Following the devastating fire incident at the Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road that killed 46 people and injured several others, authorities in Dhaka have launched a crackdown on restaurants lacking proper fire safety measures. Restaurant owners, however, are critical of the approach.  The Restaurant Owners Association has labelled these operations as “harassment” and “for show”, lacking in coordination. The operations, according to the association, seem to target the restaurant industry unfairly, calling for a more integrated approach to address safety violations. Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, criticized the sporadic nature of these operations, arguing for regular and coordinated efforts. He highlighted the injustice in arresting restaurant workers for building faults, suggesting that the responsibility lies with RAJUK (the development authority) officials and building owners before considering the tenants such as restaurant operators. Entry-level women's recruitment doubles in banking sector, but board representation still lagging Imran Hasan, General Secretary of the Restaurant Owners Association, expressed the sector's frustrations over the lack of support from any ministry despite repeated pleas. He called for a meeting with the Prime Minister, signaling their readiness to shut down operations if found culpable.  However, he questioned the logic behind blanket closures, arguing for a constructive resolution. Around 200 restaurants in Dhaka have been closed, he said, raising concerns about the crackdown. Currently, Bangladesh houses approximately 481,000 restaurants, providing employment for 30 lakh people, the general secretary of Restaurant Owners Association said. He also underlined the struggles with bureaucratic red tape and the desperation for constructive dialogue and solutions. Hasan called for the Prime Minister's intervention, reflecting the dire situation of entrepreneurs and workers within the industry, whose livelihoods are at stake. Fire safety: How safe are the restaurants in Dhaka’s upscale areas? The opposition's Chief Whip, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, has also alleged lack of coordination in the drives against risky and unauthorized buildings operating amid fire risk. “A magistrate went and destroyed a shop. Another goes and says stop. The authorities need to take a concerted, slow and steady approach in conducting fire safety drives,” he said while participating in an unscheduled discussion in the Parliament last Tuesday. RAJUK's Chairman, Anisur Rahman Mia, meanwhile has announced plans to list at-risk buildings, intending to mark them clearly and disconnect utilities in coordination with service providers, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various agencies for effective regulation. This situation sheds light on the complexities of urban safety, regulatory enforcement, and the livelihoods dependent on sectors like dining, calling for balanced, fair, and coordinated efforts to ensure public safety without unjustly jeopardizing businesses and jobs. Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings

In the heart of Dhaka’s upscale neighbourhoods – Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Banani – a burgeoning restaurant scene thrives within the confines of multi-storey buildings. This rapid expansion, however, brings to light grave concerns over fire safety practices, or the lack thereof. Many of these dining establishments lack comprehensive fire safety measures, relying solely on elevators and a solitary staircase for emergency exits. This inadequate infrastructure places patrons and employees in a precarious position, with their safety hanging in the balance. Conversations with residents of these areas shed light on these alarming realities, further underscored by the recent tragedy on Bailey Road, which has sown seeds of fear and apprehension among diners. The indiscriminate sprouting of restaurants, many of which have been operating without fire safety licenses for years, exacerbates the risk. These establishments, often housed in structures originally intended for residential use, now serve commercial purposes, thereby complicating the fire safety landscape. This issue is not confined to a few isolated cases; nearly every alley in these areas is lined with cafes and restaurants, with some buildings entirely dedicated to these businesses. The architectural design, characterised by an extensive use of glass, restricts the inflow of air, and in the event of a fire, leaves breaking the glass as the only means to combat the flames. The structural layout presents further challenges for emergency evacuation. Narrow staircases, cluttered or locked, significantly hinder the ability of patrons to evacuate safely in case of an emergency, turning what should be a straightforward escape route into a potential trap. Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings The fear of fire is not an abstract concern for the residents of Gulshan and Banani. Moniruzzaman, a businessman from Gulshan, and Didarul Haq Sunny, another businessman from Banani, voiced their apprehensions about dining out in the post-Bailey Road fire era. “There’s a prevailing fear of taking families to restaurants in the Gulshan-Banani area, as it’s unclear which establishments have fire safety measures,” Moniruzzaman said. Didarul mentioned ceasing restaurant visits after the Bailey Road tragedy, citing fire safety as a major concern. Their concerns highlight a critical demand for Dhaka’s development authority, RAJUK, to enforce and oversee rigorous fire safety standards across all restaurants. Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), echoed these sentiments. He pointed to the widespread practice of converting entire buildings into dining spaces, enveloped in glass, which fundamentally compromises fire safety protocols. The aftermath of the Bailey Road tragedy has left a palpable sense of urgency among citizens and experts alike, calling for immediate action from RAJUK and other relevant authorities to mitigate the risk of future incidents. Read more: Petition filed seeking closure of restaurants in residential buildings Dr. Adil advocated for detailed inspections of fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, and insisted on comprehensive safety audits for all multi-storey and specially purposed buildings. Despite existing regulations mandating two staircases in buildings, the reality on the ground reveals a stark misuse of these provisions, with designated fire exits often repurposed as storage areas. This blatant disregard for safety norms necessitates a stringent enforcement of building codes and fire safety regulations. RAJUK’s Chairman, Anisur Rahman Mia, acknowledged the challenges at hand, committing to a series of actions aimed at identifying and rectifying establishments lacking in fire safety measures. He drew attention to the widespread issue of illegal commercial activities within residential buildings, underscoring RAJUK’s dedication to enforcing legal and safety standards. With over 517,000 buildings under its jurisdiction in Dhaka, of which only 200,000 are approved, RAJUK faces a daunting task. An astonishing 90% of the approved buildings deviated from their original designs, complicating the enforcement of fire safety and building codes, the public agency says. Read more: A city of fire traps: Decades of tragedies in Dhaka expose systemic failures

Are you looking for an Instagrammable place to spend some quality time with good food while taking in the view of the city from a considerable height? In this bustling city of Dhaka, a rooftop restaurant can be a beautiful getaway that offers a glimmering view of the skyline and a serene escape from the crowded streets below. Located in Dhaka’s north, Mohammadpur has several Instagram-worthy rooftop restaurants with enchanting views and a cozy laid-back atmosphere. Let’s check them out.  6 Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Mohammadpur in Dhaka Rainforest Café  Rainforest Café is another great option for rooftop dining with friends and family. The café is located on Tajmahal Road right on the main street. The management undertook renovations recently to revamp the look of the café. There’s a large indoor sitting area perfect for large groups. Adjacent to that is the kid’s play area.  The outdoors has been tastefully decorated with trees, shrubs, and a fish aquarium. Each table has been made into a hut-like structure giving it a forest-like look.  Read more: Top 10 Dhaka Restaurants with Outdoor Seating The café serves oriental, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. There’s a curated Chinese platter for students as well.  Rainforest Café remains open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day. Garden SHIP  Located on Taj Mahal Road, Garden SHIP is your typical family restaurant with a great ambiance. The restaurant is beautifully designed to give it a ship-like look on the inside. The large spacious indoor seating is perfect for group or family dine-outs.  Read more: Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka The back of the restaurant has their cozy rooftop section. It offers a beautiful view overlooking the greenery of the Dhaka Residential Model College.  Garden SHIP has a wide variety of menus. From Thai, Chinese, Indian to seafood, the restaurant offers something for everyone. The operating hours are from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.    Spicy6  Spicy6 is located on Ring Road, Mohammadpur. The restaurant is famous among the locals for its Thai, Chinese, Oriental, and South Asian cuisines. Spicy6 offers great indoor and outdoor arrangements with faux grass and overhead shades.  Read more: Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Uttara

