As the month of Ramadan started, the bustling streets of Old Dhaka came alive with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of frying pans. The Iftar bazars in this ancient section of the capital are a battleground for traditional dishes vying to be crowned the ultimate feast to break one's fast. Amongst the labyrinthine lanes of Chawkbazar, Islampur, Bangla Bazar, and the roadside tong shops, vendors engage in a spirited rivalry to tantalize the taste buds of the devout. Chawkbazar stands as a bastion of tradition in the realm of Iftar markets, offering a cornucopia of culinary delights. Here, amidst the throng of eager patrons, one can find an array of Iftar staples: chickpeas, piaju, puri, chop, and juice, alongside a plethora of innovative creations. The alleys of Islampur and Bangla Bazar also boast diverse assortments of Iftar treats, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. Central to the charm of Chawkbazar is the legendary 'Boro Baper Polay Khay' Iftar, a concoction steeped in tradition and flavor. Comprising an eclectic mix of 15 ingredients, including chicken, minced meat, cotton kebab, and an assortment of spices, it embodies the essence of Old Dhaka's culinary heritage. Priced between Tk 800 to Tk 1200 per kilogram, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of tradition. With two more demises today, death toll from Gazipur gas cylinder blast rises to 5 However, a newcomer to the scene, 'Shob Baper Polay Khay,' poses a formidable challenge to the reigning champion. Vendors tout its credentials, proclaiming, "This is the traditional food of Dhaka, the best of Chawkbazar." They claim that their food has a 78-year-old tradition. Kebabs reign supreme in this gastronomic arena, with vendors proudly presenting an assortment of tantalizing options. From Tengri Kebab to Suti Kebab, Sheek Kebab, and Kathi Kebab, the choices are as diverse as they are delectable. Whole chicken roasts, quail roasts, and succulent leg of goat roasts vie for attention alongside savory beef haleem and fragrant biryanis. Vegetarian offerings such as vegetable naan, milk naan, and keema paratha cater to diverse palates, while vendors employ persuasive advertising tactics to attract discerning buyers.

Historic Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, was opened to the public on Wednesday (January 24, 2024). Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh re-inaugurated the gate by unveiling the cover of the main stone. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Lime, betel nut, khoir, molasses, and Maddhapara granite stone chips are the materials used in the reconstruction of the Dhaka Gate The Dhaka Gate is located at the intersection of the Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, the Suhrawardy Uddyan and the Science Library.

Heritage sites are cultural and natural treasures that provide a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of a country or region. These sites hold significant historical, architectural, or cultural value and are preserved for future generations. Bangladesh, a country brimming with captivating stories and ancient wonders, boasts a plethora of such heritage sites. Keep reading as we go over 15 must-visit heritage sites in Bangladesh. 15 Most Well-known Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Sundarbans The Sundarbans, located in Khulna, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity. Read more: 5 Sundarbans eco resorts to experience world’s largest mangrove forest

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has organised an art camp as part of its Brand Bangladesh initiative, in addition to its core focus to promote the apparel industry. Sixty-two renowned artists, including Monirul Islam, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Hashem Khan, Abul Barq Alvi, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Abdul Mannan, Mohammad Eunus, Jamal Ahmed, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Farida Zaman, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Naima Haque, Rokeya Sultana, Dhali Al Mamoon, Shahid Kabir, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Hossain Sheikh Afzal, Mohammad Iqbal, Mostafizul Haque, Mostafa Zaman Mithu, Afrozaa Jamil Konka, and Sohana Shahreen joined the "Made in Bangladesh with Pride Art Camp 2023" in Dhaka Sunday. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inaugurated the camp which was organised by the organisation in collaboration with Arcadia Arts Gallery.

The historic centre of the port city of Odesa, in Ukraine, has been inscribed on the UN's cultural body's world heritage list, 11 months since the full-scale Russian invasion. "Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community," said UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay Wednesday. "While the war continues, this inscription embodies our collective determination to ensure that this city, which has always surmounted global upheavals, is preserved from further destruction." The decision commits the 194 States Parties of the Convention – which includes Russia – not to undertake any deliberate step that may directly or indirectly damage the world heritage site and to assist in its protection. The historic centre of Odesa has also been inscribed on the more than 50-strong list of world heritage in danger, which gives it access to reinforced technical and financial international assistance. Ukraine may request this, to ensure the protection of the property and, if necessary, assist in reconstruction, if attacked. Given the threats to the city from Russia's armed forces and irregulars, the World Heritage Committee used an emergency procedure provided for by the World Heritage Convention. Read more: French baguettes, Chinese traditional tea-making added to world heritage list As early as the summer of 2022, UNESCO linked international experts with Ukrainian experts to prepare the nomination, with the support of Italy and Greece. Ukraine's President Zelensky made the submission official in October 2022, and the nomination was evaluated over the following weeks. In parallel with the inscription process, UNESCO implemented emergency measures on the ground to help protect the site. Notably, the organisation ensured repairs were carried out following damage inflicted by Russian attacks on the Odesa Museum of Fine Arts and the Odesa Museum of Modern Art. So far, the historic western Ukrainian city has not come under the kind of sustained bombardment that laid waste to the once-thriving port city of Mariupol, hundreds of kilometres to the east.

