Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (May 25, 2024) said that the Awami League government has taken significant measures to shut down arms smuggling routes through Bangladesh to India, fostering peace in India's northeastern states. “Since coming to power, the Awami League has closed down the routes used for arms smuggling through Bangladesh,” she stated. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a program inaugurating various development projects in Old Dhaka, including the construction of a new 10-storey Bangabazar Nagar Wholesale Market. The original market was destroyed by a devastating fire on April 4 last year. PM Hasina inaugurates construction of new Bangabazar Wholesale Market The other projects inaugurated include Valiant Freedom Fighter Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Sarani (an 8-lane road), Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy Shishu Udyan, and Nazrul Sarobor. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the impact of the Awami League's efforts to curb arms smuggled to various Indian separatist groups, including the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). “As a result, peace prevails in the seven sister states of India. The Awami League has done this, and it is a significant accomplishment,” she added. The ULFA is an armed militant organization operating in Assam, seeking to establish an independent sovereign nation for the Assamese people through armed struggle. The Government of India banned ULFA in 1990, citing it as a terrorist organization. Would have been happy to tame the inflation: PM Hasina The seven sister states of India are Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. The inauguration program was presided over by LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam. Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, local MP AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and LGRD Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim also spoke at the event.

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.

The restoration work of old Buriganga channel near Kamrangirchar has not seen any significant progress in the last eight months. The Dhaka South City Corporation began the project in June, 2022 but the initial works are yet to be completed. The project includes demarcation activities, eviction drives, re-excavation and waste disposal. The old channel, which has lost its glory to pollution and encroachment, is located in the middle of Shahidnagar-Hazari bagh embankment (from the main Buriganga River) of Old Dhaka and Kamrangirchar. Various structures were built occupying the two sides of the area of about 7 kilometers.However, to give the old Buriganga back its glory, the DSCC took an initiative to reclaim the channel from encroachers in June last year. Almost a year has elapsed but the authorities are still working on the initial phase. Also read: Re-excavation of Buriganga old channel to start in February, says Taposh Talking to UNB, some DSCC officials said they are committed to recover the channel from illegal occupiers. The DSCC authorities have taken a project to restore the old channel of the Buriganga, also known as the capital’s lifeline, in three phases, costing almost Tk 22 crore, they said. They said the recovery of the channel will free Dhaka’s Hazaribagh, Lalbagh, Dhanmondi, and Kamrangirchar from waterlogging. The seven-kilometer-long channel will also make it easier for Dhaka residents to commute from Buriganga to the Turag River and the transportation of goods will be easy due to the reduction in cost. Read More: Sand lifting poses threats of river erosion in Faridpur According to the DSCC, walkways and separate cycle lanes will be built on both sides of the channel. During an election rally at Kamrangirchar on December 24, 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged to take steps to recover the old Buriganga channel from encroachers. She also instructed the mayor to take necessary measures to make it happen. After detailed planning, the DSCC took the project to free the channel from encroachers.According to the plan, a 14-km walkway and a cycle lane will be constructed on both sides of the channel. Bridges will be built to attract tourists in addition to the residents of the capital. As part of the first phase, which is already underway, the authorities are working to clear the channel of silt, debris, and garbage from the sluice gate at the end of the old Buriganga to Islambag. The excavation cost of 1200 meters has been estimated at Tk 6.41. Read More: 250 illegal structures evicted from Bakkhali River in Cox’s Bazar General Secretary of the Poribesh Bachao Andolan, Engineer Abdus Sobhan said,“The commitment (to restore the channel) is not enough. The old Buriganga channel should be excavated according to Cadastral Survey (CS) records.” He also called on the authorities to stop the supply of electricity, water, and gas to the factories and houses built by occupying and filling the old channel and take effective steps to stop encroachment and pollution. “We demand the establishment of permanent pillars by demarcating the boundaries of the old channel of Buriganga according to CS records,” he told UNB.Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh said the old Buriganga channel recovery project is ongoing despite the various obstacles posed by the encroachers. “There were many obstacles. Many cases have also been filed. Many case are pending with the High Court and are currently going ahead with the project.” He also said the authorities are committed to recovering the old Buriganga channel as per the project. Read More: Power generation at Kaptai plant drops severely as rivers dry Terming the restoration process expensive and difficult, the DSCC mayor said, “The old Buriganga channel has been narrowed down by encroachers and polluters from all sides over the past 50 years, and this is the first time we have undertaken any project to recover the old Buriganga. “And we have already been able to increase its width almost ten times, and our activities are ongoing,” he added. He said the plan to introduce modern facilities such as walkways, cycle lanes and bridge will attract tourists. “We are working to create a healthy and aesthetic environment here so that tourists can come and enjoy their time here,” Taposh said. According to the DSCC, the initial phase of the project was started with its own financing. The authorities have also hired consultants to support the project. Read More: Political parties must have river, water issues in manifestos: IFC Md Md. Rasel Sabrin, DSCC chief estate officer, told UNB that buildings and institutions that have been illegally constructed occupying the old Buriganga channel have already been identified by DhakaSouth City Corporation, Rajuk, National River Conservation Commission, the Public Works Department, BIWTA, the District Administration, and the Land Record and Survey Department. “The mayor has directed us to demolish the illegal extended part of those buildings identified,” he added.

