Dhaka

Ekushey Book Fair 2012 in Bangla Academy Dhaka!

2012-02-19T01:06:00.030+07:00

First Day of Spring of Bangla Calendar Celebrated

2012-02-13T22:54:00.026+07:00

Renowned actor Humayun Faridee died at his Dhanmondi residence in the capital Monday morning. He was 60.

Sagar Sarwar, News Editor of private television channel Maasranga and his wife Meherun Runi, also a senior reporter of another private TV channel, ATN Bangla, were stabbed to death by unknown assailants in their fourth floor apartment bed room at West Rajabazar before dawn Saturday.
National daily ‘The Independent’ on Monday, 13 February 2012 reports

India, Bangladesh hackers wage cyber war

They play havoc with govt websites

Several postings in the social media including Facebook and LinkedIn have reported an ongoing cyber war between some hackers based in India and Bangladesh. The postings also confirm that the hackers from both the countries have mostly targeted government websites. The incidence of hacking has increased mainly due to some recent developments, including brutal killings by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Bangladesh-India border and India going ahead with the Tipaimukh dam construction against public opinion in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Black Hat Hackers, Expire Cyber Army and Bangladesh Cyber Army have locked horns with Indian Cyber Army and Indishel. In last two days, groups from both the countries hacked hundreds of government websites of their rival countries, the social media reported.
In Facebook, the pages of those groups have also mentioned the names of the sites they have had hacked. So far, the Indian groups have accused that the Bangladeshi hackers have hacked over 6,000 of Indian websites while Bangladeshi hackers say the number of sites hacked by the Indian hackers is over 3,000.

January 2012: Few market places

2012-01-28T18:48:00.047+07:00

Gulshan 1

Green house- Tejgaon-Gulshan link road

Bijoy sarani

Farm gate

Karwan bazar

SAARC square

Dhanmandi lake

Nilkhet market

New Market south gate

Fuchka

Cultural function near TSC

Dhaka Intl. Trade Fair 2012

2012-01-19T22:19:00.036+07:00

World Ijtema: Tablig Jamaat Cogregation 2012 at Tongi and other incidents

2012-01-14T23:28:00.037+07:00

Bamboo frame gate for 'Urs' at Farmgate

Camel for feast in 'Urs' ceremony walk leisurely on the street of Dhaka

World (Biswa) Ijtema- Tablig Jamaat 2012:
The first phase of the 48th Biswa Ijtema, 3-day annual congregation of 'Tablig Jamaat', began at Tongi on the Bank of river Turag on a 160 acres land 20 km north of Dhaka, on Friday. The second phase will begin in the same venue from January 20. Devotees from 32 districts of the country are attending the first phase alongside over 15,000 visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mali, Madagascar, Cambodia, the US, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Australia, Brunei and other countries to seek divine blessings of Allah. The 'Ijtema' features sermons on fundamental issues of Islam, prayer for spiritual adulation, exaltation and welfare of the Muslim community.

Below are the pictures of first phase get-together of Tablig Jamaat.
(all pics from different national dailies).

arrival of foreign delegations

venue- 160 acres land on the bank of Turag in Tongi

view of Friday prayer- every inch occupied

Golam Azam detained on war crimes charge

Baitul Mukarram Mosque cordoned by police on Friday to prevent any procession/backlash.

Jamaat supporters clashed with police near Dainik Bangla intersection

As the protestors agitate on the street against increase of bus fare by bus-owners association for recent price hike of fuel.

Students rally continue in Jahangir-nagar University Savar with symbolic coffin, over the torture to death of a final year student during Chatra League infighting.

JU Teachers Association Chief assaulted by Proctor on 9th January on the turn of events aggravating the situation. Teachers abstaining from work in protest.

Laptop fair in Sonargaon hotel on Thursday

Dhakabashi and Ghoori Federation held kite-flying yesterday at Leather Tech College field Hazaribagh, Dhaka.

Dhaka: New Year 2012

2012-01-01T22:57:00.042+07:00

TSC at Zero hour to welcome New Year 2012 amid tight security (media pic)

Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and a thousand more at 3 day colourful musical extravagenza at Dhaka marking 150th birth anniv of Rabindranath Tagore; Debojyoti Misra of India conducted the orchestra (media pic)

While Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was the guest of honour to unveil the DVD titled " Sruti Geetabitan", Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus was seen no where (media pic).

New Year's flowers in Banani market

Crescent lake

Pond at Nauratan Baily Road

minor street problem

Gulshan

Airport Road

Fly-over

83% pass Junior School Certificate (JSD) and JDC (Dakhil) exam. Uttora Rajuk School topped the JSD exam in Dhaka Divn.(media pic)

Chittagong Collegiate School boys rejoice success

Barisal Govt Girls School

Biddyamoyee Girls School, Mymemsingh

Bogra Govt Girls School

Dhaka Holy Cross School & College

Sylhet Blu-Bird School & College

Jessore Govt Girls School

New set of text books were distributed free of cost to the students of primary and secondary grades.

Khaleda Zia insists on the issue of restoration of caretaker government.

Fishing in Kendua, Netrokona

After harvest horse racing in a village in Jessore (media pics).

Cold wave sweeps across country

2011-12-24T00:56:00.018+07:00

National highway (p.alo)

Crops under dense fog (p.alo)

beating off wintry chill- village scene (p.alo)

A northern town under dense fog

Traffic disruption at ferry ghat daulatdia-paturia

bunch together to share body heat (d.star)

Banglamotor scene

Shantinagar

wool for knitting (media)

Azimpur

Bhapa pitha

egg- boiled or scrambled

warm clothes in demand

spicy roll and kebab

Mirpur Road

steaming 'bhapa pitha' (rice cake)- people's favourite

segunbagicha (star)

destiny

new age

Shantinagar

Azimpur

rough carpets

Sonargaon square

Dhanmandi R/A

Hatirpul market

Keeping warm (k.kantha)

Patients at DMC without bed (media pic)

Migratory birds arrive in savar lakes (d.star)

Shuttle train resumes from Chittagong to Ctg. University (d.star)

When existing roads and bridges damaged, a new diversion road hurriedly built at Ashuganj obstructing flow of Titas river at many points for transhipment of Indian goods by 350ton capacity multi-wheel heavy vehicles above (ekusheyTV)

Nation celebrates Victory Day!

