Dhaka: A ‘Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally’ was held in the capital on Friday morning as part of a month-long festival aimed at highlighting Dhaka’s rich history, heritage, and cultural legacy, and strengthening citizens’ sense of ownership and responsibility towards the city. The rally was organised by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), starting at 7:00am from the historic Dhaka Gate.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways, and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib inaugurated the rally as the chief guest, while Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman attended as a special guest with DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam in the chair. Around 300 citizens participated in the cycle rally, which was part of the ‘Hridoye Dhaka 416’ festival, commemorating the 416th anniversary of Dhaka.
The rally route included key city landmarks such as TSC intersection, Shahbagh intersection, Bata Signal, and several others before culminating at Nagar Bhaban. Each cyclist received a medal and certificate from the DSCC.
State Minister Habib emphasized the importance of a safe, clean, and livable Dhaka, highlighting its centrality to Bangladesh’s future. DSCC Administrator Salam stressed the need for a stronger emotional bond between citizens and their historic city, aiming to foster greater civic responsibility.
The festival includes a variety of events such as a ‘Dhaka Heritage Run,’ a theatre festival, a traditional boat race, and a heritage cruise. Old films about Dhaka will be screened, and a special sale, ‘The Great Dhaka Sale,’ will be held across the city. Other activities include a ‘Love Letter to Dhaka’ initiative, stage plays, and a special aerial view of the festival.
The festival will formally be inaugurated at Lalbagh Fort by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and will feature a cleanliness and tree-plantation program, a kite festival, and cultural performances. It will conclude on September 5 with a ‘Panchayeti Adda’ of Old Dhaka residents.
The DSCC encourages citizens to engage with the festival, celebrating with pride and responsibility amid their busy lives.