Dhaka's Heritage Walk brings the past alive

Dhaka is a city of many layers. Behind its loud streets and crowded lanes, there lies a 400-year-old history. From the days of the Bengal Sultans to the rule of the Mughals, the independent Nawabs, and the British, now Bangladesh, Dhaka has lived through centuries of change.

The marks of these times remain, not only in the grand forts and palaces but also in the narrow alleys, old mosques, fading mansions, and even in the way people lived and ate.

Today, one of the most popular ways to connect with this forgotten past is through something called the Heritage Walk. Simply put, a heritage walk is a guided tour through the city where participants learn about its history, culture, and architecture. But it is not just about looking at buildings, it is about listening to stories, feeling the old walls, and experiencing the soul of the city.

In recent years, heritage walks have become a trend in Dhaka. Several groups and individuals are now organising these walks for both locals and foreigners. Participants sign up, pay a small fee, and spend a few hours walking through old Dhaka's streets with a guide.

Behind every heritage walk are people who are passionate about keeping Dhaka's history alive. One such is Rubel Shah, the Co-founder of Heritage Walk Dhaka, who says, "We want to build a community where we can connect people and help with research work. We also arrange puthi ashors beside walks. We want to tell the new generation that heritage is not confined to concrete structures; they carry our identity as well."

What makes it special is the audience it attracts. Young students, researchers, architects, photographers, expats, and even older residents join in. In this regard, he says, "Sometimes the seats are filled before the deadline, and we feel sorry for those who cannot participate," he adds.

Mr Rubel shows his concern regarding the demolition of age-old structures as the city is evolving day by day. "Many of the participants are elderly, and when they come to a new event, they say that there used to be a house or even an entire shop here. At that moment, they realise the importance of preserving heritage," he says.

Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan, who lives abroad, often joins such walks when he comes home. He says, "Sometimes you just read or see photos on social media, which are frequently fabricated. But when you walk with well-known people, you get to know your city properly. It feels like having a conversation with your grandparents."

For young learners, these walks are like open-air classrooms. Ms. Smriti Karmakar, an architecture student, joined a heritage walk during her visit to Dhaka. For her, it was both fun and educational. "Knowing and understanding Dhaka is a fun activity. It is related to my study as well," she said.

She explained that while everyone knows about famous landmarks like Lalbagh Fort or Ahsan Manzil, there are many hidden treasures too. "What about Dhonu Bepar Holud Masjid, which is two centuries old? What about that not-so-famous two-storey building at Wari? They are gems as well, right?"

But organising such walks is not easy. There are costs regarding food and other arrangements. So, participants are charged a fee. According to another organiser, Ahmed Imtiaz, "Because we are arranging a walk, we provide food and invest our time, so we charge a minimal amount. But the fee is flexible."

In this regard, Mr Rubel says, "We organise customised tours for our foreign tourists so that they can enjoy walking at their preferred time. On the other hand, the public heritage walks are arranged at a time when most people can participate; in that case, we keep the cost to a minimum."

Not everyone agrees on the cost. Mohammad Imran, a resident of old Dhaka, feels differently. "I don't understand it's logical to spend two thousand taka for a walk around Puran Dhaka. It is my place. I know where one will go and what they will experience."

However, for many who have joined, the experience is valuable. Afroza Khatun, a street photographer, once took part in such a walk. She said, "I understand the value. But sometimes I find it too expensive if the conversation and history become like a boring class lecture. If we invest money, we must have a great experience as well in return."

What makes heritage walks special is that they go beyond the grand monuments. They take people through the winding alleys of Farashganj, the old lanes of Narinda, and the small mosques and houses that never make it to tourist brochures.

These are the places where the everyday people of Dhaka once lived-the traders, artisans, and families whose lives created the fabric of the city. Their stories are just as important as those of kings and nawabs.

And this is where heritage walks truly shine. They are not about looking at bricks and stones; they are about hearing stories, smelling the old spice markets, watching the light fall on an abandoned doorway, and imagining how life once was.

Heritage walks are becoming more than just a trend. For the youth, especially, they are a way to connect with identity, culture, and belonging.

Storytelling has always been part of human civilisation. People love stories because they give meaning to places and memories. A heritage walk, when mixed with good storytelling, becomes a living story itself-the story of aged Dhaka. Not just of Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil, but also of the narrow alleys where children played, the mosques where prayers rose, and the homes where families shared their meals.

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