2011-12-17T01:42:00.040+07:00

Paper balloon (fanush) released at the TSC of DU on the eve of Victory Day.Paper balloon released at the TSC of DU on the eve of Victory Day (media pic)

A child pays homage to the martyred intellectuals at Rayerbazar Killing Field by laying a bouquet of flowers on Wednesday (media pic)

Egrets in Gulshan-Begunbari canal

Activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal lock into a clash at the National Mausoleum gate in Savar (media pic) that halted traffic movement for half hours (media pic)

First China Friendship Buriganga Bridge blocked over toll collection (media pic)

Water buses operate between Sadarghat and Gabtoli incurring a loss of Tk 20,000 a day on the verge of collapse (d.star).

News in media:
-Government appointed on Wednesday Awami League leaders as administrators to 61 zila parishads (district councils).
-Rising "missing people and secrete killings" poses threat.
-5 lists of Freedom Fighters so far made, first list made in 1987 was 69,000, number shot up to 1.8 lakh in 1988, slide down to 83,000 in 1994, count rose to 1.54 lakh in 1999. The list gazetted in 2002 stood 1.98 lakh.

Dhaka City Split- north and south

2011-12-08T18:10:00.048+07:00

Mosque Janhangirnagar University, Savar

Savar

Filling station near Amin bazar

ACME Tower, Shyamoli

Ring road, Shyamoli

Elephant road

Hatirpul market

Airport road

Flyover segments near Khilkhet

collecting juice from date-palm tree (media pic)

making of 'Khejur gur' (date-palm molasses) media pic

Shantinagar

Viqarunnessa School and College gate

Dhaka City split- north and south.

Candle light protest (400 sticks for 400 years of city) in Central Shahid Minar against splitting of Dhaka city organised by columnist Syed Abul Maksood and civil society members.(media pic)

Protesting staff of City Corporation against splitting (media pic)

action (media pic)

retaliation (media pic)

Ex-Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka arrested and remained in police custody for an hour, stabbed while in police custody and admitted in United Hospital.(media pic)

Chinese surface to air missiles added to Bangladesh Air Force (media pic)

Holy 'Ashura' procession passing through Azimpur on 6 Dec 2011 (P.Alo)

Autumn 2011

2011-11-23T20:37:00.043+07:00

Hotel Sonargaon upon Hatirjheel- portion of Hatirjheel taken over

apartment blocks south of Hatirjheel

Banglamotor

Paribagh- apartments

Shahbagh- BIRDEM

rare scene- unusually thin traffic in VIP road

passing train along Hatirjhil

Maghbazar intersection

Abdul Ghani road- Osmani memorial

New female dormitory complex of DU- near Nimtali

'Hay' festival in British Council

seeking divine blessing- Tablig men long walk for Kakrail Masjid, Dhaka

for a living- labourers from Satkhira en-route to Sylhet via Dhaka for Aman harvest (media pic)

barren TSC island- winter wind and fallen leaves (media pic)

face lifting of Dhanmandi area once again (Star)

CNG fare- Tk.100/- any distance of one kilometre

Street side stalls

India asked to share details on controversial Tipaimukh Dam project (media pic)

Eid-ul-Adha Holidays: 2011

2011-11-11T18:08:00.032+07:00

sacrificial cow

parliament and cows

Plight of home bound passengers- every year during Eid holidays..!

from here to eternity

journey

cartoon- Dhaka traffic

cartoon- Highways

SAARC summit in Male, Maldives- Teesta water is sour

Chinese leaders- willing to join SAARC

Kaliganga river near Manikganj town in dying condition

Fantasy Kingdom, Ashulia

Patenga sea beach, Chittagong

Less tourists this Eid holidays in Cox's Bazar

Shaikh Siraj of TV Channel-I in Patharghata, Borguna for telecasting programme 'Krishoker Eid' (Peasant's Eid) festival.

gathering of Hindu pilgrims in Kuakata, Borguna for 'Rashmela' festival.

Monipuri dance in Madabpur, Sylhet

It's Autumn!

Rare scene in the heart of Dhaka city yesterday- egrets in Hatirjheel-Begunbari lake
(Note: all pictures taken from local print media)

Sadarghat: Oct 2011

2011-11-03T21:12:00.055+07:00

Buriganga river, Sadarghat- a dying river

Neglected Buckland bund

Temp godown for transipment

Along Buckland Bund, Sadarghat- mats for sacrificial Qurbani

Cobbler at Sadarghat launch termunal

Roadside tailors

BIWTA launch terminal, Sadarghat

Dome of old Mosque near Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat

Bangladesh Brahmo Samaj, Patuatuli road

East Bengal Institution (estb. 1916), Sadarghat

Patuatuli road

New structures replacing old bank bldg. at Sadarghat

Sadarghat intersection- towards Patuatuli road

Design of Dhakai horse cart on Sadarghat-Gulistan route: high body and too deep 'foot step' makes ride difficult for kids and old.

pavement book stalls near Baptist Mission, Sadarghat

New Academic Building, Jagannath University, Sadarghat

Pavement opposite to Bahadur Shah Park (old Victoria park) near Lakshmi bazar area

Piers for Gulistan-Jatrabari Flyover at Gulistan-Nawabpur road crossing along old Fulbaria railway track turned road.

Tigers tighten belt before facing Windies in Walton cricket test series (media pic)

Cow gets a good scrubbing at Gabtoli in the capital to attract customers looking for sacrificial cow during Eis-ul Azha. Price demanded Tk.10-15 lakh for such cow(d.star)

Fattened cows in Dhaka street

Indian cows line up in Jessore-Satkhira border- poise to enter Bangladesh any time (media pic).

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed speaks at a human chain programme in the city yesterday organised by the Instt. of Architects to protest the changed plan of the metro rail route (media pic).

Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy- victorious in mayoral election of Narayanganj City Corporation on 2nd Nov 2011 (media pic).

Gono Bhaban: Prime Minister asks Narayanganj mayor-elect Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy and her defeated party rival Shamim Osman, a party strongman to work together (media pic).

