Rise of co-working spaces in Dhaka

In the bustling heart of Dhaka, a new work culture is emerging, transforming the way freelancers, entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, remote workers, and even students and researchers approach their workdays. With the rapid surge of these diverse professionals, co-working spaces have become the go-to solution, offering a unique blend of flexibility, community, and productivity.

Who can utilise co-working spaces: In this dynamic city, co-working spaces cater to a broad spectrum of professionals. Startup entrepreneurs managing small or remote teams, remote workers seeking an office-like environment, growing small companies, freelancers, and even part-time professionals juggling work and studies find refuge in these shared spaces. For researchers collaborating with multiple offices across the country, co-working spaces provide a seamless and professional environment.

Why opt for co-working spaces: The allure of co-working spaces in Dhaka is multifaceted. For those with home offices, co-working spaces offer a respite from the distractions of domestic life, especially crucial for individuals with children. Professionals desiring a focused work environment, away from the temptations of home, find solace in these communal hubs. Kamrul Arefin, working for an international NGO, located outside of Bangladesh said, "I am currently using co-working space for my remote job as it gives a feeling of being connected to the community and makes me more productive." Freelancers, yearning for meaningful connections, appreciate the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals. Additionally, startups and small businesses, aiming to minimise costs associated with establishing and managing physical offices, turn to co-working spaces as a cost-effective alternative.

Navigating the co-working etiquette: Amidst the shared desks and vibrant energy, observing certain etiquettes ensures a harmonious co-working experience. Respecting others' space and privacy takes precedence. Minhaz Amin, a web developer working as a freelancer, said, "Most often people using co-working spaces don't understand that their behaviour might cause disturbance to others, that's the problem." Maintaining cleanliness, refraining from loud conversations or gossiping in shared areas, and approaching fellow coworkers for help while respecting their boundaries are fundamental principles. Embracing a healthy balance between focused work and social interactions fosters a collaborative atmosphere.

Co-working spaces in Dhaka: Dhaka has more than 10 actively managed co-working spaces in different parts of the city. Most of the spaces provide daily, monthly, and group package offers, accessible meeting rooms, and business addresses. Moar, located in Banani, Dhanmondi, and Gulshan Link Road, offers Tk 150 per hour service. Per person seat can be taken for Tk 10,000 for a full month. Other packages include 45 hours in a month for Tk 3,000 and 120 hours in three months for Tk 8,000. Co-space located in Banani offers a full month seat for a person for Tk 6,000 and has other packages for teams. Locus, located in Banani and Uttara, offers an hourly rate of Tk 150 per person. They also have daily rates, group offers and many other modest packages suited for different team sizes.

The Business Center located in Gulshan offers various solutions for private offices, co-working spaces, corporate solutions, etc. Akota Co-working is another space located on Gulshan Avenue that offers exciting packages and ambiance including a cafe. The daily rate is Tk 1,500 and the hourly rate is Tk 350 per person. If someone takes monthly packages the costs will go down. Shareon Dhaka is another option for people trying to work from Banani that offers affordable rates. Shoho Studio located at Niketon offers a full-day seat for a person for Tk 450 and a monthly seat for Tk 8,000 among other packages.

People working from Mirpur can opt for Impacthub Dhaka which offers a monthly seat for Tk 9,000 with other available packages. Another one in Dhanmondi is Oasis Co-working Space which offers an hourly rate of Tk 150 and a monthly rate of Tk 10,000 for fixed desks among other packages. Moreover, there are at least three spaces around Badda area in Dhaka namely- Bonik Coworking, Corisers Limited and Shuru Campus that offer modest rates.

While Dhaka's soaring real estate costs might make traditional office spaces seem unattainable, co-working spaces bridge this gap. Although some view them as expensive, these spaces offer a plethora of amenities. From essential services like printing and scanning to high-speed internet, locker facilities, and a constant supply of tea and coffee, co-working spaces create an atmosphere conducive to productivity and growth. Additionally, these spaces often provide meeting rooms, allowing professionals to host clients and partners in a professional setting.

As Dhaka evolves into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, co-working spaces stand as symbols of this transformation. They provide not just physical workspaces but thriving communities, fostering collaboration, creativity, and success. In a city where every moment is precious, these shared spaces offer the gift of time-time saved from the hassles of office management, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters: their work and their dreams.

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