"When I first came to Dhaka in 2004 as High Commissioner, I expected Dhaka to be richer, cleaner and more advanced. The reason may be that I was used to Western cities and when I first arrived, I was in areas like Gulshan and Baridhara, which have a more international feel.

My first impression changed when I noticed shabby dwellings by the roadside. And I was surprised at the speed with which the city was growing.

I went for a helicopter ride to have a bird's eye view of Dhaka from a height of 500 feet approaching the city from all sides. The view was quite breathtaking and I was gripped by the extent of the vastness of this city.

There were thousands of buildings. Sometimes it looked like a city in England and sometimes like Bangkok of ten years ago. It encouraged me to think that Dhaka could be one of the best cities in the world.

I left Bangladesh when I was a boy and I lived in a village so I had no idea what Dhaka really looked like other than the airport.

I came to Dhaka in 2001 for a very short period - of eight hours on my way to Sylhet. At that time I was an adult but not High Commissioner. I was visiting Bangladesh for a holiday. I remember going to Malibagh in a car and I could not breathe, as the air was full of smoke. But I notice now that the air was much cleaner.

I like small shopping outlets and the river - whatever is left of it. My favorite places are little boutiques selling handicrafts and antique shops hidden away in corners which are nice little discoveries.

I love gamchhas. Do you know what a gamchha is? I look for nice checks in them. I cannot buy those often because of the security but if I spot an eye-catching one I get down from the car to buy that. I wear those as scarves in England. Those help in keeping out the cold and are very fashionable to me. The colours are quite vibrant and go nicely with informal suits, plain shirts, jackets and khakis.

Obviously the traffic situation is something I do not like about Dhaka. The struggle for space is quite visible. Unless there is some serious compliance in planning and maintaining the existing water bodies those may turn into sewage depots and dumping grounds. This wastage upsets me because these are assets of Dhaka being destroyed by the greed of some people.

I think there should be a better approach towards managing the infrastructure of the city. We have a wonderful civil society in Baridhara that took charge of their neighborhood. They removed the mud from the lakeside and made nice walkways.

Sometimes the best way to protect your environment is through civic pride. If citizens take charge of their respective neighborhoods it will not need much money otherwise it is quite impossible for the government.

If I am back to Dhaka in 20 years time, I will remember it as a growing city. In the near future it might be the most populated city in the world.

There are different bits of Dhaka each area is different and of course Old Dhaka is quite special.

Dhaka is a happening city where you can find work, explore your potential and meet people. Sometimes it is a city of contrast between extreme rich and poor. It is a city that needs molding . It should not be left to develop in a haphazard way. It needs protection, vegetation, lakes and water bodies. Dhaka is looking after millions of people but who is looking after Dhaka?

I am yet to see many parts of Dhaka because of my busy schedule and tight security. I need at least two months holiday to discover the city. I have a plan to do that in disguise maybe in lungi and gamchha with long hair and beard. I am not joking! If I can do that, I will not tell anyone - but I will let you know.