Shamim Osman warns of dire consequence if anybody threatens his loyalists (news-d.Star).
যারা হুমকি দেবে, তাদের প্রত্যেকের ঘরে ঘরে গিয়ে আমি হুমকির জবাব দিয়ে আসব। এই কাজটা আমি খুব ভালো পারি। পাঞ্জাবি খুলে জিনসের প্যান্ট পরে নামব। আমরা সাচ্চা আওয়ামী লীগার। ক্ষমতায় এখনো আওয়ামী লীগ আছ। শেখ হাসিনা প্রধানমন্ত্রী। সব কিছু ওলট-পালট করে দিতে আমার বেশি সময় লাগবে না। (media-Prothom Alo)

Intercity express train ‘egarosindor’ was set on fire in Narsingdi town on Wednesday during demonstrations by the Bangladesh Chhatra League and 72 hours strike call given to protest the murder of 43 years old Lokman Hossain, 2 times gold-medalist and a mayor rare personality of Narsingdi municipality. Many passengers received injuries while jumping off the burning train. Activists also blocked the highway, disrupting communications between Dhaka and four other cities, including Chittagong and Sylhet upsetting train and bus schedule causing sufferings to the Eid holiday home bound passengers.

According to media report, a group of 9 masked gunmen entered AL office with sophisticated weapons and shot dead Lokman Hossain point blank at the town office Narsingdi AL on 2nd Nov 2011 at around 8:00pm. A gloom prevail in the municipality (media news and pic).

Narsingdi people attending the 'Janaza' of slain Lokman Hossain. His family members filed a case with local PS implicating a brother of local AL minister and 13 others mostly AL which the officer-in-charge reportedly took after people's pressure.

50-km traffic tail back on Dhaka-Ctg highway (media pic)

Passengers, especially women and children, suffered severely (media pic).
Bangladesh this year (2011) slipped down 17 places on the Human Development Index (HDI) and ranked 146 out of 187 countries below India and Pakistan.

Political activities and traffic: Oct 2011

2011-10-28T22:09:00.028+07:00

Eidgah, Dhanmandi

Eidgah Masjid taken down for renovation

Kazi Nazrul Islam ave traffic

Karwan bazar- side road

'Ghrit-kumari' juice drink- local Aloevera medicinal plant

Shantinagar

Mouchak Mor

Maghbazar

Kazi Nazrul Iaslam road- one side cleared for passing of VIP cars

27 Oct 2011- Khaleda's public meeting in Mymensingh town (media pic)

Long queue for advance train tickets of Eid-ul-Azha holidays on 07 Nov 2011 (media pic)

Preparation for cattle market at Shahjahanpur field for Eid-ul-Azha (media pic)

Dipaboli lighting of a house

Stage set for Mayor election, Narayanganj city corporation on 30 Oct 11 (Media pic)

heavyweight contestants from AL and BNP (media pic)

Hatirjheel-Begunbari Canal Project- still a long way to go!

2011-10-15T22:09:00.064+07:00

Begunbari canal near Bangladesh FDC & Ideal Trade Centre

Bridge loop at Madhubagh over canal to connect Tejgaon Industrial Area

Tejgaon Industrial area

Watch dog- Madhubagh

Madhubagh

Partial view Niketon-Badda

Niketan-Gulshan south

Merul Badda

Madhubagh

view of Aftabnagar, Rampura

Zahurul Islam University bldg. Aftabnagar, Rampura

Bamboo market on Rampura-Badda road

Water-hyacinth from Begunbari canal

Gulshan-1 lake south

Begunbari

Bridge constn over lake moving at a snail's speed

Begunbari lake

near Tejgaon- FDC

Hatir jheel and Karwanbazar

Eskaton view over Hatir jheel

Hatir jheel- yet incomplete

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel south side

Panthapath-Sonargaon hotel intersection

Banglamotor intersection

The Hatirjheel-Begunbari canal project was initiated in 2007 and approved for an amount of Tk.1,480.98 crore by the ECNEC in Oct 2007 for completion of work by June 2010.

Later, an additional Tk 420 crore was allocated at the end of 2008 for land acquisition, raising the total project cost to Tk 1,893 crore.

Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) took over the Hatijheel-Begunbari project in 2008. Its actual land requirement was assessed through conducting field-level survey.

According to original time frame, land acquisition was supposed to be completed by December 2007 but it rolled till the last quarter of 2010. Project deadline was extended to June 2011 last year and now a proposal to extend the deadline further to June 2012 is awaiting approval.

The main objective of the project was to drain out stagnant water from the city quickly during rainy season. Under the project, a ring road was considered surrounding the canal.

The Special Works Organisation (Army Engineering Corps), RAJUK, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authorities and Local Government and Engineering Department are jointly implementing the project.

Hatirjheel and Begun Bari canal at one time were connected to Dhanmondi Lake. During late 80’s when Panthapath road was constructed, the open channel was filled up.

Hatirjheel-Begunbari project has now been planned for mufti-dimensional perspectives for ensuring various public facilities and recreation- amphitheater, floating gardens, water deck, enhanced communications system connecting Tongi Diversion Road and the Pragati Sarani to ease the chronic congestion particularly of Mouchak, Maghbazar and Tejgaon intersections, water-taxi, parking-lots etc. The canal ring road will include six bridges, four overpasses, one expressway, U-loops, serviceable road and 2.5m walkway. The project will have 300 acres-lake/canal with fresh water, improved sewerage system and help reducing traffic jam in the city.

The bridge-width (double lane) may be inadequate (like Dhanmandi lake bridge) in the long run for fast traffic once the canal ring roads are connected with the three major trunk roads/expressway at Panthapath, FDC, Gulshan south and Rampura. Width of 'link roads' connecting the areas from one side over the lake to the other should be 4-lane for vehicular traffic. The south and east bank of canal pass through densely populated areas of low and middle income group (Merul Badda, Rampura, Noyatola, Madhubagh and Moghbazar). Without separate service road isolating these areas from the canal promenade ring roads, the situation will be too constricted and present a chaotic scene we see around renovated Lalbagh Killa, Osmani-uddan, Ahsan Manzil and Buriganga river.

