The exhibition titled "Old Dhaka - Narratives, Reflection, Future: Unraveling through Heritage Trails" at Alliance Française in Dhaka showcases the thoughtful and exploratory efforts of architecture students from the University of Asia Pacific. The exhibition will be open to the public from 3pm to 9pm daily at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi, until Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

Historical monuments and ancient settlements witness a nation's past, shaping its cultural identity and heritage. Among these enduring monuments in Old Dhaka, which bears witness to four centuries of history. Its origins date back to the 7th century BC. Situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka flourished in the 17th century as Jahangirabad, the capital of the Bengal province of the Mughal Empire. Over the ages, the city has become a meeting place for different ethnic groups.

From the final resting place of Pari Bibi at Lalbagh Fort to the Nawab-era Ahsan Manzil, the resounding call to prayer at Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque and Shaista Khan Mosque, to the spiritual echoes of Hussaini Dalan - Old Dhaka is awash in the narrative of time. The nostalgic aroma of Farashganj's spice market, the literary debates of Beauty Boarding, the rhythmic drums of Dhakeshwari Temple and the colonial beauty of Curzon Hall, all tell the story of a historic metropolis.

Although Old Dhaka is today a beacon of cultural prosperity, its architectural heritage is increasingly under threat from rapid urbanization and uncontrolled development. To ensure that this historical heritage is not lost, the Department of Architecture at Asia Pacific University has undertaken extensive efforts to document, preserve, and promote the heritage of Old Dhaka through tourism and education.

A group of dedicated students, led by renowned architectural conservationist and Dean of the Department of Architecture, Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, spent the last year exploring the alleyways of Old Dhaka. Through meticulous research, they have uncovered not only architectural heritage but also detailed accounts of local lifestyles, occupations and socio-economic conditions.

As part of this initiative, six important architectural heritage routes have been identified, which will help tourists learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Old Dhaka. The effort aims to encourage heritage-based tourism, while simultaneously increasing business and career opportunities for the local community.