Learning from Puran Dhaka: A dialogue on economy, geography and heritage
An event held at Alliance Française de Dhaka on 25 February showcased Puran Dhaka’s rich history and culture, along with discussions on how to preserve its heritage and learn from it for future city planning
Puran Dhaka is not just another part of Dhaka; it is a witness of time. The capital's alleys, tangled like veins, and the tales of merchants, artisans and communities have shaped the city for centuries.
But what can we learn from Puran Dhaka's rich past to build a better future? That was the question at the heart of 'A Discussion on Economy, Geography and Heritage in Puran Dhaka,' an event held at Alliance Française de Dhaka on 25 February.
With three in-depth workshops held earlier over three days, the event explored various aspects of the old city, highlighting the deep connections between heritage, economy and urban planning.
Tuesday's event served as a wrap-up, bringing together experts, researchers and residents to discuss what makes Puran Dhaka unique and how it can be preserved and revitalised for the future.
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The discussion was structured around three key themes — economy, quality of public spaces and heritage — all of which had been deeply examined during the workshops.
Heritage: Preserving identity while adapting for the future
The first workshop was titled 'Heritage: Building and Living', presented by Tahajibul Hossain and his team. The segment highlighted how Puran Dhaka's rich history is reflected in its diverse architecture, traditional food culture and festivals.
Tahajibul is an assistant professor at the Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
However, he highlighted that accessibility to historical sites, conflicts in land use and weak heritage visibility along the riverfront pose significant challenges.
This segment emphasised the importance of broadening the definition of heritage beyond just buildings to include geography, public spaces and cultural practices. The Buriganga River was recognised as a key historical asset requiring better conservation efforts.
Introducing cultural festivals along heritage trails, improving pedestrian access and ensuring fair policies for occupants of heritage sites were among the major recommendations. Participants also suggested expanding business and tourism activities related to heritage while maintaining the integrity of historical sites.
Quality of public spaces: Green corridors and urban ecosystems
Presented by biodiversity and ethnobotany researcher Pavel Partha and his team, the second segment highlighted climate comfort and vegetation in Puran Dhaka.
Despite Puran Dhaka's dense population and vibrant street life, it retains vital green spaces in religious and educational institutions, along with heritage buildings surrounded by vegetation. That said, fragmentation of these green spaces, pollution and gender-based accessibility issues remain major concerns.
The presenter identified some key strategies, such as creating connected green corridors, improving river ecology and incorporating better waste and water management practices. Mapping out potential locations for new plantations, enhancing existing parks and encouraging private initiatives like rooftop gardens were among the proposed solutions.
Another key recommendation was treating Puran Dhaka's riverfront as a special district with distinct regulations to preserve its environmental and historical integrity.
Economy: Strengths, challenges and the path forward
Finally, the last segment, titled 'Diversity of Economy and Work,' shed light on Puran Dhaka's long history of deep entanglement with the Buriganga River.
Presented by the World Bank's urban consultant Ahmed Bin Parvez and his team, the segment called attention to how Buriganga enables a diverse range of micro and informal businesses to thrive in Puran Dhaka. The area's craftsmanship and unique trade skills have made it a hub of economic activity.
Parvez pointed out some challenges as well. Air and water pollution, mobility constraints, and safety hazards threaten its growth.
Participants in this workshop proposed solutions that focus on improving transportation infrastructure, reducing pollution and integrating better waste management systems.
Additionally, importance was placed on the need to revitalise the younger generation's interest in Puran Dhaka, and the potential for increased business-to-consumer (B2C) activities through heritage tourism and economic initiatives connected to cultural identity.
A collective call for action
The discussions at the event showed a shared commitment to preserving Puran Dhaka's unique identity while tackling modern urban challenges. The insights from the workshops will help shape future planning efforts, ensuring that Puran Dhaka remains a vibrant and livable place for generations.
The event ended with a call for teamwork among policymakers, businesses and the local community. Speakers emphasised that sustainable development is a shared responsibility. By combining heritage conservation with modern urban strategies, Puran Dhaka can become a model for inclusive and sustainable city planning.
Experts like Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, Professor Dr Adil Mohammed Khan and Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman made their remarks on the presentations. There were experts from France as well who provided feedback on the keynotes — Francis Rambert, Franck Boutté, and Marc Barani.
Her Excellency Marie Masdupuy, the Ambassador of France in Bangladesh, made the concluding speech at the event.