Water level in Hatirjkeel/ Begunbari canal, without surface drainage discharge/storm sewer in it, will go down by 15'-20' from surface during dry season. Since the project includes public recreation- promenade, boating and water-taxi service, to maintain its water at working level during dry season (without sewer water) underground water may have to be pumped in with a heavy recurring cost.

(Hatirjheel - Begunbari Wetland Development)

Durga Puja View 2011: Dhaka

2011-10-05T20:04:00.034+07:00

Gulshan 2

Bijoy Sarani- Tejgaon Industrial road

Karwanbazar

BUET New Academic bldg in Plassey area

Durga Puja Pandal on Kamal Ataturk road park, Banani, Dhaka

Dhakeswari temple, Dhaka

Dhakeswari Temple- devotees

Pond, Jagannath hall, DU

Naat Mandir, Jagannath Hall, Dhaka Univ

Ramna Kali Temple, Dhaka

'Kumari Puja' as part of Durga Puja on 4th Oct at Ramkrishna Mission Temple, Tikatuli, Dhaka

Siddeswari Temple, Siddeswari, Dhaka (Pic: photomoto)

(pic courtesy: photomoto)

Puja pandal at Goalchamot, Faridpur (prnt.media)

Free ride- Cargo laden Indian vessel bounded for Agartola (India) thru Bangladesh rivers near Ashuganj river port, Bangladesh without tariff and taxes? (d.star).

Mechanical Diggers filling portion of Buriganga river- to install two power plants and an amusement park? (Daily star) .

Agitation and general strike: Sep 2011

2011-09-27T22:51:00.027+07:00

Begunbari canal development

Crescent lake

Agargaon

Expressway under construction- Airport road

Army Medical College, Dhaka

Siddeswari road

Market opp to Ramna police station

Eskaton road

Stalls of Bakushah market, Nilkhet

Rampura road- bus stand

Firmagate- evening before BNP led Hartal of 22nd Sep (media pic)

Family ride dangerously with sleeping baby on bike in Dhaka (d.star)

BSMMU (PG hospital)- 6 hours power blackout in the morning today (d.sun)

Kakrail Intersection (media pic)

4-partyHartal view of 22 sep at Sapla square (media pic)

Argentine team with Dhaka kids (media pic)

Plight of Jagannath University students during agitation (media pic)

much talked about pic: Police action of 22 Sep hartal on a picketer (media pics)

gathering in today's meeting (d.star)

After Eid show: Fanfare at Dhaka!

2011-09-10T17:20:00.042+07:00

Eid-ul-Fitr Congregation at Solakia *

Dhaka view during Eid *

Sweet dishes for Eid *

Pleasant drive on VIP road *

Village children jump on Turag river *

In a water kingdom theme park near Dhaka *

Banani road

Airport road

Sada Bok (Egret/heron) decor the entry to VIP passage- Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, Dhaka

Crescent lake, Parliament area

Dhanmandi lake side park

The deep-drain dug outside boundary wall of PM's residence along Mirpur road without guard/rail pose serious threat to elderly pedestrians and children from falling inside. The important walkway is too narrow to walk both-ways.

Crowd assemble at Sonargaon intersection before arrival of Indian PM Mr. Manmohan Singh for the meet of the two govts. to resolve major outstanding issues in agenda.

Messi and team arrives at Rupashi Bangla Hotel (erstwhile Sheraton) Dhaka *

Fans buy Argentine team jersey to see Messi magic inside BB stadium *

Encounter between Argentina and Nigeria- Messi dominating field with result 3-1 in favour of Argentina. *

Mother's tattoo on Messi's shoulder seen during change over *

section of crowd amused *

Road decor to welcome Indian PM and wife *

Guard of honour and salute by Guards at the Airport *

Diff. type of demo at Central Shaheed Minar by leading members of civil society on Eid day. *

View of Gurdwara Nanak Shahi- Sikh Temple at 3 Nilkhet road, Dhaka

Mrs. Monmohan Singh, wife of Indian PM prays at the temple *

Beside others items, 150 Tons of Hilsha fish from Barisal estuary presented to the Hon'ble members from India. Parcel sent for those who failed to attend the meet. *

Major topic of the meet- sharing of water of common rivers incl Teesta river (pic) *
Withdrawal of upstream water by India drastically reduces flow severely affecting people in the region.

Results- frustratingly different- Protocol signed on Conservation of the Bengal Tiger of the Sundarbans for bilateral cooperation in undertaking scientific research and such others. *

(ref: * pics taken from different national dailies)

Eid is round the corner- the biggest religious festival of the Muslims

2011-08-29T21:43:00.065+07:00

'Jumatul Wida' (last friday prayer) congregation at Baitul Mukarram, Dhaka

Eid shoppers come out of shopping mall

Consumers choose caps for Eid prayers at a shop

snake lady for collection

preparation for Eid feast

Tailoring shop in Dhaka- behind the fashionable garments

home goers thru Rayerbazar

Damaged, neck-breaking and run-down highways forcing most people travel by train and launch.

kamalapur rly stn. over crowded trains

no dearth of lateral support- Ten taka p. person for ladder

incredible feat- inching way to rooftop

relief after the climb- survival for the fittest

test of balance and fitness- train snaking through crowded Karwanbazar

happy to be home bound

record number of passengers on rooftop in a single day

on rails of pain and suffering

Roller-coaster ride- Bangladesh style!

patiently waiting for next train

launch terminal at Sadarghat

No room to sit. Risking lives, hundreds took 'dinghies' to board the launches before the vessels reached terminal. Workers syndicate 'Chador Bahini' occupied deck spaces to sell those at high price to passengers. Terminal workers forcibly took their baggage to carry and charged them additional fares.

pic right: Never ending tailback at Golap Shah shrine near Gulistan

launches vie dangerously in their run for extra 'khep' ( trip).

