique heritages of the Old Dhaka.