Reflections
Things
to Do
and Places to Go
Faizul
Khan Tanim
If you're
feeling pretty discouraged by the fact that 2004 has been
a year of controversies, of raining grenades and smoking Bangabazar,
up to mass bloodshed and destitution -- it is understandable
-- after all, we have pretty much seen and done it all this
year. One might be tempted to suggest that reviewing our accomplishments
would be like finding a needle in a haystack -- but there
have been a couple of interesting events and new establishments
in the city worth taking notice of and that point to better
times ahead.
The
opening of the long awaited fly-over has been a big topic
of discussion, along with Bashundhara City in Panthapath,
claimed to be one of the biggest shopping malls in Asia. Upon
the opening of these two, the city dwellers found something
great to talk about. The fly-over gave us the feeling of meeting
up with the fast paced world while Bashundhara City gave us
loads of entertainment, from the Star Cineplex to the numerous
shops and fast-food outlets. At least now young people have
some place to hang out at rather than having to loaf around
in the streets with firearms.
Recently,
the city's main roads have been carpeted, the islands and
road dividers have a new look with the intensive face-lifting
scheme of the government. The roads now sport arty, mind-boggling
sculptures. This is was thanks to the 'beautification' programme
in honour of the 13th Saarc summit which was supposed to be
held in the nation's capital in January. The summit has since
been postponed and who knows perhaps so has the 'beautification'
efforts.
The bright
new traffic lights with computerised signaling systems add
to the metropolitan look, the main roads are being cleaned
and dividers are kept sparkling green. This is all in tune
with the opening new Bangladeshi and international fast-food
joints like A&W and bookstores such as Words-n-Pages in
Gulshan. Places like these at least give people more options
to spend their free time and escape the hustle and bustle
of the city.
The introduction
of a few standard gyms has been another novelty city-goers
have welcomed the past year. Dhaka residents are becoming
more and more health-conscious these days and the impressive
turnout at gymnasiums and fitness centres that have popped
up around the city over the last year bears testimony to this
trend. The rising popularity of these health centres is excellent
news for the enterprising owners of the gyms. Membership is
increasing by the day. "After dropping off my child at
school, I had nothing better to do in the past other than
chatting with fellow parents. But joining the gym has made
me feel more refreshed and it is also a constructive way to
pass time," enthused Shaila Rahman, a city resident,
about her frequent jaunts to her local gym to work off a few
calories.
Music
has also been a good reason to reflect the last year with
optimism. The recent induction of formerly underground bands
into our mainstream music has a real thrill for music lovers
of the city. New contemporary vibes came in with the likes
of Habib (Krishno), Artcell, Aurthohin, Black, and Cryptic
Fate -- with enriched compositions and mind-blowing fusion
works, these bands took us to an international level of music
making. Their projects resulted in the output of really top
quality concerts and gigs all around the city. Suddenly the
freedom of youth was felt and a new revolution sparked with
rocking music, bandanas, and singing your heart out.
This
stirring atmosphere also resulted in opening new practice
points, popularly called jamming pads. With cool lighting
and decorations and rocking atmosphere, these joints provide
the ultimate hangout place. New bands are forming with a different
taste of music blending in to our culture.
Ashulia
has been another great place of entertainment. Motor-ski,
boat rides, and even sitting beside the river have become
an excellent way to pass time. The theme parks like Fantasy
Kingdom and Nandan Park are amongst the other family places
where the Dhakaites can at least have some recreation. The
air, the atmosphere, the smell -- all has been an enchanting
treat from these parks after a heavy week's work.
As dusk
comes down with the sense of insecurity from the city streets,
the more privileged ones among us can actually go out on long
drives and even to costly roof-top restaurants. As the gleaming
lights of the city reflect through the windowpane from the
21st floor of a posh eatery, even if it does not seem like
the Queen's Necklace, as the lights on Marine Drive in Mumbai,
the sight is still a welcome one that stirs the soul and kindles
the fire of possibility in one's heart.
For the
youth of Dhaka city, the metropolitan excitement of the capital
seems infused with infinite possibilities, and we look forward
with eager anticipation to the commotion and exhilaration
that we know the new year will bring.
Copyright
(R) thedailystar.net 2004
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