Showcasing the rich history of Bangladesh's illustrious silk industry as well as efforts to support and promote local designs, a three-day exclusive solo fashion exhibition titled ‘Majestic Silks of Bangladesh Exhibition by Maheen Khan’, is currently underway at the Nordic Club, Gulshan in the capital. The solo design exhibition began on Tuesday (December 27, 2022), featuring some of the unique designs of eminent Bangladeshi fashion designer Maheen Khan, the founding president of the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) and the founding managing director of Mayasir, a trend-setting brand that emphasizes the nation's traditional embroidery. Sharing her motifs and visions with UNB regarding her major solo exhibition in a long time, Maheen Khan said that this event is proudly showcasing some of the exclusive, handmade crafts as a befitting tribute to the country’s majestic silks. Read more: BGMEA, Fashion Design Council to promote khadi globally

The Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements and the European National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) in partnership with the British Council recently launched a project titled “Hidden Heritage: Homes in Dhaka” at Haturia House, Bangshal. The event primarily focused on the houses in Dhaka from various periods of history. The Hidden Heritage project aims to record the history of Dhaka’s buildings and the stories behind them. Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley spoke about the Hidden Heritage project and expressed his delight at being able to inaugurate this landmark event, at a historical site in old Dhaka. “Great to join colleagues and friends celebrating the EU-supported Hidden Heritage project at Haturia House in Old Dhaka – keeping alive time-honoured Bangladesh heritage,” he tweeted.   Several historic buildings in Dhaka have gained popularity, garnering interest for their fading architectural qualities. However, with social and economic changes, many of the buildings are now being replaced by newer ones. Conceived as a dedicated documentation and web-based presentation of significant homes and buildings, the project documents selected buildings or spaces within the perimeter of the Dhaka city, along with their historical, societal and environmental context.  It is a first-of-its-kind in presenting the architectural heritage of Dhaka, said a media release on Wednesday. The web-based presentation involves a multi-media platform with a virtual tour including 360-degree photography, videos, photographs, drawings and other forms of narration.  

The activities carried out under ‘Our Shared Cultural Heritage’ (OSCH), a youth-led programme by the British Council, has been showcased in Rajshahi. The activities were showcased on July 28 and 29. This project has been designed to connect young people and inspire them to work with cultural heritages through organising a series of trainings and activities. 31 young people from different institutions have been working with cultural heritages since 2021 under this project. Read: International art exhibition held in Kathmandu paying tribute to Sultan It is to connect the heritages to the youth as well as to the wider audience so that people can understand and work on our heritages. On 28 July, a programme was held at Varendra Research Museum, the research partner of this project. Robert Chatterton Dickson, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was present at the programme with Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, the British Council and other guests in attendance.

Urban Study Group (USG) formed a Human chain rally in front of the National Museum at Shahabag demanding to protect 100 years aged heritage architectures of Old Dhaka. They demanded to stop demolishing the traditional 'Nilam Ghar' of Old Dhaka which govt. has leased to Bar Association for one year. But Bar Association has planned to make a six storied building breaking the law and verdicts of high court as it is prohibited to destroy such heritage sites. "Bar Association has already broke a huge portion of the traditional Nilam Ghar though we protested it and informed it to the proper authorities to take urgent initiatives but authorities didn’t take any proper action," main executive of USG, Taimur Rahman said.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of natural beauty and historical significance that are chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their outstanding universal value. Currently, there are 1,054 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries, and more are being added all the time. Among those 1,054 sites, 897 cultural, 218 natural, and 39 mixed properties. Let's get to know details about world heritage sites in Ukraine. What are the Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ukraine? Ukraine has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are treasures of world culture and history and include ancient monasteries, fortresses, and natural wonders.  Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Constructed in the 11th century, St. Sophia Cathedral is a superlative example of Byzantine architecture and one of Ukraine's most recognized landmarks. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for being an outstanding architectural masterpiece that profoundly marked the history and culture not only of Kyiv but substantially transformed Ukraine. The cathedral is located in the midst of a complex of monastic buildings constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries in Ukrainian Baroque style. Read Top 10 Historical Mosques in Bangladesh The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a world-renowned monastic ensemble that has been in operation since the 11th century. Throughout its history, the lavra has undergone many changes and continued to grow in size and stature. Today, it is a major tourist attraction in Kyiv and remains an important spiritual center for Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Church of the Saviour at Berestove, adjacent to the Lavra, was added to the site in 2005 as part of an effort to restore and preserve cultural heritage sites. Lviv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre Lviv, one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in Europe, is located in western Ukraine. Lviv's architecture and urban planning are based on a unique mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The Historic Centre of Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.