A video featuring a restaurant in India’s Bangalore has gone viral and is trending online, as it shows a cook using a broom to clean the tawa (griddle). The video shows the process of making dosas from scratch, giving viewers an idea of what goes into the preparation. After seeing it, however, Facebook users were enraged, reports NDTV. 10 Bangladeshi Winter Street Foods: Taste Meets Tradition The video by @thefoodiebae shows a cook standing in front of a giant tawa in a restaurant's open kitchen. Crowds of consumers can be seen behind him, waiting for their orders. The cook begins preparing the tawa for dosas. He sprinkles it with water and then sweeps the tawa with a broom. On the heated tawa, the water starts to vaporise, and he resumes his sweeping motion. Following that, he begins spreading batter in circular motions to produce the dosas. One tawa can accommodate 12 dosas, it said. AI Robot Chefs: Automated Cooking Could Redefine Food Industry The video has been viewed 15 million times and received 111K likes. Disapproving comments have flooded the comments section, however. Many individuals have objected to using a broom to clean the tawa. 5 Tasty Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen

Dining out is a delightful experience. It is an opportunity to relish culinary experiences beyond the daily routine. Buffet dining amplifies this joy. It offers an array of dishes and flavours in one setting. This article offers tips to make the most of your money at a buffet. 15 Buffet Hacks to Maximise Your Dining Experience Find Best Buffet Deals When it comes to making the most of buffet dining, finding the best deals can significantly enhance the experience. Try to look for promotions, special offers, or loyalty programs offered by buffet restaurants. By capitalising on these opportunities, one can enjoy a lavish buffet experience without breaking the bank. You may save while savouring a variety of delightful dishes. Lunch Buffets: A Better Choice Choosing to have a buffet meal during lunchtime can be a strategic decision. Lunch buffets often come at a lower price compared to dinner buffets while offering a similar array of dishes. Opting for a midday buffet saves you money and allows you to enjoy a wide selection of delectable options in a less crowded and more relaxed setting. Read more: Top 10 Buffet Restaurants in Dhaka City Pre-Buffet Breakfast Strategy Before heading to a buffet, one should have a light breakfast. Starting the day with a small, healthy meal can help manage appetite and food choices later at the buffet. A light breakfast ensures that individuals do not arrive at the buffet overly hungry. It enables one to make more mindful selections and enhances the overall dining experience. Dress Smart  Choosing the right attire for a buffet can impact the dining experience. It is better to opt for loose and comfortable clothing that allows room for a satisfying meal. Try to avoid tight-fitting outfits that might make you feel uncomfortable after indulging. This way one focuses entirely on the delightful dishes presented before them. Pre-Meal Hydration Strategy Before delving into a buffet, it is necessary to make sure to stay hydrated. Drinking water or other hydrating beverages before a meal kick-starts digestion. It ensures a smoother culinary journey. Adequate fluids prepare the stomach for the delightful buffet. This simple strategy allows food lovers to fully appreciate the buffet while keeping the tummy comfortable. Read more: Top 10 Dhaka Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

Dhaka, being a concrete jungle, has an acute shortage of open spaces — places where one can relax and unwind with friends and family under the sky. This shortage of open recreational spaces makes us appreciate restaurants with outdoor seating all the more. Today we look at 10 of the best such restaurants and cafes in Dhaka city. 10 Best Restaurants in Dhaka Offering Outdoor Seating  For this list, restaurants and cafes are mentioned based on reviews and ratings and not on the specific type of food they are offering. This list also includes rooftop restaurants with sufficient open space and outdoor seating.  Cielo Rooftop  Cielo Rooftop situated in Paribagh is another café offering an outdoor experience. The café has both inner and outdoor seating comprising the entire rooftop. Being situated on the 24th floor, Cielo Rooftop provides a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of Paribagh and the adjoining Shahbagh and Eskaton areas. The restaurant mainly serves coffee and patisserie but there is a gourmet menu available as well.  