Two ferries stuck in shoal in the river Padma near Kawrakandi causing immense sufferings to over 1000 passengers.

top of ferry boat

mighty Padma at Aricha, Manikganj

Ro-ro ferries move along coast

small passenger launch for inland rivers

fast-moving launch for long distance run

Four-storey Barishal bound launch MV Kalam Khan 300 tons, stuck in Meghna river shoal with 2000 passengers on board, passengers rescued after 14 hours.

already fatigued rescue vessel 'Hamza' bought in 1964 in work- only two such available with 4 divers for over 6000 registered launches plying in 700 inland rivers.

exhausted

the city sees less congestion and polution.

Parliament bldg. show piece of dhaka?
(Pics of trains and launches picked from national dailies- star, new age, sun, manab jamin, p.alo, jugantor, k.kontho, amardesh)

Dhaka: A Combined Etymology

2011-08-25T12:50:00.007+07:00

The email received today from Carl Masthay, retired medical editor, linguist, and Algonquianist on 'Dhaka- etymology' is reproduced below:

Ershad Ahmed,

For 40 years or more I have been writing up name etymologies gratis. Recently a friend was talking about the spelling of the city's name, and searching the Internet, I found your site.
See the attached.
I would recommend that you use my work by replacing what you have on your site http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2011/05/derivation-of-name-of-dhaka.html because I have edited it for better English and spelling and punctuation. I hope you like it, and I appreciate your labors in finding this material! The first part is a shortened form; the latter is your work. Send this to anyone you wish.

Carl Masthay, retired medical editor, linguist, and Algonquianist, St. Louis, Missouri 63141-7758, cmasthay@juno. com

Dhaka: a combined etymology

Dhaka, formerly spelled Dacca up to 1983, in Bangladesh, is a place name of obscure origin with many sources and interpretations. It was Bengali Dehaka Iserry from its ‘concealed (covered, veiled)’ situation by vegetation that got cleared away by one Ballal Sen to build a temple in honor of the goddess Durga. This all is probably a fabrication. This name was converted to ‘concealed goddess’, Dhakeshwari (Bengali ঢাকেশ্বরী Ðhâkeshshori) and then as if a Hindu ‘goddess of Dhaka’, with her primary temple so called. The goddess Dhakeshwari was said to enjoy the music of the ‘drum’ dhâk, said by some as being in the hand but by others as being a ‘big drum’. However, others insisted that Hindi dhâk was the name of a shrub or tree (Butea frondosa of the family Legumaceae) that produces a yellow dye, and others insisted that it was from the Sanskrit word dhakkya, or dhakka, meaning ‘observation tower, watch-station’ in Kalhana’s Râjtaranginî [‘stream of kings’] (but that word does not appear in the great Sanskrit dictionary by Sir Monier Monier-Williams and so is probably Prakrit). There is a Prakrit dialect called Dhâka bhâsa (‘Dhaka language’). One source provides that “in the fourth century bc when Guptas ruled the country, Dhaka was known as Devaka, or Davaka, but probably not from the 1460 Dahaka.

In the words of Sayyid Aulâd Hasan: “Tradition, however refers the etymology of Dhaka to dhâk, the Bengali for a big drum. The constant aggression of the Afghans and the Mug[hal]s from the east necessitated removal of the seat of government from Râjmahall to some place near the eastern frontier of the Nizâmat (‘administration’), Shaikh Alâudîn Islâm Khân, the Mughal governor of the province, came out in 1608 in a state barge accompanied by a fleet of boats, in search of his future capital. The place he landed is still called Islâmpur. He commanded three of his attendants to go, one to the east, another to the west, and a third to the north, each with a flagstaff, and plant it at the place where the sound of drums would cease to be audible. With this being done, he called the place Dhaka from dhâk, a drum, and ordered boundary pillars to be erected at the places.”

From 1582 to1605. It refers to a thana and a thanadar as the first stage of the growth of a town Dhaka or in the Dhaka-baju pargana [group of towns] of Sarkar Bazuha. A thana meant for offense and defense contained a garrison for several hundred soldiers.

Combined by Carl Masthay, 24 August 2011, from the long compilation by Ershad Ahmed, ershad37@yahoo.com, 20 May 2011

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http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2011/05/derivation-of-name-of-dhaka.html

Derivation of the Name 'Dhaka'

By Ershad Ahmed, ershad37@yahoo.com, May 20, 2011

On the derivation of name ‘DHAKA’ - the capital of Bangladesh, the observations made by historians/scholars are given below:

1. Dr. James Taylor, C.S. 1840. “Dhaka” in his book A sketch of the Topography and Statistics of Dacca, reprinted by the Asiatic Society of Bagladesh, ISBN 978-984-33-1646-2, page 47):

a. "Bollalsen is supposed by all classes of the Hindoos here to have been the son of the Berhampooter (Brahmputra), in the guise of a Brahmin, by one of Adisur’s wives, and to have been born and brought up in a jungle to the north of Boorigonga, whither his mother had been banished by Adisur. Tradition further asserts that in gratitude for the protection he received from Doorga (Durga) in this situation, he or Adisur, by whom he was subsequently adopted, built a temple to the goddess, whose idol Bollalsen had discovered in the jungle. This place, from its concealed situation, was called Dehaka Iserry, but the jungle being cleared away, a town sprung up, which received the name of Dehaka, or Dacca.”

2. Francis Bradley Bradley-Birt. 1906. The Romance of an Eastern Capital, published in London:

Ballal Sen, round whose name gather almost all the traditions that still linger, so great was his repute that many things, of which in later date the origin was unknown, seem to have been attributed to him on the universal principle of “to him that hath shall be given.” Such confusion has this wrought that events centuries apart are placed by tradition as happening within his reign. It seems evident that there must have been two Ballal Sens, one the son of Adisur, and the other the last of the Sena kings, but such is the maze of rumour and tradition that surrounds their names that to disentangle their life stories is well nigh impossible at the present day. The object of so much veneration it is not strange to ascribe to the first Ballal Sen or that the miracle should be attributed to the great river the Brahmaputra, which has so indelibly impressed its influence for all time upon this land and people (p. 28). One day while still a youth and roaming in the forest he found, hidden in jungle of Durga, his protectress, and on the spot, in her honour he raised the temple of Dhaka Iswari, the concealed goddess, from which tradition says the city of Dacca to have its name in the after-days.

The present temple is only two hundred years old and said to have been built by a Hindu agent in the employ of the East India Company.

