True, but the Motijheel area did look like a slum area at all, when I was growing up in Dhaka.

If you remove the rickshaws from the picture, the place wouldn't look too bad...

^^ Ppl who dont use rickshaws shouldnt be talking about removing them. It is ppl like us who use rickshaws that will suffer. And also the ppl who drive these rickshaws. Not to forget it is environtmentally friendly transport. Seriously man what happened to the free market. There is a demand for rickshaws hence there is a supply. Why should they be removed so that a person living abroad can enjoy a "nice view" while the person living in the city suffer.

^^ Ppl who dont use rickshaws shouldnt be talking about removing them. It is ppl like us who use rickshaws that will suffer. And also the ppl who drive these rickshaws. Not to forget it is environtmentally friendly transport. Seriously man what happened to the free market. There is a demand for rickshaws hence there is a supply. Why should they be removed so that a person living abroad can enjoy a "nice view" while the person living in the city suffer.

Hey man, I've never knocked rickshaws, even though they are eyesores. I fully recognize that they are environmentally friendly and a cheap mode of transport. On the other hand, you have admit that a rickshaw is only suited for (small) local area transportation. Dhaka, being a very small city (a town actually), people can get by using rickshaws. It is not the answer for fast and efficient long distance transportation.

To put things in perspective, my one way daily commute from home to work is 42 miles. That is almost like driving from Dhaka to Comilla. How long would it take to travel that distance by a rickshaw?

They can be combined with buses for long distance travel. Yesterday I took a rickshaw to the bus stop and then got off at another stop and took the rickshaw to my destination. Ppl dont use it for fast long distance transportation but that is no reason for removing them.

If you remove the rickshaws from the picture, the place wouldn't look too bad...

True,these rickshaws make it seem like we are still in the stone age.....but yeah,sometimes riding the rickshaw can be an enjoyable experience,esply if the other passenger sitting next to you is someone you are Extremely well acquainted with ;)

^^

Dhaka does not need to rid itself of rickshaws. If the city expands and modernizes, rickshaws can continue to exist to ply locally, in the neighborhoods, like Delhi.

^^My take, don't get rid of rickshaws but at the same time we don't need gazillions of them on Dhaka's streets:ohno: In Uttara I have noticed almost 10 rickshaws for every rider just waiting around for a fare and in the same time blocking roads and thoroughfares. There is no effective licensing mechanism and three out of four times the rickshawala has no sense of direction.

Here's the thing, rickshaws are environmentally friendly and provide employment to poor people, but we need to move on to mass transport like subways, express buses combined with the necessary road infrastructure. The excuses won't hold water much longer because there was a time when our grandparents rode "goru gari" which were equally eco friendly and provided jobs. But they are long gone along with other menial jobs. We need to move on too, albeit in stages.

^^My take, don't get rid of rickshaws but at the same time we don't need gazillions of them on Dhaka's streets:ohno: In Uttara I have noticed almost 10 rickshaws for every rider just waiting around for a fare and in the same time blocking roads and thoroughfares. There is no effective licensing mechanism and three out of four times the rickshawala has no sense of direction.

Here's the thing, rickshaws are environmentally friendly and provide employment to poor people, but we need to move on to mass transport like subways, express buses combined with the necessary road infrastructure. The excuses won't hold water much longer because there was a time when our grandparents rode "goru gari" which were equally eco friendly and provided jobs. But they are long gone along with other menial jobs. We need to move on too, albeit in stages.

Even if you eliminate rickshaws and introduce a subway system, do you think the congestion on the roads will disappear? I think not. The problem(s) as I see it is that there are too few roads but way too many cars. Furthermore, I believe Dhakayites have the US folks mentality when it comes to public transportation (mass transit) system. It is for those who cannot afford their own automobiles, not for me.

The Ultimate Solution - Decentralize the population. And, there are some decent looking buildings near the City Center building.

Even if you eliminate rickshaws and introduce a subway system, do you think the congestion on the roads will disappear? I think not. The problem(s) as I see it is that there are too few roads but way too many cars. Furthermore, I believe Dhakayites have the US folks mentality when it comes to public transportation (mass transit) system. It is for those who cannot afford their own automobiles, not for me.

I don't think mass transit will eliminate congestion but will definitely reduce it significantly. Only a fraction of the 14-15 million people staying in Dhaka own a car (it looks a lot because our streets are very narrow,a proper city is supposed to have 20-25% dedicated for roads and we only have around 7%).

