Organizations, Ongoing Events & Miscellaneous Resources

Internet Access & Help in Dhaka

The Cyber Centre at the Dhaka Library of The British Council has seven PCs running all the latest software with fast Internet access. Novices are catered for and more advanced help is available. For more info, email the Centre Manager, lgomes@TheBritishCouncil.net  

US Warden System

The United States Embassy to Bangladesh encourages all Americans to register with the embassy in Dhaka. Registration is not required, but it enables the Embassy to contact citizens quickly in the event of an emergency. Registration Forms can be picked at the US Embassy Gate 2, the American Club gate, the Commercial Library, or USIS; or call the American Citizen Services unit at 882-8805 to arrange for one to be mailed to you.

There is also a US embassy Warden System, which is a network of American volunteers that in the event of an emergency transmits official U.S. Government information to the American community. For example, during last year's floods Warden System volunteers notified Americans about the U.S. government's response to the disaster.

American citizens interested in volunteering should call American Citizen Services Unit, Consular Section at 883805. Wardens and sub-Wardens are particularly needed in the Khulna District, Rajshahi District, and Dhaka District outside of Dhaka City, and in the Dhaka City areas of Uttara, Azimpur, Banani, Mohakhali, Dhanmondi, Tejgaon, and Motijheel. Volunteers undertake to contact 15 to 30 of their fellow citizens in the event of an emergency.

Cantemus

Cantemus is a Dhaka choir, usually in need of male singers; periodically new women members are accepted .  No need to be able to read music. Rehearsals every Wednesday evening.  For more info, contact Alain at alliance@vasdigital.com 

UNWA Sponsorship Programme

If you are looking for a good place to direct your charitable giving to help improve the lives of the very poor in Bangladesh, please consider the UN Sponsorship Programme. They now sponsor four projects, with which they have been long associated and that they monitor closely:

• Ibrahim School. Snacks, set of clothes, one pair of slippers and one sweater for the slum children of Ibrahim School. Tk 1000 per child per year.
• Community Participation and Development Project. Tk1000 per child per year.
• Mother Theresa Home for the Elderly. Breakfast for an elderly mentally disturbed, homeless woman. Tk 1500 per year.
• TB Treatment. Complete TB treatment for a girl working in a garment factory. Tk 2300 per girl for 6 month treatment.

Make out your check to United Nations Women's Association, email news@bicn.com  for the UNWA mailing/drop address, or to arrange a pick-up from your office or residence.

Metrowave Radio 1170kHz - New Private Radio Station in Dhaka

On the air since August 1999, Metrowave provides a variety of programmes - educational, entertainment, alternative, international & local music (including rock, jazz, R&B), metro traffic, news, tourism, discussions in English & Bengali. The Government has not yet granted news broadcast permission, however they are allowed to broadcast views & opinions including discussion and interview shows. Metro Wave is working on various ideas to incorporate wide spectrum of audience including the Expatriate community in Bangladesh . By Dec 1999 they plan to begin an FM broadcast.  Currently broadcast time is 730a-10:30a, 1230p-3:00p, and 6p-9p Bangladesh time daily. Email info@metrowave-bd.com  .

El Toro Mexican Restaurant

El Toro, formerly in Banani above Dolce Vita, has reopened at House 1A, Road 138, Gulshan-1. It's just off Gulshan Ave. behind Westecs. A nice restaurant for kids - my daughter (eight years old) gives it high marks. A subscriber adds, "[Our family] went out to dinner last week at the new El Toro's Mexican Restaurant and had a great time. Real Mexican food in fabulously decorated surroundings. . . . great place for the children (booth seats, crayons, etc)."  Prices are reasonable, corkage is allowed for expats.

Dhaka American Women's Club

DAWC is open to any woman residing in Bangladesh, who is a U.S. citizen, or the wife of a U.S. citizen. DAWC is an exciting, dynamic, independent organization with a two-fold purpose. One is to provide a touch of community for those who enjoy sharing an American point of view from time to time, while absorbing the rich and sometimes challenging culture of Bangladesh. The second purpose is to provide assistance to the less fortunate people in the host community, and we do this by sponsoring various activities throughout the year (which are also a lot of fun!) For more info, email dawc@bicn.com

Russian Language and Modern Dance Classes at the Russian Cultural Center, Dhaka

Russian Language Courses - the admission for studying Russian is open throughout the year. We have both morning and evening lessons, plus we offer individual lessons, which can be arranged at any place suitable for the student - home or office. The teacher is a native of Russia, who has long experience in teaching "We also have a Translation Bureau, that makes Russian-English and English-Russian translations.

Modern Dance Classes - we have a Russian choreographer, who teaches modern dance steps (waltz, tango, lambada, Latin American, disco,and so forth) to people of all ages. New groups will begin their lessons in the first weeks of November and December. There are only nine lessons in one course (twice a week). At present the choreogropher is giving lessons to adults at the American International School. In addition to the classes in the Russian Cultural Center, it is definitely possible to organize lessons in elsewhere eg Gulshan. We already have one group people who organized lessons at a private residence. For more information, please, contact : Elena Al-Hussainy edwardah@pradeshta , Office tel 9116314 (10am-2 pm).

For Scandinavians, Filipinos, and Indian Women in Dhaka

Dhaka International Community Church has weekly fellowship groups for Scandinavians and Filipinos. Contact cindy@citechco for more info.

Churches

Assemblies of God, 401 New Eskaton Rd., Moghbazar. Fri 9:00am and Sun 6:30pm. Children's church school and nursery/crèche.

Church of Bangladesh, United Church of Anglicans, Prebyterians, and Methodists. St Thomas Church, New Centre, 391 New Eskaton Rd., Moghbazar. Fri 10am, Holy Communion. Children welcome.

Dhaka International Christian Church, Korean Church, Plot No 288, Block A, Bashundara. Fri 4:30pm. Children's church school and nursery/crèche.

Roman Catholic, St Mary's Cathedral, Rama, National Major Seminary, Road 27, Banani. Sat 6:00pm, Sun 6:00pm Mass.

Alchoholics Anonymous & Narcotics Anonymous

AA/NA closed meeting Weds 8-9pm, open meeting Sun 8-9pm weekly, Room 134, Banani Seminary. For information on AA, NA, ALANON, or Coda, contact the British CLO, email clo@citechco .