Read more: Top Instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani Rivendell by Gotcha  Gotcha has become quite popular since its inception thanks to its unique bubble tea menu. This international retail chain is now expanding its horizon in Dhaka with the introduction of its first restaurant.  Rivendell by Gotcha is situated in House 8, Road 28 of Gulshan 1. The restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating on artificial turf designed to look like genuine grass. The spacious seating area makes for a compelling experience for those looking to relax over a sip of tea. In addition to their wide range of tea by Gotcha, Rivendell also offers eastern and oriental menus for diners. Butlers Chocolate Café  Looking for the best chocolate in Dhaka? Butlers should be the go-to destination. This international chain is a self-proclaimed chocolate expert who has a branch in Gulshan 2.  Read more: Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Uttara The outdoor seating area of Butlers isn’t that large but it is sizeable to accommodate a few groups together. The restaurant has a wide range of menus from English breakfast to pizza to continental main courses. But as the name suggests, their chocolate and dairy products, especially the signature milkshakes are a must-try item.  Café Eden  Situated near Gulshan Lake Park, Café Eden is an upscale diner specializing in Asian and oriental dishes. Their outdoor seating area seems like something straight out of a Ghibli movie. There is a fountain in one corner with wooden tables spread across the garden. The mix of real and faux plants creates an enchanting environment that becomes even more magical under the sodium lights in the evening.  Villa Azzure  Villa Azzure is one of the most picturesque restaurants that you will come across in Banani. In their own words, the theme of the restaurant is to bring in the South of France experience with Parisian decadence.  Read more: Project Hilsa: Largest restaurant in Bangladesh with elegant interior, pricey food.

Think soaring costs were caused by the Ukraine war or supply chain snarls? You must be unaware of the "Beyoncé effect". The official start of the singer's worldwide tour in Sweden last month caused such a rush for hotel rooms and restaurant meals that it has reflected in the country's economic data, reports BBC. In May, Sweden reported higher-than-expected inflation of 9.7%. The surprise was due to rising hotel and restaurant costs, the report said. According to Michael Grahn, economist at Danske Bank, Beyoncé may have contributed to the increase in hotel costs. He believed she was also a driving force behind the unusually massive increase in recreation and cultural expenses. Also read: BTS on 1st Grammy nod: 'It’s hard to express in words' "I wouldn't ... blame Beyoncé for [the] high inflation, but her performance and global demand to see her perform in Sweden apparently added a little to it," he wrote in an email to the BBC. There is little doubt that the singer's first solo tour in seven years is a significant business event. According to one estimate, the tour may earn over £2 billion by the time it concludes in September. Airbnb reported that searches for accommodation in locations on the tour increased after the announcement. Many shows sold out in days, and resale prices skyrocketed, the BBC report also said. Also read: Grammy-winning duo Daft Punk break up after 28 years In the United Kingdom, 60,000 people arrived in Cardiff, including fans from Lebanon, the United States, and Australia. Demand for hotel rooms related to her London show was so high that several homeless families being accommodated in a hotel by the local authorities were reportedly kicked out to make space for the fans, it said. The Stockholm concerts, where Beyoncé performed before an audience of 46,000 over two nights, apparently drew fans from all over the world, particularly the United States, where a strong dollar against the krona made tickets in the Nordic country appear to be a relative bargain. Visit Stockholm termed the surge in travel to the city the "Beyoncé effect" in an email to the Washington Post last month. Sweden's inflation rate peaked in December at 12.3%. Official numbers showed that the rate was 9.7% last month, down from 10.5% in April. The financial markets had predicted around 9.4%. Also read: Beyoncé ties Alison Krauss’ record of 27 wins at Grammys Grahn told the BBC that it is "very rare" for one celebrity to have such an effect, adding that large football tournaments may have a similar effect. He stated on social media that the anticipated trends will return to normal in June.

