It’s been more than a decade since I have moved in Dhaka. Since then, I have spent only a few days away from Dhaka, and it has become such that I feel more comfortable at Dhaka than anywhere else. Which is ironic because there is so much about this city that irks me.
Every holiday, I make a journey back to my hometown. My time spent away from Dhaka can’t be more than a few days at a time but even during those few days, there are things that I miss about Dhaka.
Food delivery
In the metropolitan city, we take it for granted and never think too much of it. But once you are in the suburbs or the village, you realise how useful this little perk is. Sure, some businesses in the small towns are now trying home delivery, but the convenience is nowhere near to what you get in Dhaka. And the choices when ordering food? You never know how badly you want that burger at 10PM until you are away from Dhaka.
Public transport and ride sharing
Frequent buses, metro rail, a biker or car for hire; these are our daily necessities in Dhaka. On your way to work, you get a number of choices to pick from. You can find a seat in a human hauler, you can try to fight for a space in one of many buses, you can battle for a breathing room in the metro or you can choose to spend more and get a bike that will drop you where you want to go.
Outside of Dhaka, there are very few places where you get as many and as consistent choices. Specially in villages, movements can really be a struggle unless you have your own motorbike. I miss the choice of transports when I’m not in Dhaka.
Late night buzz
I’m not saying it is a good thing to stay up late, but within the limited 24 hours of each day, it often tends to get late before I call it a night. Sometimes, I find myself wishing for a cup of tea, or a midnight snack. The thing about Dhaka is that no matter what time it is, you can always find a cup of tea. And if you are motivated enough, you can find a full meal at any hour of the night. It seems like the city never truly falls asleep. Whenever I am away from the city, I find myself wanting that late night presence.
Street lamps
It may sound stupid to many. Others might say it is a foolish attempt to romanticise Dhaka, but I do miss the street lamps. Hear me out; it’s not like street lamps are exclusive to Dhaka. They are found everywhere, even in remote villages. But I enjoy watching the sight of street lamps in a straight path as I take a lazy walk. Especially after a heavy rain, there is something entrancing about the way Dhaka streets look. Glistening asphalt, blurry lights and contrasting colours; It makes me feel like the whole world is inside a watercolour painting.
My campus
Most of all, I miss my campus whenever I am not in Dhaka. Sure, I do not live in a dorm anymore. In fact, I live away from the campus these days. But living in Dhaka, I always know that whenever I feel said, or homesick, or just want to feel like I belong, Dhaka University is just a bike ride away. When I am away from Dhaka, it feels like there is this huge distance that separates me and my campus. It sounds mushy, exaggerated, even silly to many. But to me, it’s a part of my existence.
Sure, I get annoyed at Dhaka several times a day. I have a thousand complaints about the city and a thousand more about its people. But it’s also the city that has allowed me to find myself within its domain. So, ironic as it is, whenever I am not in Dhaka, I miss Dhaka.
