At a press conference at Nagar Bhaban yesterday, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said the festival was planned against the historical backdrop of Dhaka's journey as the capital of Subah Bengal in 1610 and the establishment of the municipality on 1 August 1864. He said the main goal of this initiative is to create awareness and a sense of responsibility among citizens about Dhaka's history, heritage and culture.
The month-long programme includes a heritage run, boat race, heritage cruise, screening of old films, stage plays, and a Dhaka procession (horse carriages, rickshaws, vintage cars, palanquins).
On 29 August, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the festival at Lalbagh Fort, and the ‘Clean City, Green City’ programme will begin. On 30 August, a kite festival, Dhaka adda and qawali programme will be held. DSCC has decided to observe 1 August as ‘Dhaka Day’.
