MH Haider

What is that prominently displayed multi-storied building? The structure is shrouded in mystery, as there is no definite answer as to what purpose the edifice served. 

This artwork, from the year 1823, gives a rare glimpse of Boro Katra.

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! 

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

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?

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.

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

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!

The fact that he was the emperor’s son had its advantages when it came to ruling the region. Shah Shuja dethroned Dhaka as a Mughal capital, transferring it to Rajmahal. 

Nawab Ahsanullah warned in the press release that he would file charges against anyone who caused any harm to these animals.    

“There is nothing in Dhaka that I have not seen before; no place of interest that I have not visited” -- I naively used to declare. I was so wrong!

So, you live in Dhaka? Must be so awful with the traffic! You are from Dhaka? It is so costly! Is it even safe? The air pollution, sound pollution, crowd, so much crime...

Naysayers will disagree, though. I shall too, let my scepticism rest for some parts of Dhaka, especially at this time of year, pointing out to the exorbitant Krishnachura blooms that have adorned our city.

If you have watched Mohanagar, and if you live in Dhaka, you would surely agree that this Mosharraf Karim starrer Hoichoi web-series is a story of our city told right. It was almost as if filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun decided to pay an ode to the city, but then, he paid that tribute in the coldest and most unapologetic way possible by presenting many harsh realities albeit in the most entertaining way!

“If you can drive in Dhaka, you can drive anywhere in the world” – the statement gets casually thrown about when talking about driving in this city. This special “licence” is earned when you’ve mastered the unruly roads of Dhaka and its next-to-impossible traffic.

When someone said she was going to be in the tristate area over the weekend, I courteously asked what time was her flight. After a confused moment, she clarified, visibly irritated by my ignorance, “I meant, around Banani.”