As I stepped onto the familiar streets of Dhaka after six long years, a rush of nostalgia engulfed me. The bustling city I once called home seemed both familiar and foreign, its essence masked by the veil of time.
Amidst the flurry of activity, I couldn't help but notice the changes that had taken root in Dhaka over the years. Like a pendulum swinging between progress and stagnation, the city unfolded its narrative before my eyes, revealing a tale of contrasts.
In the heart of Dhaka, where culinary delights await at every turn, I found myself indulging in the rich flavours of Bangladeshi cuisine, a long-awaited reunion with the tastes of home that had eluded me for years. One of my primary reasons for returning to Dhaka was to savour the authentic delights that I had sorely missed during my time away.
One can rarely find authentic Bangladeshi cuisine in the West, where South Asian food is largely synonymous with Indian cuisine. Among the many delicacies, two stood out as my cherished favourites: "hash bhuna” and “gorur kalo bhuna.”
Yet, with each bite of duck and beef, I couldn't shake off the bitter taste of inflation that lingered in the air. The soaring prices have transformed these once-accessible foods into luxuries beyond the reach of many, casting a shadow of disparity over our culinary landscape.
The wintery mornings started off venturing into the park for a morning jog, hoping to find sanctuary amidst Dhaka's bustling chaos. In a city where green spaces are as scarce as moments of tranquility, I sought solace in one of the few sanctuaries available -- sometimes Ramna Park, or perhaps the smaller, more intimate Dhanmondi Lake.
Like a cloak of shadows, the Dhaka air draped itself over the city, tainting every breath with its oppressive embrace. As I adorned my face with a mask, shielding myself from the suffocating grip of the unimaginable AQI, I couldn't help but feel as though I was fighting a battle against invisible foes, waging war on behalf of a city besieged by its own environmental demons.
Let us strive to weave a narrative of inclusivity and progress, where the dreams of the commoners are nurtured alongside the ambitions of the elite
Afternoons were spent navigating Dhaka's streets. The marvels of modern infrastructure lay before me, from the much-vaunted Dhaka elevated expressway to Purbachal highway. Yet, beneath the progress lies a stark reality -- the reality of the growing inequality. For every smooth ride on the expressway, there's a journey fraught with obstacles on other streets. The golis of Dhaka remain unchanged, frozen in time, yet with an undeniable and simultaneously exponential addition of both rickshaws and SUVs.
The nights in Dhaka were the best time for gatherings with friends and family. For some, if you are late at night to return home, there isn't anything to worry about -- a mere sticker on a car grants immunity from the clutches of law enforcement, transforming the streets into a playground for the privileged few.
And if you are further late, you'll be struck with a sense of awe and pride at the sight of luxury cars and SUVs adorning the streets of Gulshan. These vehicles, usually associated with the wealthiest group of Western society, are a testament to the lavishness enjoyed by a select few in our city.
During weekends, the main excitement revolves around going out to eat with the close ones. Restaurants in every corner tempt us with their tantalizing offerings. But besides this, there aren't many places for fun family activities one can do in the city.
When I bid farewell to Dhaka once again, with a heart full of memories and experiences, I couldn't help but notice the extra weight I carried, both in my luggage and perhaps around my waistline. I am also reminded of the city's resilience in the face of adversity.
While progress may paint a rosy picture on the macro level, it is imperative that we address the micro-level issues that continue to affect our society. For true development lies not in the grandeur of infrastructure, but in the uplifting of every individual, regardless of their station in life.
Let us strive to weave a narrative of inclusivity and progress, where the dreams of the commoners are nurtured alongside the ambitions of the elite. Only then can we truly claim to have embarked on the path towards a brighter tomorrow, where the promise of Dhaka shines bright for all to see.
Tahsin Mahmud Chowdhury is an engineering researcher currently working in the US tech industry.
