The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will organise a weeklong festival titled "Hridoye Dhaka" (Dhaka in Our Hearts) from July 31 to August 7 to celebrate the capital's 416th anniversary and mark Dhaka Day on August 1.
The announcement was made by DSCC Administrator and Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam at a press conference held at Nagar Bhaban on Monday.
The weeklong celebration aims to showcase Dhaka's history, heritage, culture and environmental initiatives while promoting the city's brand internationally.
Speaking at the press conference, Abdus Salam said the theme, "Hridoye Dhaka," represents more than a festival, describing it as a long-term civic movement to revive the capital's heritage and build a cleaner and greener city.
The programme will begin on July 31 with the Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally in the morning, followed by a colourful heritage procession featuring elephants, horse-drawn carriages, palanquins and other traditional attractions in the afternoon.
On August 1, officially designated as Dhaka Day, a Dhaka Heritage Marathon will be held in the morning.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to formally inaugurate the festival at Lalbagh Fort at 4:00pm. The day will also mark the launch of the "Clean City, Green City" campaign, including special cleanliness drives, mosquito control programmes and tree plantation activities.
The celebrations will continue on August 2 with a kite festival, a special "Dhaka Adda" discussion and an evening cultural programme featuring traditional Qawwali performances at Lalbagh Fort.
A traditional boat race will be organised on the Buriganga River on August 3, covering the stretch from Kholamora Ghat to Wise Ghat.
Throughout August 1-7, a range of cultural and heritage programmes will be held across the city. These include screenings of classic films on Dhaka at Madhumita Cinema Hall, special dramas and programmes on Bangladesh Television (BTV), stage plays, an art camp and painting competition at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, "The Great Dhaka Sale" at shopping centres, and special heritage cruises from Sadarghat aboard traditional boats.
Addressing the significance of the observance, Abdus Salam said Dhaka's journey as the capital of Subah Bangla began in 1610, while the establishment of the Dhaka Municipality on August 1, 1864 marked the beginning of modern urban governance.
"That institution has evolved into today's Dhaka South City Corporation. We have therefore decided to observe August 1 as 'Dhaka Day'," he said.
The administrator said Dhaka has witnessed many defining moments in the country's history, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising, and the 2024 student-led mass movement.
"Our goal is to preserve this rich heritage while building a clean, green and modern capital," he added.
Referring to the ongoing monsoon, Abdus Salam said the festival would be held as scheduled if weather conditions improve. However, the programme may be rescheduled with the approval of the prime minister if adverse weather persists.
He called upon citizens, cultural organisations, media outlets and both local and foreign tourists to actively participate in the celebration to help promote Dhaka's heritage and civic identity.