3. S.M. Taifoor. 1952. Glimpses of Dhaka.

a. A temple said to have been constructed by Raja Ballal Sen, son of Raja Bijoy Sen of Bikrampur, that in the course of time having been ruined was covered up by a kind of stray plant called “Dhak” (Butea frondosa); hence it began to be called Dhakeswari temples (i.e., temple of the goddess Dhak).

b. Dhaka derived its name from the Sanskrit word “Dhakkya” meaning ‘observation tower’.

c. In the fourth century bc when the Guptas ruled this country, Dhaka was known as Devaka.

d. There are a few other place names of Dhaka in Uttar Pradesh and northern India, all of which existed from pre-Muslim times.

4. A.H. Dani. 1962. Dacca—a record of Its Changing Fortunes:

a. The origin of the city of Dhaka is shrouded in mystery; various suggestions are given to explain the derivation.

b. According to the most popular opinion, the word Dhaka, or Dacca, is derived from dhak, the name of a tree Butea frondosa, which is plentiful here.

c. Dr. James Taylor's note (mentioned above): This tradition is hardly believable; in general the name of a patron deity derives from that city, and not vice-versa.

d. The third opinion is given in the words of Sayyid Aulâd Hasan: “Tradition, however refers the etymology of Dhaka to dhak, the Bengali for a big drum. The constant aggression of the Afghans and the Mugs from east necessitated removal of the seat of Govt from Rajmahal to some place near the eastern frontier of the Nizâmat, Shaikh Alauddin Islam Khan, the Mughal governor of the province, came out in 1608 in a state barge accompanied by a fleet of boats, in search of his future capital. The place he landed is still called Islampur. He commanded three of his attendants to go, one to the east, another to the west, and a third to the north, each with a flagstaff, and plant it at the place where the sound of drums would cease to be audible. This being done, he called the place Dhaka from dhak, a drum, and ordered boundary pillars to be erected at the places.”

e. Dr. N.K. Bhattasali (Curator, Dacca Museum from 1914) observes: "These popular stories hardly deserves credence. I have no hesitation in rejecting the well-known and fantastic story of the drum (dhak) as well as the story of the name of town after the hidden goddess (Dhakeswari) of Ballal Sen discovered by Man-Sinha during his stay in these regions. Anyone who has any acquaintance with images and who has carefully observed the image of Dhakeswari will unhesitatingly declare that it can by no means be of the time of Ballala Sena.”

f. Dr. D.C.Sircar has suggested that Dacca is probably equivalent to that name in the fourth century bc when the Guptas ruled this country, when Dhaka was known as Devaka.

g. The name Dhaka is not traceable in the historical records of the ancient period. Even the name Buriganga is not seen in earlier accounts.

5. Prof Abdul Karim. 1964. Dhaka—The Mughal Capital, ISBN-948-553-013-3:

a. The origin of the name of Dacca has been the subject of great speculation among scholars. According to one tradition, Dhaka has been named after the dhak tree (Butea Frondosa), which was supposed to be plentifully available here.

b. The name was derived from the fact of the Hindu Goddess Durga being concealed therein.

c. Islam Khan, while establishing the capital, caused the drums (dhak means drum) to be beaten from the central place and fixed the boundary in the capital at the last limit from where the sound of the drum could be heard.

d. Some modern writers have tried to rationalize the origin of the name by deriving it from “dhakka” or watch station, used in Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, because it was in the low-lying Eastern Bengal. These writers have found additional support for their contention in the name of a “Prakrit” dialect called “Dhakka Bhasha.”

6. BANGLAPEDIA (National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh):

a. The origin of the name of Dhaka is obscure. Suggestions put forward about the origin of the name are derived from the Dhak tree (Butea frondosa), which was once found in the place in abundance;

b. The Hindu Goddess Durga, found concealed (dhaka-ishwari or concealed goddess) in the place;

c. The dhak, or drum, beaten by order of Islam Khan while inaugurating the capital;

d. A Prakrt dialect called Dhaka Bhasa;

e. “Dhakka” used in the Rajtarangini for a watch-station; or it is the same as Davaka, mentioned in the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta as an eastern frontier kingdom.

The origin of the name of the city is shrouded in mystery. Various suggestions are given by scholars to explain the derivation of the name “Dhaka.” The earliest reference to a place named Dahaka was found in an inscription of Sultan Rukunuddin Barbak Shah dated 1460 and discovered from Birbhum district (W. Bengal, India), but it is doubtful whether that place may be identified with modern Dhaka.

The pre-Mughal relics are two mosques at Dhaka proper and one at Mirpur; the earliest one is dated from 1456 ad. Joao De Barros found Dhaka prominent enough to be inserted in his map drawn circa 1550. Mughal emperor Akbar’s court historian Abul Fazal who authored Ain-i-Akbari, which contained Todar Mall’s revenue settlement of Bengal of 1582 refers to “Dhaka-baju” as a pargana of Sarkar Bazukha of Bengal. The reference to Dhaka as a place of importance is found in Akbarnama in connection with the war operations against the independent bhuiyans (chiefs) of Bhati (lower Bengal) from 1583 to 1605. It refers to a thana and a thanadar as the first stage of the growth of a town Dhaka or in the Dhaka-baju pargana of Sarkar Bazuha. A thana meant for offense and defense contained a garrison for several hundred soldiers.

Before Islam Khan Chisti sailed the river in search of his new capital the location. Dhaka was situated in Bhati the low-lying river-grit near the rebel-held areas. Islam Khan found it a suitable place for a capital in his plan of establishing Mughal authority in Bengal near Sonargaon, capital of Shahi Sultanate and Afghan rulers. Dhaka acquired glory and prominence only after transfer of the capital of Bengal by Subahdar Islam Khan Chisty in 1610. Once made the capital of province, Dhaka was destined to grow; it served both as the administrative and commercial centre of the country.

From a contemporary description of Mirza Nathan in Baharistan-i-Ghayebi it seems evident that the extent of Dhaka city during Islam Khan's time was extended from Chawkbazar in the west to Sadarghat in the east. The western and northern area may be populated only as a result of the incursion of Mughal establishment as the capital of province. The name of the settlement was given by Islam Khan as “Jahangirnagar.”