A Bangladeshi-owned restaurant in New York’s Queens came under attack by an unidentified gunman on Saturday (June 3, 2023), injuring one employee and sending customers running for cover, CBS News reports. Surveillance video from inside Boishakhi Restaurant -- in the Astoria neighbourhood of Queens -- shows people, including children, who were sitting down eating and in line waiting for food, running out of the establishment and ducking for cover after a gunman opened fire. "We had a lot of customers inside. After the initial shooting, he moved around a bit, then he went behind my counter and shot one of my employees," restaurant owner Abu Taher told CBS News. Read more: Top Instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani According to Taher, the gunman, who was wearing a mask and a red hooded sweatshirt, fired three shots. "He didn't say anything. He just came and shot and ran away," he said. One of the bullets hit an employee of the restaurant in the upper thigh. Police say the shooter took off running. Read more: Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka While the motive is still being investigated, sources say the gunman got into an argument with an employee in the store earlier in the week. Now, the shattered glass, bullet holes and half-eaten food left behind are a grim reminder to the family who runs the restaurant that gun violence can affect you when you least expect it. "Definitely scared, you know. It's a very small business," Taher told CBS. "I'm really scared to run a small business in New York City. It's not safe, actually. We are not safe. Our life is not safe." Boishakhi Restaurant -- near 36th Avenue and 29th Street in the Astoria neighbourhood -- was previously featured in The New York Times for its delicious Bangladeshi food. It also received “Special Congressional Recognition” in 2021 for its community service during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Read more: Police: 8 killed in Texas mall shooting, gunman also dead

A fire broke out at a restaurant in the city’s Jatrabari area early today (September 11, 2022). The fire broke out at ‘Urbane restaurant’ in north Jatrabari around 6am, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of (Media cell) of fire service and civil defence headquarters. Read: Kushtia filling station fire: Death toll rises to 5 On information, ten firefighting units rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control at 8am. The origin of the fire and the extent of damages could not be known immediately, said Anwarul. Read: Two shops gutted in Dhaka market fire

Banani is often termed the quintessential urban metropolis within Dhaka - the capital city of Bangladesh. Over the last three decades, Banani has slowly transformed itself into one of the prime social hubs beyond the concrete-scape. In recent years, a good number of restaurants and cafes have boomed in Banani offering spaces and ambience for meeting and hanging out. Among these establishments, several instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani have made a niche for themselves.  Thanks to open décor and beautiful skyline views. With that said, here’s our pick of the best rooftop restaurants in Banani for taking selfies, groupes besides enjoying delicious food. 8 instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani Rozak Rooftop Restaurant Rozak Rooftop Restaurant is one of those places that will bring the nostalgic vibe of the late 90s and early 2000s. From its interior to the fusion menu, everything has been well curated to provide a relaxed and cosy environment under the clouds or the stars as you prefer. Read Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka The restaurant is situated on the strip of offices and restaurants on Banani Road 11. Visitors will get to enjoy the open expanse of Banani Model Town or the skyline filled with skyscrapers. The menu ranges from a choice of Bengali cuisine along with steaks, seafood, different salads, and of course, pasta. Expect to shell out around 2000 to 2500 BDT per person for a two-course meal. ChileKotha ChileKotha which literally translates to the attic is another chain of rooftop restaurants across Dhaka. One of their main branches is situated in Banani F block, Road 4, House 16. The restaurant tried to replicate the homely surrounding of the attic, a place that is close to the heart and full of memories. Read Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Uttara Their choice of menu is between authentic Bengali cuisines and Bangla Chinese. There’s also a selection of Kebab items which are one of the must-try items here. Expect to spend around 1000 to 1500 BDT per person for a filling single-course meal with drinks. Picasso Restaurant Picasso is situated right at the junction of Gulshan and Banani near the Gulshan Link Road. The restaurant situated on the rooftop offers a scintillating view of the Gulshan Lake and Banani skyline. The restaurant features an array of the continental dish with signature items from the head chef, Saifur Rahman. However, the must-try items in this restaurant