In India, cities like Delhi, Bangalore to Calcutta have all removed cycle rickshaws in phases (only some small parts in the older areas allow them). Dhaka should follow that gradually.. licensing and controlling will not work due to huge amount of corruption and lack of manpower. Atleast there should be a seperate lane for rickshaws in all major thoroughfares. Also some justify saying that rickshaw is environment friendly, but most people use rickshaws to go atmost 1-2 miles, which is easily walkable. In Banani, I remember walking to most places in 90s, but now all the lanes and bylanes are clogged by rickshaws and there is no space to walk, so you are forced to take one.

Also some justify saying that rickshaw is environment friendly, but most people use rickshaws to go atmost 1-2 miles, which is easily walkable.

Absolutely not. I took a rickshaw yesterday from Uttara sector 14 to sector 1. You cant walk that distance. Specially on hot day.

In Banani, I remember walking to most places in 90s, but now all the lanes and bylanes are clogged by rickshaws and there is no space to walk, so you are forced to take one.

:lol: I just walked on the streets of Banani a couple of weeks back.

In India, cities like Delhi, Bangalore to Calcutta have all removed cycle rickshaws in phases (only some small parts in the older areas allow them). Dhaka should follow that gradually

Why should rickshaws be banned specially if there is a demand and supply. Why this attack on the free market?

The congestion in Dhaka is all because of cars. A trip from Dhanmodi to Gulshan takes 2 hours and the entire stretch of that journey is on roads that are rickshaw free.

Absolutely not. I took a rickshaw yesterday from Uttara sector 14 to sector 1. You cant walk that distance. Specially on hot day.

I said "most" not "all" rickshaw trips are for short distance. I think other members here will agree that in Dhaka almost everyone is used to taking rickshaws for travelling even a mile. There is always few exceptions.. distance more than 1-2 miles can be covered by mass public transport systems like subway or buses.


:lol: I just walked on the streets of Banani a couple of weeks back.

Ofcource someone can literally do anything if he likes, I can also walk in the mine filled afghan valleys if I want.. but that doesn't make the situation pedestrian friendly.


Why should rickshaws be banned specially if there is a demand and supply. Why this attack on the free market?

I thought you wanted government control in everything, infact shouldn't all rickshaws be brought under a public system called "National Rickshaw association" and the government can subsidize all rickshawpullers for sitting in the streets :lol:


The congestion in Dhaka is all because of cars. A trip from Dhanmodi to Gulshan takes 2 hours and the entire stretch of that journey is on roads that are rickshaw free.

The congestion in Dhaka is due to multiple reasons, I agree that private cars is one of them. I am all for increasing taxes on cars aswell...But it's not the sole reason, rickshaws needs to be phased out, subway and other mass transit systems needs to be constructed and new roads/flyovers needs to be built. Moreover, industrial units (garments, leather industries) and cantonment needs to be relocated.

I am perfectly fine with Dhaka city having around 20-30 thousand rickshaws in a controlled manner (with proper licenses and designated lanes), but according to a newspaper report there are over 600,000 rickshaws plying in the street and over 400,000 of those are illegal.

I thought you wanted government control in everything, infact shouldn't all rickshaws be brought under a public system called "National Rickshaw association" and the government can subsidize all rickshawpullers for sitting in the streets :lol:


Nah I dont. Infact I believe if there is a demand there should be a supply - which is why I believe alcohol should be legal in BD. So rickshaws should stay. Government can fix fares for rickshawalas ( which is done in many places). Rickshawalas all have their local associations nothing wrong with that. But you since you believe in the free market you shouldnt be saying no to rickshaws.

I said "most" not "all" rickshaw trips are for short distance. I think other members here will agree that in Dhaka almost everyone is used to taking rickshaws for travelling even a mile.

I wont. All my rickshaw trips are distances that cannot be covered on foot.

Ofcource one can literally do anything if they like, I can also walk in the mine filled afghan valleys if I want.. but that doesn't make the situation pedestrian friendly.

Comparing Banani to an Afghan mine field. :lol:. Banani isnt any less pedestrian friendly then any other place in Dhaka. Sure there arent pavements like Dhanmondi. But one can walk comfortably on the side of the street. Been forced to take a rickshaw because there are too many rickshaws is one of the weirdest things I ever heard.

The congestion in Dhaka is due to multiple reasons, I agree that private cars is one of them. I am all for increasing taxes on private cars aswell...But it's not the sole reason, rickshaws needs to be phased out, subway and other mass transit systems needs to be implemented and percentage of road needs to be increased.

Phasing out rickshaws will not decrease the congestion. Ppl living abroad might get to look at better looking photographs of Dhaka streets. Subway will never happen and I dunno how much roads can be increased since everything is built in an unplanned way. The problem is the problem with rest of BD. Too many ppl in too small of a land. The govt. needs to put a one-child policy in place right now.

