Contributed by Mr Sabbir Zaman, SCAO Dhaka Social Infrastructure & SABDO Dept

SCAO Dhaka office is established in 1961, one of the oldest Sumitomo Corporation overseas offices. Since its establishment, it has contributed to the country’s economic growth and prosperity through its diversified business activities. Matarbari deep seaport and power plant and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) are the major projects that Sumitomo Corporation is currently developing. Currently, there are 25 local staff and 2 expats working in Dhaka office.

In this issue of Horizon, we would like to present to you, Dhaka as a city of culture and heritage.

SCAO Dhaka office building

Dhaka, the fourth-largest populated city has a population of over 20 million in the world that gives it a megacity status.  In present day, Dhaka is divided into two parts – Old and New Dhaka. Nonetheless, Dhaka is filled with heritage and rich culture.  It is in the bank of river Buri-Ganga (an old branch of river Ganges).

In the Old Dhaka, you can still find the touch of history and heritage. From the 18^th century, Dhaka is considered as one of the administrative and business centers for merchants from Europe and Asia. It is the hub of cloths and jute trade. Muslin and Jamdani are 2 types of exclusive fabrics that were very famous in the ancient days of Dhaka. Even in modern days, these fabrics are still very popular for their unique pattern and texture. As for sightseeing, Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manjil are the major tourist attractions.

Lalbagh Fort

In present days, modern Dhaka has become a business, administrative, cultural and educational center for the whole country.  Similar to any other mega city in the world, it has many skyscrapers, shopping malls, trade and business centers.

National Parliament building

Dhaka office is located in Gulshan area. Greater Gulshan (includes Gulshan, Banani & Baridhara) is considered a central business district and residential area for the elite and rich people. Many multinational organisations, international banks and embassies set up their offices in Gulshan area, where most foreigners and their family stay. You can also find many leading international brand of hotels, shopping malls, and all kind of restaurants.  Among those restaurants, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian and continental foods are the most popular. Here you are able to taste the famous Bengali biriyani and Sultan’s Dine is the restaurant to go to in Gulshan. Various types of streets foods are also very popular here in Dhaka such as Chotpoti and Fuchka.

In terms of public transport, three-wheelers auto rickshaws (known as “CNG”), are very common mode of transportation. Metro rail is a new inclusion in the public transportation system. As for Rickshaw (a traditional tri-cycle run by pedal), it is still widely used on the streets and remains a part of our tradition and culture.

Rickshaw is a very common mode of transport for short distance

The Bengali New Year (Pohela Baishakh) falls annually on 14 April and is most celebrated occasion across the city. Large crowds of people will gather on the streets, Ramna Park and the campus of the University of Dhaka for celebration.

The Islamic festivals of Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha; the Hindu festival of Durga Puja; the Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; and the Christian festival of Christmas is witnessed here with widespread celebrations across the city.

Bengali New Year celebration with traditional dresses in the office

Dhaka is the city, where people from different countries, religion, race, ethnicity peacefully gather and live together with multi-cultural harmony and diversity.

“Mangal Shobhajatra”, one of the main attractions for Bengali New Year celebration