are the selected dessert items available fresh every day. Read Best Rooftop Restaurants in Dhanmondi with Instagrammable Views The restaurant presents its items as food arts. Hence the name Picasso. While food is meant to fill the cravings of hunger, this place will definitely fill your heart as well. A two-course meal per person will cost between 1500 to 2500 BDT. Tribe Rooftop Lounge Even though it's pretty common to see “Lounge” in the name of most cafes in Dhaka, hardly any one of them provides an authentic lounge experience. And that’s where Tribe Rooftop Lounge Comes in. Situated on the top of Platinum Grand Hotel Gulshan, Tribe offers one of the best lounge experiences with its assortment of drinks and entrée menus. From salads to gourmet steak, surf and turf, and fillets, the choice of delicacies is also robust here. Read Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Cafes in Dhaka City for Family Dine Outs Expect to spend around 2000 to 2500 BDT per person for a comfortable laid-back experience. Cielo Rooftop Banani Cielo Rooftop was one of the first chain rooftop restaurants in Dhaka. The restaurant had its first outlet in Paribagh and from there on ventured into the greater Banani area. The main highlight of Cielo Rooftop is its cosy outdoors in a high skyscraper. The Banani branch of Cielo Rooftop is situated on the 18th floor which provides a view of the adjoining area. You can hardly find such exclusive views in other restaurants of the city. Their assortment of food includes continental and fast food with an extensive choice of drinks and desserts. We definitely suggest that you check out their dessert menu and coffee range. Read Top 10 Buffet Restaurants in Dhaka City Expect to spend around 700 to 1000 BDT per person for a single-course meal. La Marisco La Marisco is another rooftop restaurant situated in Banani F block overlooking the Banani Model Town. The restaurant features a wide-open space in its rooftop area which makes it look like an open terrace. The interior has been generously designed with faux grass to exude a natural feel. Diners will get to experience an authentic Chinese menu here as the restaurant specialises in Chinese delicacies. Expect to spend around 1000 to 1500 BDT per person for a two-course meal. Read Seafood restaurants in Dhaka to remind you the taste of ocean Jatra Biroti We already featured Jatra Biroti in our list of Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Gulshan. Jatra Biroti sits right between Gulshan and Banani main road making it a claimant of both parts of Dhaka. This vegetarian restaurant is a boutique experience made to relish the authentic rural cuisines of Bangladesh. There are sitting arrangements in both indoor and outdoor rooftop areas. The place itself is designed to exude a rural feel with the thatched roof and bamboo sitting area. The cooks here are all women coming from different marginalised backgrounds of society. Jatra Biroti with its ambiance and food aims to take you to the wandering villages of Bangladesh, where you’ll feel a sense of connection with the root. Not to mention the nostalgic homely taste of their cuisines. Read Best Bangladesh Beach Resorts to Spend Your Vacation Couple any item with their seasonal fresh juices and you’re looking to spend around 1000 to 1200 BDT per person. Tree House Ending the list with another great rooftop restaurant in greater Banani. Tree House is situated in a recused part of Banani giving it a more cosy and laid-back ambiance.  The internal décor of the restaurant is made in a more contemporary style which perfectly blends with the overarching theme of the restaurant. Diners will have access to an array of continental and fusion cuisines. But the best items have to be their different set menu platters ranging from oriental to Chinese themes. There’s BBQ and steak as well for those looking for a more gourmet experience. Expect to spend around 1500 to 2000 BDT for a single-course meal. Read Elegant Resorts near Dhaka to Celebrate Christmas Vacation with Family and Friends Final Words Banani is located not far from Dhaka's diplomatic districts, which also include upscale neighbourhoods, top-notch medical facilities, foreign schools, and clubs. As a result, high-end companies and luxury brands frequently concentrate on opening offices in Banani to serve tourists, famous people, and public figures. Here, developers have built special commercial areas that let other businesses distinguish themselves from the competition. Complying with this trend, the instagrammable rooftop restaurants of Banani are increasingly becoming popular for their amiable ambiance and feel-good experience. While it's one thing to enjoy a meal from the comfort of indoor restaurants, it’s a completely different experience altogether when it comes to rooftops. There’s something special about dining under the open sky and feeling connected to nature. And in a concrete jungle like Dhaka, rooftop restaurants are definitely a breath of fresh air. Read Project Hilsa: Largest restaurant in Bangladesh with elegant interior, pricey food