Safe, vibrant public spaces are so rare in Dhaka that the months from January to early March feel like a gift from the universe when the Bangla Academy comes alive with the Dhaka Lit Fest, followed by the Dhaka Art Summit and the February extravaganza of the Ekushey Boi Mela. Since 2020, the Gulshan Book Fair has added to the series of treats for those of us who crave creative festivals in this city.

When someone said she was going to be in the tristate area over the weekend, I courteously asked what time was her flight. After a confused moment, she clarified, visibly irritated by my ignorance, “I meant, around Banani.”

A bite into a slice of oven-toasted, fresh bread smeared in soft, salted butter and sprinkled with sugar dust is no doubt heavenly. When the bread is in the shape of a fish with marble eyes and slightly pulled scales, with sesame seeds topped over it, the glee is almost childlike.