Nah I dont. Infact I believe if there is a demand there should be a supply - which is why I believe alcohol should be legal in BD. So rickshaws should stay. Government can fix fares for rickshawalas ( which is done in many places). Rickshawalas all have their local associations nothing wrong with that. But you since you believe in the free market you shouldnt be saying no to rickshaws.

We cannot implement "free market capitalism" in a vacuum, I think I mentioned it atleast a dozen times. Infact I also said that Bangladesh cannot privatize sectors like energy, railway overnight. For a market economy to work, you need free flow of information, implementation of propertry rights and many other factors. We should gradually move forward to it in a step by step process. I am against nationalization, which basically means going on the opposite direction.


I wont. All my rickshaw trips are distances that cannot be covered on foot.

Good, you are a minority. Most people in Dhaka take rickshaws for even a 1-2 mile ride.. I have only moved to US recently, I stayed there almost my whole life before that, so have experienced it first hand.


Phasing out rickshaws will not decrease the congestion. Ppl living abroad might get to look at better looking photographs of Dhaka streets. Subway will never happen and I dunno how much roads can be increased since everything is built in an unplanned way. The problem is the problem with rest of BD. Too many ppl in too small of a land. The govt. needs to put a one-child policy in place right now.

Phasing out rickshaws alone will not solve the problem, it has to be done in conjunction with increased taxes on private cars, subway/metro system, flyovers (or atleast overpasses at railway intersections),relocating factories and cantonment out of the city e.tc.

I agree with you on population control, but that's a long term plan, we also need to have initiatives for the short term.

While u guys are busy arguing how to improve traffic situation in Dhaka, I am actually missing the long traffic jams that used to give me time to think,find myself and be alone in the middle of a chaotic city.......I miss the Me time that Dhaka city used to give me.........:ohno:

While u guys are busy arguing how to improve traffic situation in Dhaka, I am actually missing the long traffic jams that used to give me time to think,find myself and be alone in the middle of a chaotic city.......I miss the Me time that Dhaka city used to give me.........:ohno:

What you need to do, Mirza, is rent a camel and hit the deserts. You can have as much "me time" as you wish. :lol:

While u guys are busy arguing how to improve traffic situation in Dhaka, I am actually missing the long traffic jams that used to give me time to think,find myself and be alone in the middle of a chaotic city.......I miss the Me time that Dhaka city used to give me.........:ohno:

I understand Mirza's pain.... there is a reason why Bengali doesn't have a word for 'privacy'! :lol: So traffic jams can give us that valuable time to reflect, even though it may be in a hot an humid environment!

While u guys are busy arguing how to improve traffic situation in Dhaka, I am actually missing the long traffic jams that used to give me time to think,find myself and be alone in the middle of a chaotic city.......I miss the Me time that Dhaka city used to give me.........:ohno:

Come to LA, we can replenish your needs...

Come to LA, we can replenish your needs...

:lol: like I always say.....nirshongo Tay manush tar nij porichoy khuje pay

We cannot implement "free market capitalism" in a vacuum, I think I mentioned it atleast a dozen times. Infact I also said that Bangladesh cannot privatize sectors like energy, railway overnight. For a market economy to work, you need free flow of information, implementation of propertry rights and many other factors. We should gradually move forward to it in a step by step process. I am against nationalization, which basically means going on the opposite direction.


All fair and good but my question is if there is a market for rickshaws then why should they be banned specially if they are not harming anyone.

Good, you are a minority. Most people in Dhaka take rickshaws for even a 1-2 mile ride.. I have only moved to US recently, I stayed there almost my whole life before that, so have experienced it first hand.

It may be true that some ppl take rickshaws for small distances but the fact remains many ppl make essential journeys using rickshaws. And banning rickshaws wpu;d be depriving them.

All fair and good but my question is if there is a market for rickshaws then why should they be banned specially if they are not harming anyone.

It may be true that some ppl take rickshaws for small distances but the fact remains many ppl make essential journeys using rickshaws. And banning rickshaws wpu;d be depriving them.

Sounds good.. let's move back to City Center. So anyone knows when this place will be opened?

Sounds good.. let's move back to City Center. So anyone knows when this place will be opened?

Must be some time in 2011. They still have to finish the interiors.

When I am in Dhaka later this month I'll try to take some pictures.

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Nice Area Manager

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^^ Well at least it was the "nice" area manager posting that ad and not the mean one...I can't stand that guy..

what is the height of "City Center". it would be nice if mod adds height in the title.

what is the height of "City Center". it would be nice if mod adds height in the title.

