On Monday (July 13), the details of the program were presented at a press conference held at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium by the Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam.
He informed that “Hridaye Dhaka” is not just a festival; it is a long-term initiative to revive Dhaka's heritage and build a clean, green, and citizen-friendly capital.
Program Schedule
July 31
- Early morning: 'Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally'
- Afternoon: Traditional 'Dhaka Shobhayatra' with elephants, horse carriages, and palanquins
August 1 (Dhaka Day)
- Early morning: 'Dhaka Heritage Marathon'
- 4:00 PM: Inauguration of the festival at Lalbagh Fort
- Cleanliness drives, mosquito control, and tree planting under the 'Clean City, Green City' program
August 2
- Kite festival at Lalbagh Fort
- 'Dhaka Addda'
- Qawwali and cultural programs
August 3
- Traditional boat race on the Buriganga River (from Kholamora Ghat to Waiz Ghat)
August 1–7
- Exhibition of old films about Dhaka at Madhumita Cinema Hall
- Special dramas and programs on BTV
- Plays, art camps, and painting competitions at Shilpakala Academy
- 'The Great Dhaka Sale' at shopping malls in the capital
- 'Heritage Cruise' on traditional boats from Sadarghat
At the press conference, the Administrator said, Dhaka began its journey as the capital of Subah Bengal in 1610. Later, on August 1, 1864, modern city administration began with the establishment of the Dhaka Municipality. Considering this historical significance, it has been decided to observe August 1 as 'Dhaka Day'.
He further said, from the Language Movement, Liberation War, the mass uprising of the 1990s to the student-public mass uprising of 2024, Dhaka's name is associated with all major historical events of Bangladesh. DSCC is working to build a clean, green, smart, and modern capital by upholding that heritage.
Regarding the weather situation, he informed that the festival will be held as scheduled if the weather is favorable. However, if necessary due to adverse weather, changes may be made to the schedule subject to the Prime Minister's approval.
Dhaka South City Corporation has invited domestic and foreign tourists, cultural organizations, media, and city residents to participate in this week-long festival.
