Dhaka, one of the world’s densest megacities, has been host to international architecture and architectural discourse since the mid-fifties, when the renowned architect Muzharul Islam, generally considered the father figure of modern architecture in Bangladesh, started building. Based on the diverse architectural heritage of the region, and the legacy of Muzharul Islam, Bengal Foundation is pleased to present the planned annual event entitled EngageDhaka, which seeks to give further impetus to this vibrant culture of architectural discourse in Dhaka in particular, and the region in general. The event is dedicated to Sthapatyacharya* Muzharul Islam.
The first and inaugural edition of EngageDhaka is Place Presence, which hopes to deliberate on the significance of place and presence in architecture.
The conference has been convened by Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, architect and principal of URBANA. An eminent body of 16 speakers has been invited from all over the world to share their ideas, discuss their works and deliberate on issues related to Place Presence.
We will also be announcing the launch of the Bengal Architecture and Design Institute- a parallel initiative of Bengal Foundation – at the conference. Headed by Professor KaziKhaleed Ashraf, the Institute will seek to provide a forum for both understanding the built environment as well as developing programmes aimed at improving the conditions of architecture.
The three-day EngageDhaka event will be held at the Army Museum on BijoySharani, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, between January 15 and January 17, 2015.
Mr. AMA Muhith, Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest and inaugurate the Conference on Thursday 15 January, at 3 pm. The Honourable Minister for Information Mr. HasanulHaqInu, MP, and the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Nasrul Hamid, MP, will be present as Special Guests.
You are cordially invited to attend the three days of the conference.

Abul Khair
Chair, Bengal Foundation

EngageDhaka2015 : Place Presence
The architectural heritage of Bangladesh is rich and diverse. From Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic monuments and settlements of the past to the ushering in of ‘Bengali Modernism’ by Muzharul Islam, to the works by international masters like Louis Kahn, Paul Rudolf, Stanley Tigerman and others, Bangladesh has claimed a certain prominence in architecture on a global scale and this promises to only grow with notable works by contemporary practitioners.
Parallel to practice, Dhaka in particular has enjoyed a vibrant culture of discourse on built environment, from the days of Chetana Sthapatya Unnoyon Society, initiated by Muzharul Islam in the eighties, to the efforts by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh and other forums to constantly review efforts and responsibilities of architects operating in the historic, climatic, cultural and socio-political contexts of a fast emerging economy.
Building on these active traditions, Bengal Foundation is presenting an international architecture conference Engage Dhaka. I am most pleased to be associated with this initiative, to invite some of the foremost thinkers in this field to converge in Dhaka to deliberate on the theme of the inaugural edition: Place – Presence. ‘Place’ relates to the all-important notion of ‘place-making’ in architecture and urbanism, in conjunction with the significance of the spirit of ‘presencing’ architecture.
Our efforts here are to raise the level of general awareness related to good design and intellectual possibilities not only among architects, but also students, the industry and civil society in general. We invite all to support and join in for three days of what we hope will be intense and enlightening sessions.

Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury
Architect and Principal, URBANA
Conference Director

Bengal Architecture and Design Institute
 We are pleased to announce the launch of the Bengal Architecture and Design Institute at EngageDhaka 2015. It is envisioned that the Institute will provide a platform for advancing the understanding of the lived environment, and a forum for developing ideas and programs to improve the conditions of architecture, landscapes and settlements. Innovative programs of the Institute will integrate architectural and design research, investigation of cities and settlements, and the study of larger regions and landscapes. The Institute will also mount an array of stimulating programs, including professional development courses led by distinguished educators, practitioners and thinkers, both regional and international. The target group for the programs will include architects, planners, engineers, geographers, and other environmental professionals, as well as public and private decision makers. Bengal Architecture and Design Institute is planned to be fully operational by August 2015.

Kazi Khaleed Ashraf
Architect, Urbanist, Architectural Historian and
Professor at University of Hawaii, Manoa
Director, Bengal Architecture and Design Institute, Dhaka

Terms and conditions

1. This event is free for all. Registration is a prerequisite and the entry pass enclosed herewith, must be presented every time when entering the venue during the three day event.
2. Gates will open 60 minutes prior to commencement of the event.
3. Children below the age of 12 (twelve) will not be allowed entry at the event.
4. No food or drink may be brought in from outside. Food will be available at a reasonable price. Water will also be available.
5. No food or any drink (other than bottled water bought at the venue) will be allowed inside the auditorium at any time.
6. Seats are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. There are no seat numbers. The organisers reserve the right to change the seating arrangement and provide an alternative seat for the pass holder.
7. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or to remove from the premises, people or persons deemed as a security threat or an element of disturbance.
8. The organisers reserve the right to conduct security searches from time to time and also reserve the right to confiscate any item which may cause danger or disruption to other members of the audience.
9. CCTV and film cameras will be present at the venue. Attending the event signifies the pass holders consent to the filming and sound recording of themselves as members of the audience with no obligations of any kind on the organisers part.
10. The organiser will not take any responsibility for loss or theft of any personal belongings or any loss, injury and damage to the holder of this pass.
11. No smoking is allowed inside the auditorium.
12. The use of flash, or any video and sound recording equipment which may cause distraction to the speakers, is prohibited. The organisers reserve the right to confiscate such items.
13. Audiences should refrain from using mobile phones during sessions and phones must be kept on silent mode.
14. Audiences should remain seated while in the auditorium and refrain from non-essential movement during sessions.
15. The auditorium doors will close within 5 minutes of the start of each session and will open only at the end of the session.