Dhaka runs for heritage, pride and civic duty

More than 1,000 citizens took part in Dhaka’s first Heritage Run, with Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) using the event to promote civic responsibility and a cleaner, greener capital.

More than 1,000 citizens joined a Dhaka Heritage Run through some of the capital’s historic landmarks on Saturday as part of the month-long Hridoye Dhaka 416 festival.

Organised by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), the run started at 7am from Motijheel Shapla Chattar as part of celebrations marking Dhaka’s 416th anniversary and Dhaka Day on August 1.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque inaugurated the event as the chief guest, while Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman attended as the special guest. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam chaired the programme.

The runners travelled from Motijheel Shapla Chattar through Kakrail, Ramna, Shahbagh, Katabon, Dhaka University, Palashi, Lalbagh Fort and Shahidnagar before finishing at Swarighat launch terminal.

Each participating runner received a medal and certificate from the DSCC. Speaking at the event, State Minister Haque said the government was giving importance not only to sports but also to preserving the country’s heritage as it worked to build a new Bangladesh.

He said the initiative taken by the DSCC administrator was an appropriate effort to preserve Dhaka’s heritage and expressed hope that it would help introduce the city’s history and heritage to a new generation.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said his primary objective was to strengthen citizens’ sense of pride and responsibility towards their city.

“My main objective was-my city Dhaka, which I should be proud of,” he said.

He said participants had seen the capital’s contrasting realities during the run, including good roads, damaged roads and muddy stretches following rain.

“This is the reality of Dhaka. Within this reality, we have to make the lives of city residents better,” he said.

Salam stressed that there was no alternative to cleanliness and called on residents and businesses to cooperate by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste.

He also urged DSCC officials and employees to ensure the highest level of service according to their responsibilities.

As the Heritage Run was being held for the first time, he acknowledged that there might be shortcomings but said the DSCC would address them and organise similar events every year.

He said the DSCC planned to develop Old Dhaka as a tourist destination, while also creating dedicated cycling lanes and facilities suitable for walking and running.

“My responsibility-I will fulfil it; your responsibility-you will fulfil yours. If everyone fulfils their respective responsibilities, this Dhaka city will become more beautiful,” Salam said.

He urged residents to regard Dhaka as their own city and work together to improve it.
The DSCC urged citizens to participate in Hridoye Dhaka 416 with a sense of pride, responsibility and celebration despite their busy daily lives.