Foreign travelers Sébastien Manrique came to Dhaka in 1640, thirty years after the establishment of the capital, manucci came in 1663 and Tavernier three years later (1666). According to them there was a rapid expansion of Dhaka during these years. Thomas Bowrey (1669-1670), saw the city of Dhaka as spacious, no less than forty English miles in circuit, but it stood on low marshy ground.

The literal meaning of the name Dhaka is ‘covered/veiled/concealed’ in Bengali, but the most popular opinion of the scholars, however, is the name Dhaka, or Dacca, derives from the dhak tree (Butea frondosa), which was plentiful here.

Contemporary records show that Dhaka was spelt as “Dacca” and “Dhaka.” By the mid-nineteenth century the spelling was standardized as the anglicized city name “Dacca.” The name was officially made Dhaka in 1983, and since then the anglicized form “Dacca” went totally out of use.

Death Lurks in Highways!

2011-08-18T23:58:00.036+07:00

All smiles-cartoons and pics in Dhaka news media this week

Mymensing-Kishorganj Highway

Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway at Gazipur

Agoljhora-Gournadi Highway in Barisal

Filling of potholes- Gazipur

Elenga-Tangail Highway

Bhanga, Faridpur- Catherine Masud and mother at the last resting place of her husband film-maker Tareque Masud who died with Misuk Munir and 3 others last week in fatal road accident near Manikganj.

bridge crossing- Natore style

Bench on trunk road not for sitting- cover-less manhole in Bakshibazar, Dhaka

Teenage driver- jail van in Sadarghat, Dhaka

Reckless overtaking at Sitakund, Ctg

Shah Amanat bridge over Karnafully river, Chittagong

Rush for advance bus ticket

Finally orthopedic hospital ward, Dhaka- road victims

High Court asks the government to explain its failure to ensure safety on the roads and to repair the damaged highways.
Lawmakers blast communications, finance, commerce and power ministers for dilapidated and unsafe road network, price hike of essentials and shortage of power.
Road network between Dhaka and 12 other districts remain suspended as private bus owners stopped plying buses till roads are made worthy for safe journey.

Former AL MP from Feni Joinal Abedin Hazari gets back all properties crocked 10 years ago

Fallen tigers- in Zimbabwe

Dhaka lifeline on Deathbed!

2011-08-06T01:18:00.034+07:00

River on deathbed- arial view of Dhaka east shows rows of brick kilns clustered on either side strangle the Dhaleshwari river flowing between Narayanganj and Munshiganj. (Daily Star)

Sitalakhya river with bamboo piles (Ittefaq)

Eskaton west view

Hatirjheel from Karwanbazar

Matshaw bhabon ahead-Ramna park main gate

It was drizzling

Ramna park

homeless man got a place to live in Sohrawardi udyan (daily sun)

Gulshan

Friday prayer view in Baitul Mukarram, Dhaka (star)

Karwanbazar

Popular Iftar market at Chawkbazar, Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan with local's favorite 'suti kabab', 'boro baper pola-e khai', 'shahi jilapi' and many others (media pics below)

demonstrations:- water crisis in the city due to power shortage

High Court directs Govt to takeover and ensure steps for protection of ancestral house of popular Indian film icon Suchitra Sen from the clutch of Islamic religious group who were running an educational institute since last 24 years on year to year lease from Govt.

Police cordon off High Court premises 24 hours: Pro-BNP lawmaker Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia and two other Lawyers taken in custody and put in remand (other lawyers on the run) on charge of assaulting police and preventing from performing duties at High Court on Tuesday.

Solution to price hike of essentials- Commerce Minister Faruk Khan advised on Thursday to eat less than requirement. This technique will ease all problems and teach lesson to profit-mongering traders he said.

'India and Bangladesh: Embraceable you'. London based the Economist magazine article published on 30 July 2011 annoys Govt. Strong protest lodged with the Magazine to withdraw the comments made.

Female students Lag behind Male - HSC Exam result

2011-07-28T23:23:00.051+07:00

River front-Sadarghat Dhaka

river view Jinjira Dhaka

river view-Badamtali Dhaka

BB Ave

New Baily Road

Kakrail

Rajuk

Hotel Purbani

Motijheel C/A

Kakrail

Eskaton Road

New structures near Banglamotor

Sonargaon hotel view across Hatirjheel (from BIAM complex)

Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave

Eskaton Road

Students exult after hearing result of Higher Secondary Certificate Exam:
Combined pass percentage under 10 Education Boards (incl Madrasah and Tech Edu) rose to 78.08. A total of 764,828 students (413,675 male & 351,153 female) of 7179 institutions took part in the exam. 38,769 students score GPA-5. Rajuk Model College, Uttora secured top position. For the first time HSC results were sent to Institutions by e-mails. (all pic from news media)

Rajuk Model College, Uttora

Dinajpur Govt. College- greet each other's success

Notre Dame College, Dhaka

Notre Dame college, Dhaka

Viqarunnessa Noon College, Dhaka- joy half-hearted due to recent incident of a teacher.

Holy Cross College, Tejgaon

Mymensingh Girls Cadet College

Chittagong Govt. college

Comilla Govt College

Bogra Cantt. Public School & College

Sylhet MC College

Two factions of Chatra League locked in action in Sylhet today

Passing a suomoto order, the High Court ordered the IG of Police to suspend 3 police officers of Khilgaon PS for torturing a Dhaka University student in their custody. A biochemistry and molecular biology student Quader and his family and friends alleged that Khilgaon police beat and picked up Quader from Segunbagicha area in the capital around 1:00am on July 16 on suspicion of a robbery, although Quader explained to them that he was returning to his dormitory on Dhaka University Campus from one of his relative's apartment in Holy Family Hospital doctors' quarters. Police allegedly beat Quader severely in custody and Officer-in-charge chopped the calf muscle of one of his legs with a cleaver. He has been languishing in jail for the past 11 days, and police so far filed three cases against him.(Daily Star)

Keeping Bangladesh Afloat- in the eye of foreign lens!

