Maybe your meaning of the word “laidback” will be completely challenged, once you experience the laidback stratosphere of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My coolest local friend, who is as talkative as a midnight talk show host, wanted to show me around and he insisted that there are quite a handful of very relaxed and unconcerned environments within Bangladesh’s capital; places that I may want to experience. Originally, the thought of beach, sand, and coconut juice came to my mind - but then again, Dacca, this sixth-most densely populated city in the world might not be that place. So, I asked him - where would these places be?

Answer: it is within Dhaka itself. As a matter of fact, if you are exploring top sights for outdoors, arts and culture, history, or something kid-friendly, it would be impossible for you not to find a laidback place. Actually, most the places are quite relaxed and easy-going, except that there are overflowing people from almost every corner! Having said these, these five places are considered the most “free and easy” kind of places, where you can just maybe sit, do people watching, or enjoy a good book, maybe; or, yes, laidback shopping! Enjoy! :-)

University of Dhaka

Address: Nilkhet Rd, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Website: https://www.du.ac.bd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/univdhaka.ac.bd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/383630029/bangladesh/dhaka-bangladesh/university-of-dhaka-/

University of Dhaka the oldest and largest university in Bangladesh and one of the oldest and most distinguished institutions for higher education and research in the Indian Subcontinent. The University was established in 1921 under the Dacca University Act 1920 of the Indian Legislative Council. It was established in the Ramna area of Dhaka City with approximately 600 acres of land. A large portion of its initial infrastructure comprised with the teachers of the Dhaka College and its buildings (present Curzon Hall). It opened its doors to academic activities on 1 July 1921 as a residential university. The University started its activities with 3 faculties (Arts, Science and Law), 12 teaching departments, 60 teachers, 847 students and 3 residential halls. There were eight departments under Arts faculty viz. Sanskrit and Bangla, English, Education, History, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Persian and Urdu, Philosophy, and Political Economy; the faculty of Science started with three departments viz. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; and the faculty of Law started with the Department of Law. Out of the total students enrolled in the three faculties 386 were admitted in the Dhaka (Shahidullah) Hall, 313 in the Jagannath Hall and 178 in the Salimullah Muslim Hall as resident and non resident students. Read more at: http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=University_of_Dhaka

Kella Lalbagh / Lalbagh Fort

Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lalbagh-fort

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lalbag1678

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/446885325/bangladesh/dhaka-bangladesh/lalbagh-fort-lalbagh-kella/

The half-completed Lalbagh Fort and its well-tended gardens are an excuse to escape Old Dhaka’s hustle and bustle for an hour or so. The fort is particularly atmospheric in the early morning light. Construction began in 1677 under the direction of Prince Mohammed Azam, Emperor Aurangzeb's third son, although he handed it to Shaista Khan for completion. However, the death of Khan’s daughter, Pari Bibi (Fair Lady), was considered such a bad omen that the fort was never completed. Read more at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bangladesh/dhaka/attractions/lalbagh-fort/a/poi-sig/1020247/355783

National Assembly Building / Parliament

Address: Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh

Website: http://architectuul.com/architecture/national-assembly-building-of-bangladesh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/146514058697430/posts/national-assembly-building-at-dhaka-recipient-of-the-aga-khan-award-for-architec/2628888340459977/

Instagram:

American architect Louis Kahn’s National Assembly of Bangladesh (Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban) is a unified modern design with ancient references that was constructed to bring Pakistan a sense of unity. Deemed a masterpiece by many, the building’s construction started in 1961, but it couldn’t be completed until nine years after the architect’s death in 1983. The interruption came from the liberation war of Bangali people, which effected Kahn’s vision tremendously. Read more at: https://interestingengineering.com/5-interesting-facts-about-louis-kahns-national-assembly-of-bangladesh

Bashundhara City Shopping Complex

Address: 3 No Tejturi Bazar West, Panthapath, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

Website: http://www.bashundhara-city.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcdl.bg/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAwBWtBophbgAnLNpogUS8Q

This is very large shopping mall about 10 floors - with different floors specialising in different things. All floors was very clean and cool, with lovely shops and friendly staffs. There is a security check on the way check in. Prices aren't rock bottom but they are reasonable and great choice. Underground carpark too. Read more at: https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g293936-d4598025-r481555656-Bashundhara_City-Dhaka_City_Dhaka_Division.html

Mustafa Mart

Address: Basement 1 & 2, Bashundhara City Shopping complex, Panthapath, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

Website: https://www.inspirock.com/bangladesh/dhaka-city/mustafa-mart-a2332682135

Mustafa Mart is a international chain shop which is located at Bashundhara city's basement. They have a large collection of imported products like cosmetics, perfumes, bags, toys, dresses, stationary, sports items and many more. At a look it can be a little pricey but you will find some good products over here. Read more at: https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowUserReviews-g293936-d8754757-r461518915-Mustafa_Mart-Dhaka_City_Dhaka_Division.html

Gentleman’s Rest Bar

Address: 176 Shahid Syed Nazrul Islam Sharani, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

Website: https://www.zentleman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zentlemans/

Not one to toot our own horns but we must say weekend nights looks good on us! At Gentleman's Rest weekends are a special occasion with live music and barbecue where you can let your hair down, dance and dine the night away! Reservations open! Read more at: https://gentlemans-rest-bar.business.site/