By Mahamudur Rahman Najid 

DHAKA, Sept 18, 2025 (BSS) - Every dawn of Dhaka is unlike the other parts of the day as its tranquility and serenity enthralls the city dwellers with the sun just peeping on the sky. 

The ancient city, usually suffered by heavy traffic jams, honking and dust throughout the day, appears in a different form in the dawn as the city atmosphere are filled with peace and calmness. 

The city roads don't have familiar look of rushing cars, clogged traffic jam and huge crowds rather it look like almost deserted with a very thin vehicle movement, making the capital almost a noise-free city.

Even though the sun spreads heat throughout the day, a light coolness is mixed with the morning air. At this time, people of all ages are seen walking, running and exercising in the parks of the capital. Starting from Victoria Park in Old Dhaka to Dhupkhola Maath, Lalbagh Fort, Ramna Park, Dhanmondi Lake, a peaceful morning begins with the roaming of people everywhere.

Bahadur Shah Park (Victoria Park)

Bahadur Shah Park is a witness to the history of Dhaka. This park stands a symbol of memories of Old Dhaka. People start gathering here at five in the morning. Some are seen walking, some sit under the trees and have workout. Men, women, youths even children comes to the park to have a fresh air of morning. 

The park appears to be a multifunctional place to the neighbourhood people as some are seen running in circles around the park, some are doing various types of exercises together.

Md. Lokman Hossain, a local resident of Old Dhaka, is a diabetic patient. The signs of age are visible in his eyes. 

Talking to BSS, he said, "I was diagnosed with diabetes a long time ago. The doctor advised me to take regular walks in the morning and afternoon. Victoria Park is not far from my house. I come here after offering prayers in the morning. Some of my friends come. Everyone comes here for the same reason. The air is good in the morning, and it feels good to walk."

Abdur Rahman, a local businessman, said, "If I don't walk here, I feel like my day is going to be dull. Old Dhaka is now filled with smoke, dust and traffic jams. But when I enter this park, I feel like I will get some peace from here. In the afternoon, I like the birdsong, the shade of the trees, meeting and chatting with acquaintances."

Not only the elderly, but also young people and women come to the park. The park is equally popular to them. Students from schools, colleges and universities come here to exercise in the morning or afternoon. Young people try to maintain their fitness by exercising regularly. Women exercise here by walking in groups.

 
Dhupkhola Maath:

Dhupkhola Maath is one of the largest open spaces in Old Dhaka. The field takes a different look in the morning as residents of the surrounding alleys come to walk with their families on the green grass. Children play games and young people, women and the elderly walk in rows. Some of the young people exercise, while others run and jump to keep their bodies fit.

Teacher Rehana Begum, who comes to walk in the field, said, "I often come here in the morning. Earlier, there was a lot of beautiful grass, and then it was good to walk barefoot. At that time, four members of my family used to come here regularly to walk, but now many do not come due to busy schedules. I try to walk regularly."

Local businessman Md. Shahidul Alam said, "I am old, and the doctor has also said to walk regularly. So every morning I come to walk in the open field. After walking, I have tea with friends. The environment is also good here. It keeps the body healthy and makes the mind fresh.'

Ramana Park:

Ramana Park is one of the oldest and most famous parks in Dhaka. This park is a witness to history, politics, and culture. It is filled with people walking in the morning and afternoon. The young people run along the lake inside Ramna as the elderly also walk slowly under the shade of the trees. Many do yoga, while others just sit quietly.

In the busy life of Dhaka, this park is a unique place for people to find peace of mind. Hundreds of people come here every day to do exercise, maintain their health, and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even for a few moments.

Government employee Tanvir Ahmed said, "Due to office work, I have to sit for a long time. So I run in Ramna Park in the morning. It keeps my body fit, and I feel fresh before starting the day."

Selina Akhter, a resident of Ramna area, said, "I come here for a morning walk. After dropping the children at school, I get some free time. Walking is good for body, and I can also find a different kind of peace if I spend some time in this environment here."
 
Dhanmondi Lake:

Amidst the bustling life of the capital, Dhanmondi Lake has become one of the walking centers for city dwellers. People of all ages come here every morning and afternoon, some for exercise and some to calm their minds. Walking in the green trees beside lake around brings a different flavor to city life.

Retired bank officer Abdul Majid said, "I come here every morning and afternoon for a walk. I am old, so walking is now my biggest exercise. The environment of this lake gives me peace. Such a place is really a blessing in the crowded city."

Riyaz Uddin, a private employee living in the Dhanmondi area, said, "My house is very close, so I walk for one to one and a half hours almost every night. The serene atmosphere of the lake cools my head after a busy day."

Lalbagh Fort:

Lalbagh Fort is not only known for its history, heritage and architecture, but it is also known as a place for physical exercise for many people. In the morning or late afternoon, local residents can be seen walking, running, doing yoga or light physical exercise there. The vast open courtyard, green environment and relatively fresh air give people a sense of relief. Many young people exercise here every morning, while the elderly walk.

Shahriar Ahmed, a student of Jagannath University, said, "Due to class exams and busy life in the city all day, there is no time for physical exercise. So I often come to Lalbagh Fort in the morning. Running and free-hand exercises here refresh the mind a lot. The environment for physical exercise in the open field is also good".

When the day appears much, Dhaka returns to its familiar hustle and bustle scenes. But, the dawn really emerges as blessing to city dwellers with a fresh look that works a source of energy for the whole day and a source of mental peace.