Not too long ago, our city was small, serene. Filled with open spaces, and vast greenery, the streets of Dhaka were a marvel. It was nothing like what it is today. Being the capital of the country, most of its economic activity was centered in and around Dhaka. It’s the economic heart of Bangladesh after all. With an uptick in the country’s fortunes came a rapid real estate boom in the capital with an ensuing expansion of the borders of the city. A utopia was promised, with lush greenery and wide-open spaces for the citizens to roam around in. At least that was the plan.
The demands of a growing population and commercial hubs were prioritized over proper residential planning of the city. Parks and playgrounds became an afterthought. Front yards and gardening space for residents became nonexistent. Large skyscrapers were being built by the dozen. High-density housing areas sprung up, where apartment buildings only had inches of space between them. Housing demands were being met, businesses were booming, new hip restaurants and cafes were opening but the residents of Dhaka lost something in the process. Open space in the outdoors for gardening, have evening tea with friends, and host social events all became lost luxuries. This is where Dhaka’s rooftops came to the rescue.
DHAKA ROOFTOPS
Longing for sunshine, fresh air, and open space, the citizens of Dhaka resorted to the place most accessible for them – rooftops. They had always been used for hanging clothes to dry, baking various herbs and spices under the hot sun, and small scale gardening. But with the increase in the population of Dhaka, rooftops started to play a much more significant role in the daily lives of people. The demand for parks and playgrounds was on the rise. But these demands were never met. Most of us have grown used to not having much open space in the city. Rooftops became the only respite. Most millennials in Dhaka have a deep-rooted connection with rooftops, which started at a very young age. Let me tell you how.
CHILDHOOD
Our parents would tell us tales of the big fields they played in when they were children. They felt as if the whole world was their oyster. Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Kabaddi – they’d be playing every sport imaginable in these big fields. Sadly, when we were children, small playgrounds were rare, let alone big fields. And the very same people who enjoyed massive freedom as children, our parents, were scared to let us out to play in our neighborhood playgrounds. Dhaka wasn’t the safest place for children to be roaming around in the streets unsupervised. But it’s natural for children to want to play outside with their friends. Dhaka rooftops became a safe haven for these kids to play in.
Children could play most sports on rooftops, albeit certain limitations. Cricket is a sport that requires a large space to play. Children around the world improvised. From the backyards of Australia to the streets of the Subcontinent, children play short-pitch cricket. A more muted version of the gentleman’s game, only grounded shots can be played. This rule resonated much more with the kids who played on Dhaka rooftops. Tennis balls weren’t cheap, and plonking one out of the boundaries of the rooftop trying to imitate Chris Gayle wasn’t the wisest move. When winter came, badminton was the sport of choice. Dhaka rooftops became a special place for children. This is where friendships were made. Where they felt like kings. Where they felt free.
ADOLESCENCE
The children playing on Dhaka rooftops eventually had to grow up. You only wished as a kid to stay young forever. This transition from childhood to adulthood was a bumpy road. There were growing pains. It was a time of goodbyes and heartaches. Suddenly, everything that was expected of us seemed too much at that age. Rebellious tendencies inside of us grew. We were yearning to be freer. Rooftops became an escape from the confusion of life. This is where teenagers could hang out with their friends. Where they could be themselves. Teenagers had more freedom to roam around the city compared to children. But they also attracted the judgemental eyes of their neighbors.
Dhaka Rooftops suddenly seemed like the perfect place for teens to be, away from the judgemental eyes of society monitoring and judging their every move. Adolescence is when a person tends to expand their horizons. Creativity is at its peak. Many aspiring musicians, budding photographers, and emerging artists spent much of their time practicing their skills on Dhaka rooftops. Chilling with friends, playing our favorite tunes – we’ve all done that at some point in our lives. Even when you’re by yourself, the rooftop seems like the perfect place to relax. Putting your headphones on, looking at the evening sky, and lying down on the roof – seems like a fleeting dream now.
ADULTHOOD
Finally, we’ve arrived at this point. There is this newfound sense of independence, as well as increased responsibilities. Life seems more in control now. Or so we thought. The levels of stress that adulthood brings are unparalleled to everything that came before it. You are now accountable for every action, with fewer people to fall back on. At this stage of life, we yearn for some peace and quiet. A place of zen, which in this hustling and bustling city is a rarity. In the daytime, rooftops are bustling with people. Kids playing around. Clothes being hanged to dry. The cacophony of kids screaming and moms chatting sounds like organized chaos. However, after the sun sets, Dhaka rooftops become a haven of tranquility. Not a single soul in sight. It becomes a place of zen.
Going to your rooftop and looking at the night sky, with a cup of coffee in hand can be therapeutic after a hard day out at work. You’ll be lost in thought gazing at the stars. Forgetting those imminent deadlines at work or problems at home. Life seems a lot less worrying. For a while, at least. The rooftop can also be a great place to catch up with old friends. Winter barbecues are perfect for this. Friends and family get together to put together a mighty feast. This is especially so during New Year’s Eve, when the Dhaka skyline turns into a magnificent display of fireworks. People flock to the rooftops to celebrate the onset of a new year. Neighboring households compete to put on the best fireworks show. This is when Dhaka rooftops seem to have a life of their own.
OLD AGE
You’ve entered the twilight of your life. Today’s fast-paced world appears to have passed by you. There’s a lot of time on your hands. This is when you must be fit and active. For those with parks near their houses, that isn’t too hard. But those who don’t have that luxury, tend to work out on their rooftops. Fitness is very important at this age. Dhaka rooftops are also great for certain hobbies such as gardening, or bird keeping. Hobbies can keep you busy. Also, people tend to feel lonely at this age, with opportunities for socializing being slim. Which is why visiting the rooftop is a great way to interact with other people. For example, you could have a chat with the kids coming up to play cricket after lunch. Maybe tell them of your own extraordinary feats at their age.
No matter what your age is, Dhaka rooftops will always hold a special place in your heart. At first glance, most rooftops in Dhaka might seem desolate. But they have a special place in the hearts and minds of people of all ages. Be it playing cricket as a child or discovering hidden talents within you as a teenager. Maybe unwinding after a stressful day at work or working towards creating your own Garden of Eden on your Dhaka rooftop. Whatever it may be, the rooftop has become a refuge from the hassles of daily life. A place where you can be free. So, here’s to the magical rooftops of Dhaka. May you live long in the hearts of the residents of this magnificent city.