A living exhibition and an open workshop titled "Learning from Puran Dhaka: The Urbanity of Occupations along the Buriganga Riverfront" began at La Galerie of the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Saturday. Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy and Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh Chargé d'affaires Thijs Woudstra joined the opening ceremony. "It's a beautiful project. The heritage of Dhaka is very important and the heritage of Old Dhaka is extremely important," said Ambassador Whitely, adding that it is very exciting to see some students will be exploring Old Dhaka.

In the maze-like streets of Old Dhaka, the rooftops of high-rise buildings host a festival unlike any other. Starting with the iconic, highly competitive kite-flying in the afternoon, the revelry is just getting started as night descends. Residents celebrate the southward journey of the sun from the tropic of Capricorn to the tropic of Cancer. The festival, which usually takes place from January 14 to 15, is also known as Makar (Capricorn) Shankranti. The annual celebration marks the end of the ninth month of the Bengali calendar – Poush. Shakrain – a celebration of kites and lights – is one of the oldest festivals of Bangladesh, which dates back to the Mughal period.

A fire that broke out at a market in the capital’s Chawkbazar area on Saturday night has been doused. The fire started at a hardware market at Imamganj around 11:44 pm, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of fire service and civil defense headquarters (media cell). Read more: Fire at shoe warehouse in Old Dhaka under control On information, 10 firefighting units from Lalbagh, Sadarghat and Palashi Barak fire stations rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 1:05am today (Sunday). However, what caused the fire could not be known yet. No injuries or causalities have been reported.

A 78-year-old man was reportedly killed by robbers at his residence in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar. According to Mansur Ahmed's son Sarwar Ahmed, his father was found in a pool of blood with his hands and legs tied inside his home on the second floor of his six-storey building in Khaje Dewan Road Thursday midnight. Mansur was whisked off to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. Earlier, at 9pm, Sarwar and other members of Mansur's family went to a wedding ceremony, but the 78-year-old stayed home because he was not feeling well. Returning home at midnight, Sarwar and others found the door to Mansur's flat locked. As they broke open the door only to find a bloodied Mansur on the floor. Sarwar said the robbers injected his father with some drug before looting the house, and he later died from a serious injury to the head. "Everything was ransacked; all the cash and gold stored in the house were looted," he said but could not provide the exact amount. "We are investigating the incident and the body has been kept at a hospital morgue for autopsy," Abdul Qayum, officer-in-charge of Chawkbazar Police Station, said. Read more: In broad daylight, businessman robbed of Tk 85 lakh in Keraniganj  

Imagine an Old Dhaka with wider roads, less congestion, better water and electricity supply. That’s what the  Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) wants to achieve in its ambitious plan to refurbish the centuries-old Mughal-era parts of the capital city, better known as Old Dhaka. The city development authority has selected seven spots for renovation of Old Dhaka where feasibility studies are going to start soon. The spots are Islampur, Chawkbazar, Bongshal, Moulvibazar, Hazaribag, Swarighat and Kamrangirchar, where the dwellers face problems like narrow lanes, rundown buildings, high population density, risky electricity connection, lack of pure drinking water, decreasing open spaces and faulty drainage system, said Ashraful Islam, Chief City Planner of Rajuk and Project Director of Rajuk’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP). Read: Chemical warehouses: Old Dhakaites still living with ticking time bombs

Police have arrested the owner of ‘Barishal Hotel and Restaurant’ in connection with the deadly fire incident that left 6 people dead in Kamalbag area of Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday. Rajiv Kumar Sarkar, sub-inspector (SI) of Chawkbazar Model Police Station, said Mohammad Fakhruddin was arrested from Keraniganj early Tuesday. Also read: 6 charred bodies retrieved from Old Dhaka plastic factory: Fire Service All the six dead were employees of the restaurant located on the ground floor of the four-storey building that caught fire Monday noon. A case was filed against four people including the restaurant owner and the building owner at Chawkbazar police station on Monday night following  a complaint from Mohammad Ali, the elder brother of  deceased Rubel. Read Fire at Old Dhaka's plastic factory brought under control Meanwhile, the bodies have been kept at Mitford Hospital morgue for an autopsy. After autopsy the bodies of the victims, who have been identified, will be handed over to their relatives. DNA samples will be collected from relatives of those deceased who have not been identified, added the officer. Also read: Fire breaks out at Old Dhaka plastic factory

A fire broke out at a plastic factory in Kamalbag area of Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday. The fire started around 12 pm but the origin could not be known immediately.  Currently, six firefighting units are trying to douse the blaze and two more units are on their way, said Anwarul Islam, Wearhouse Inspector (Media cell) of Fire service and civil defense headquarters. No casualties from the fire have been reported yet.  Read: N’ganj factory fire under control