Dhanmondi: The Heartbeat of Dhaka

• Helloহ্যালো
  [halo]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [bidae]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [ha]
• Noনা
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeদয়া করে/আপনাকে স্বাগত
  [doya kore/apnakē swāgat]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [dhonyabād]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত/দুঃখিত
  [duḥkhita/duḥkhita]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [āpani kēmana āchēna?]
• Fine. And you?ঠিক আছি। আর আপনি?
  [ṭhika āchi. āra āpani?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
  [āpani iṅrēji baltē pārēna?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝিনি
  [āmi bujhini]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে তালিকা দেখতে চাই
  [doya kore tālikā dēkh'tē chai]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [āmi māṅsa khāi nā]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [ciẏārs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে দাম দিতে চাই
  [doya kore dām ditē chai]

• Help!বাঁচাও!
  [bāñchā'ō!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [chalē yā'ō!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশকে কল করুন!
  [puliśkē kala karuna!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে কল করুন!
  [ḍāktārkē kala karuna!]
• I'm lostআমি হারানো গিয়েছি
  [āmi hārānō giẏēchi]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [āmi asustha]

• I'd like to buy...আমি ... কিনতে চাই
  [āmi ... kinatē chai]
• I'm just lookingআমি কেবল দেখছি
  [āmi kēbala dēkha chi]
• How much is it?এটা কত?
  [ēṭā kata?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব বাজে
  [ēṭā khuba bājē]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [dām kamātē pārabēna?]

• What time is it?এখানে কতটা সময়?
  [ēkhanē kataṭā samaya?]
• It's one o'clockএটা একটা ঘণ্টা
  [ēṭā ēkaṭā ghaṇṭā]
• Half past (10)দশের পাঁচে অর্ধেক
  [daśēra pām̐cē ardhēka]
• Morningসকাল
  [sakāla]
• Afternoonঅপরাহ্ন
  [aparāhna]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [sōndhyā]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [gatakāla]
• Todayআজ
  [āja]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [āgāmīkāla]
• 1এক
  [ēka]
• 2দুই
  [du'i]
• 3তিন
  [tina]
• 4চার
  [cāra]
• 5পাঁচ
  [pām̐cē]
• 6ছয়
  [chôẏa]
• 7সাত
  [sāta]
• 8আট
  [āṭa]
• 9নয়
  [nôẏa]
• 10দশ
  [daśa]

• Where's a/the...?এখানে কোথায় ...?
  [ēkhanē kōthā'ẏa ...?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানাটি কি?
  [ṭhikānāṭi ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন (ম্যাপে)?
  [āpani āmākē dēkhātē pārabēna (myāpē)?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কওয়ান্ত হবে?
  [parēra (bāsa) kōẏānta habē?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (পর্যন্ত ....)
  [ēkaṭi ṭikēṭa (paryanta ....)]

Dhanmondi, originally a rural area, began to develop in the early 20th century as part of the expansion of Dhaka. The British colonial period saw the transformation of the landscape, with the introduction of planned urban developments. The area gradually evolved into a residential neighborhood, attracting affluent residents and becoming a center of cultural and political activity.

Dhanmondi played a pivotal role during the Language Movement in Bangladesh, which demanded recognition of Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan. The movement's protests were marked by significant events in Dhaka, and Dhanmondi's proximity to key sites made it a hub for activists and intellectuals advocating for linguistic and cultural rights, contributing to the eventual recognition of Bengali.

In 1971, Dhanmondi became a focal point during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The area was home to many national leaders, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. His residence in Dhanmondi became a safe haven for revolutionary activities, and the events leading to the independence of Bangladesh were closely linked to the political atmosphere in this neighborhood.

Dhanmondi has developed into a vibrant cultural hub, known for its educational institutions, art galleries, and parks. The area is home to the prestigious Dhaka Art Summit and several cultural organizations that promote arts and heritage, reflecting the dynamic and evolving cultural landscape of modern Dhaka.

Over the decades, Dhanmondi has witnessed significant urban development, with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The architectural landscape features a blend of modernist and traditional styles, highlighting the neighborhood's growth while maintaining its historical essence. The area is now characterized by upscale restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, catering to a diverse population.

Dhanmondi is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Dhaka. From the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. If you are coming from central Dhaka, local buses and CNG auto-rickshaws are abundant and can take you to Dhanmondi easily. The Dhanmondi area is well-connected by roads, making it convenient to reach from other parts of the city.

Dhanmondi is a walkable neighborhood with many attractions within close proximity. For longer distances, you can use the local bus service, CNGs, or cycle-rickshaws. While there is no metro system, app-based ride services like Uber and Pathao are widely available and convenient. Bicycles can also be rented from various local shops, promoting an eco-friendly way to explore the area.

Dhanmondi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. Areas near Dhanmondi Lake are usually safe, but it’s best to stay cautious in less populated streets.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are local hospitals and clinics in Dhanmondi, including the United Hospital and Square Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the neighborhood.

Fashion: Do dress modestly to respect local customs. Avoid shorts and revealing tops when out in public. Religion: Do respect religious sites and customs, including removing your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers; don’t engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food; don’t eat in public during Ramadan, as it may offend those fasting.

To experience Dhanmondi like a local, visit the Dhanmondi Lake area for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Engage with local vendors at the Dhanmondi markets for fresh produce and traditional snacks. You can also explore the neighborhood's art scene by visiting galleries and cultural centers. Don't miss the opportunity to try local delicacies at the numerous eateries, especially around the Dhanmondi 27 area.