2011-07-24T15:49:00.025+07:00

Random Pictures July 2011

2011-07-18T17:18:00.043+07:00

Independence Square, Sohrawardy Uddan, Ramna

Pool of Independence tower

Supreme Court gate, Ramna

Stadium para

BB Stadium

Shantinagar road

Secretariat bldg.

Shopping mall in Dhanmandi

Panthapath

long line for gas

Sponsored by international organization 'Water Aid Bangladesh' for ARBAN mobile toitet, Dustha Sasthya Kendra pressed into service two mobile toilets opposite to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at Tk5/- for 25 hours. The Org wants to increase number of toilet to 50-60 and waiting DCC's approval.(media pic)

Viqurunnessa Noon School demonstration for punishment of molester continues (media pic)

College boy visiting ailing mother in Samarita hospital was spot dead yesterday due to falling brick on head from the top of adjacent under construction building.

Common street sight during demonstration or passing of VIP's on road (media pic)

Eminent Barrister and senior citizen Rafiqul Hoque (R) and M Asafuddowla, former Secretary and founder editor of Bangladesh Today (L) locked into lively debate on 16 July 2011 over the sensitive items of recent 'amendments' of constitution aired by Channel-I's popular talk show ‘Tritio Matra’ hosted by crafty Mr. Zillur Rahman.

Misfortune continue: After Viqarrunessa girls molestation by teacher and Mirersarai students death, 6 city students outing on Shab-e-Barat night after saying prayer in mosque were lynched to death by mob in Aminbazar village. Police claim they were robbers?
Photos of the victims (some college student and of Maple Leaf English medium), their wailing relatives and angry protesters barricade road from Kalyanpur Technical to Aminbazar. (media pics).

Hartals in quick succession and brutality!

2011-07-11T00:10:00.016+07:00

Bangladesh's Siddikur Rahman continued his remarkable rise from a ball boy of Kurmitola Golf Club to one of Asia's best Golfer by wining Malaysia's 'Negari Sembilan Masters' on Sunday (new age).

Mirpur road, Mirpur 2

A giant leap for Dhaka- elephant walks in Rokeya Sarani on Saturday

green eggs- half-boiled under solar power due to traffic jam in Bijoy sarani

pedestrian way occupied

Bijoy Sarani

girls stand in long queue for transport in Mirpur

Queue for OMS rice

open market sale (OMS) outlets in the city witness huge rush

Dancing away..

Gridlock in Farmgate on Saturday evening (daily star)

Viqarunnessa school and college students demonstrate for punishment of the teacher and staff for sexually abusing students (media pic)

LGED Min said Sheikh Hasina helped Dr Yunus get the Nobel Prize (media news)

Residents in Gopalganj-Tungipara village fight on trifling matter with shield and spears blocking road (media pic)

30 hours 'Hartal' begins from Sunday- by Khilafat/Islamic party/

activist clash with armed 'mastans' near Kachpur bridge (media pics)

Police and armed run for more action (media pics)

A bearded person in awkward situation

foul! (new age)

Bionic Cops- Hi-tech 'Roborab'(?) - laden with heavy gear (media pic)

Rain, Pain and 48 hours Shutdown : July 2011

2011-07-06T23:19:00.052+07:00

Elephant road

Mirpur

Rifle square

Gigatola

saat masjid road

Dhanmandi R/A

Wait for transport

Battered Rumana Manzur a teacher of Dhaka Univ flies to Vancouver, Canada for treatment of damaged eyes.

Porimol Joydhor 30, a teacher of Viqurunnisa Noon Basundhara Campus was arrested by Detective Branch for molesting girl of class X (media pic)

smelling rat..

BNP office cordoned off by police (media pic)

get-set- .48-hours hartal countdown begins from Wednesday (media pics)

tossing for side

kick off..

Action Combo : Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abedin Farooq, MP BNP Lawmaker and Cops (all from print media)

Round one- left jab

floating like butterfly..

sting like bee..

yellow card..

breather time..

count down

knock out and count down 1-2-3

victory for the cops- opponent carried off the ring

Recovering in ICU, United Hospital, Gulshan

Running Commentary- Briefing press after bout

Victory: Home Minister

view of Gulshan square 2 (daily star)

stranded passengers in airport (daily star)

end of the road..

Mansoon rain drench Dhaka city

2011-06-19T16:32:00.035+07:00

Ramna park

Segunbagicha

Panthapath

Shantinagar

Mouchak

Sheraton-Paribagh

Fakirapul area- media pics

Major streets in the capital Dhaka became waterlogged on Saturday disrupting traffic and causing sufferings to pedestrians as downpour all day halted life (media pic).

Rayerbazar

Hatirjheel (media pic)

Crossing waterbody in Dhaka west (media pics)

Rain drenched crows in Ramna (media pic)

Scuffle broke out in the meeting held yesterday in DC's conference hall, Narayanganj between two rival groups of AL with DC and SP in chair. In the pic MP Sarah Begum 'Kobori' seen in action against rival group led by former MP Shamim Osman (media info & pic).

36 Hours General Strike Ends!

2011-06-13T22:22:00.045+07:00

Bangladesh Pop Guru Azam Khan passes away on 4 June 2011 after prolonged fight with cancer

Elephant Road- Mansoon cloud arrives

Mirpur Road

Garment workers- Panthapath

Nilkhet

Eskaton Road

Dhanmandi

BB Avenue- long quue for transport

Shahbagh

New Market- sentinel

Too few cabs

push cart during strike

Limon- one hospital to the other under custody (media pic)

cartoons in national dailies on national budget 2011-12 (media pics)

Fin Min Maal Muhith announces National Budget in the Parliament (media pic) on 9 June 2011. Budget at a glance: Total Budget- Tk.1.63 trillion; Rev Target- Tk.1.23 tr; Deficit- Tk.452 bl; GDP growth target-7%; ADP- Tk.460 bl

36 hours general strike begins from 12 june 2011 (media pics)

Torched Public transports

silence..!

who wins in the tug of war..?

BNP office in Naya Paltan- cordoned off by Police

RAB action- streets out of bound

BNP ex-Ministers Altaf Hossain and Maj (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed picked up by police on charge of torching public transport.

View of Sonargaon intersection during strike hours (media pics)