MH Haider

A 'katra' is essentially a caravanserai — a traveller's inn of sorts. It was established around the mid-17th century.

Yet another less told story surrounds the name itself.

But did you know that he was a man of literature as well?

Chandni was one of the favourites of the iconic Mughal subahdar in Dhaka, Nawab Islam Khan

The road is actually named after a man named Inglis (or Ingles)

The site was acquired in the 1830s by Khwaja Alimullah, father of Abdul Ghani, from the French. There was a French factory or trading centre on the site.

Surrounded by buildings, the roundish tank is a breather, a recluse to the locals and visitors looking for serenity and recreation. To illustrate, one can go angling there in exchange of a fee. 

Founded in circa 1680, historians call it the mosque of Khwaja Ambar, stating that Ambar was the "head eunuch" of subahdar Nawab Shaista Khan.  

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!