Yes, that would be nice. Unfortunately, heights of buildings in Bangladesh are not publicly disclosed.

Hi everyone, I'm back from a short trip to Bangladesh. I will be doing a trip report for you all...but I am very busy the next few days, so not much before Tuesday.

Having seen City Center in person for the first time since it topped out, I think there is no doubt that it is taller than Bangladesh Bank. Previously, based on some shots of the two together that I had seen, I had thought that Bangladesh Bank might be taller, despite having six fewer storeys. Now I will correct myself and say without reservation that this is the city's tallest building. More to the point, it's a very attractive structure, and compares favorably with midrises abroad as well. I asked one of the people there how long he thought before the building will be completed, and he said probably 6-7 months. I will be posting a few pictures in a trip report this week, though I am pretty busy for the next two or three days.

Hi everyone, I'm back from a short trip to Bangladesh. I will be doing a trip report for you all...but I am very busy the next few days, so not much before Tuesday.

Having seen City Center in person for the first time since it topped out, I think there is no doubt that it is taller than Bangladesh Bank. Previously, based on some shots of the two together that I had seen, I had thought that Bangladesh Bank might be taller, despite having six fewer storeys. Now I will correct myself and say without reservation that this is the city's tallest building. More to the point, it's a very attractive structure, and compares favorably with midrises abroad as well. I asked one of the people there how long he thought before the building will be completed, and he said probably 6-7 months. I will be posting a few pictures in a trip report this week, though I am pretty busy for the next two or three days.

cant wait for tuesday tan!!

Yes, that would be nice. Unfortunately, heights of buildings in Bangladesh are not publicly disclosed.

Height of buildings are often listed in the developer's website.

Height of buildings are often listed in the developer's website.

Looked before, couldn't find it there. Only time I have found believable heights were for Westin and some other buildings in a newspaper article a few years ago. Wikipedia lists City Center at 171 m, however I think that is much too high a figure (and the site does not give a source). I expect something in the vicinity of 400 ft. Then again, I'm just a casual observer...and certainly no authority on the matter.

Pic by Himel Nag Rana

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5772091738_bba634610d_b.jpg

They are adding the trelis to the top of City Center! I had thought that this design element had been abandoned, but am glad to see it becoming reality!

Pic by G M Rafiqul Islam

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/59499190.jpg

They are adding the trelis to the top of City Center! I had thought that this design element had been abandoned, but am glad to see it becoming reality!

Looking good.

They are adding the trelis to the top of City Center! I had thought that this design element had been abandoned, but am glad to see it becoming reality!


Looking good.

What is a trelis? Is it a heliport?

[QUOTE=TIslam;84133454]

What is a trelis? Is it a heliport?

A trellis (http://www.rnarchitect.com/images/Brookside%20Outdoor%20Room.jpg)is a open cantilever structure extending from a solid architectural building. Most are decorative though some solid trellises serve a specific function such as solar barrier in hot countries like Bangladesh (Karnish over window?). The circular heliport in City Center is inside the cantilever trellis structure. Most rooftop heliports have mesh covered outer trellises to contain accident situations.

Sorry I left out an "L" from "trellis."

Thanks for the correction and info, Manbil bhai.

You bet brother :). Glad to be of help.

Trellis looks about complete now. Not much more work left on the exterior. Photo by kingsak1.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6562037595_0394d67a01_b.jpg

damn looking.good thanks for.the picture , so is this the highest tallest building in bangladesh ? or any other in progress?

damn looking.good thanks for.the picture , so is this the highest tallest building in bangladesh ? or any other in progress?

Yes, that's the tallest, and no, nothing else is planned for now. Dhaka has plenty of construction in the 20 - 30 storey range. The soil in Dhaka (and BD in general) is very soft with bedrock far below the surface, which makes building taller buildings very expensive. Not to mention, support services (as highlighted by the Bashundhara City blaze a few years ago) have yet to catch up with the skyward push. Eventually, I'm sure we'll see taller structures, but for now builders have clearly decided that the 20 - 30 range is most practical and profitable for them.

Yes, that's the tallest, and no, nothing else is planned for now. Dhaka has plenty of construction in the 20 - 30 storey range. The soil in Dhaka (and BD in general) is very soft with bedrock far below the surface, which makes building taller buildings very expensive. Not to mention, support services (as highlighted by the Bashundhara City blaze a few years ago) have yet to catch up with the skyward push. Eventually, I'm sure we'll see taller structures, but for now builders have clearly decided that the 20 - 30 range is most practical and profitable for them.

I doubt we even have fire trucks that can reach the trellis of City Center!

^^ Nah dude! We got the Monsoon season for that :lol: