There was a time when social functions like marriage, birthday parties, marriage anniversaries. aklka, etc. used to be held within fouf walls of one's home or in pandals set up in close proximity to home. However, when the number of guests is small, such functions still continue Indoors. But such mores are now changed, particularly when the Invited guests are large in number.

Now. a new phenomenon called community centre has appeared in city life. The present trend is to choose any of the community centres dotting the city as venues for holding Important social functions. The trend originated not many years agq. Now the number of community centres Is proliferating on account of the growing demand tn a big city for suitable venues for'holding big social gatherings. In the new part of the city, the majority of such centres arc owned by private parties.

It is estimated that in new Dhaka, at present, there are more than 50 such places. In some particular localities, such as Dhanmond! Residential Area, there are some well-known ones which draw business throughout the month. The peak season is, however, the winter. the lean is the month of Ramadan for obvious reasons. There are some air-conditioned hails n the Maghbazar area which are particularly attractive tn summer for those who cap afford their comparatively high rent. In a big city like Dhaka, there is always a steady demand for such places, so much so that It is necessary to book your requirement well in advance to get the facility on the due date.

Such places cm be booked for daytime or nighttime. Por night time functions, the charge Is somewhat more because of lighting ar rangements and Illuminations, if required. In general, the basic rent for such places range from Tk 3.000 to Tk 5.000 for a day. With this

is added the hire charge for furniture and linens. cutleries, utensils, service charge for cooks, bearers and other attendants, etc. In all, the total charge for hiring such a place ranges from Tk 12.000 to Tk 15.000 for a day of function.

Most of them are spacious enough to accommodate 500 guests or more, and have adequate parking area.

There are also a good number of community centres established in different wards of the City Corporation. They are much limited in space with circumscribed parking space. Though the rent for the municipal community centres is more favourable, as compared with those private ones in new Dhaka, they are mostly patronised by people of surrounding areas. By and large, thy are not liked by others who have the means to rent the more spacious and well appointed community centres in new Dhaka.

There are also a number of community centres near residential government colonies in the city. The rent of these places Is less than that charged for private community centres with greater facilities in new Dhaka. Though these are mostly patronised by residents of government colonies, outsiders also make use of them because of their favourable terms.

All in all. leasing out of community centres In the private sector seems to be a steady and lucrative business. To queries to what extent such centres are used for various functions In a month, one owner stated that It varies from 15 to -20 days. Because of profitability of the business perhaps, many entrepreneurs are In favour of constructing more such places In Dhaka In preference to residential houses. In fact, it creates new ethos in connection with observance of various social functions