Sydney Chapter

On March 26, 2026, the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House became a space of dialogue, reflection, and celebration for the global launch of the monograph RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY — ARCHITECTURE IN BANGLADESH.

The program was started with the inaugural speech by Global coordinator of the book, Ar. Farhadur Reza FIAB MPIA and welcome speech by the city coordinator Ar. Iftekhar Abdullah FRAIA.

The evening brought together architects, academics, and cultural voices for a thoughtfully curated program. It opened with remarks by Prof. Philip Cox AO FAHA and Prof. Philip Goad, followed by reflections on the book by Rosa Maria Falvo, editor of the monograph, and Ar. David Holm. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Rafiq Azam.

A major highlight of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring Ar. Zannat Jui, Goodwill Ambassador of the Monograph; Prof. George Kunihiro, Tokyo City Coordinator; and Ar. Iftekhar Abdullah, Sydney City Coordinator. The session was moderated by Ar. Timothy Horton, Commissioner of the Land and Environment Court.

Closing remarks were delivered by Tammy Dickson, Executive Leader on behalf of RAIA NSW, and Samik Waiz on behalf of Bangladeshi Architects in Australia (BaA).

The event also hosted the world premiere of the docu-fiction film Between Light & Earth, directed by Shankha Dasgupta, which beautifully explored the philosophy and journey of Rafiq Azam’s architectural practice.

The evening concluded with a special closing speech by Prof. Glenn Murcutt AO, one of the world’s most respected architects, who described the monograph as “a reflection of a beautiful country — Bangladesh.”

The program was curated by Ar. Farhadur Reza, Global Coordinator and Master of the Ceremony.

From the opening moments to the closing book signing, the event resonated with a shared commitment to architecture as a humane, inclusive, and transformative practice—deeply rooted in culture, yet globally connected.
This was not merely a launch, but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue—one that will continue to unfold across cities through Connecting Creativity.

A heartfelt thanks to ‘ideas Architects, Sydney’ and team SHATOTTO, Dhaka for their passionate dedication and hard work.

Special thanks to Abul Kalam Azad, Managing Director of Evergreen Trading International Ltd., for being present at the program as one of our valued sponsors. We also sincerely thank our other sponsors: Berger Bangladesh Ltd. (Platinum Sponsor), South Breeze Housing Ltd., Asian Paints, Porcelanosa Bangladesh, Penthouse Livings, and Tilottoma Bangla Ltd.

Also Thanks to Channel I, Musicians and Photographer for their supports.

The program was hosted by RAIA NSW Chapter, Bangladeshi Architects in Australia (BaA), and SHATOTTO | architecture for green living.

Among many other distinguished national and international guests, Prof. Peter Stutchbury, Louis Cox AO, and Surma Zahid, recipient of one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honors, were also present at the event. The ten years old daughter of Prof. Rafiq Azam, Juwayriya Azam was also witness the magnificent evening.

Finally, thanks to the Sydney Opera House for their exceptional hospitality and seamless support in making the evening truly memorable.