Under open sky : BASECAMP's Ramadan experience blends nature, tradition, togetherness
Dhaka : Since its founding in 2014, BASECAMP Adventures Ltd has stood at the forefront of Bangladesh's outdoor adventure movement. What began as a single initiative to promote structured outdoor experiences has grown into a four-location network spanning Gazipur, Foy's Lake in Chattogram, Dhaka, and Bandarban. Over the past decade, BASECAMP has evolved from a campsite into a lifestyle destination - one that blends adventure, safety, and community in thoughtfully designed natural settings.
This Ramadan, that same philosophy is shaping an experience that goes beyond food.
At Air Force BASECAMP in Agargaon, Dhaka, the organization has introduced an open-sky Iftar and Sehri arrangement designed to offer city residents a rare combination: tranquility within the capital. Tucked away from the rush of traffic yet centrally located, the venue offers a calm, secure environment with ample parking and a dedicated prayer space - elements that many urban families find increasingly important during the holy month.
As the late afternoon light softens, guests arrive for Iftar, greeted not by congestion and noise but by open space and a sense of ease. The Iftar platter and buffet, priced at BDT 1,299, runs from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and features a carefully curated selection of traditional and contemporary favorites.
Chola, dates, egg chop, chicken malai kabab, and mutton haleem sit alongside chicken corn soup, piyaju, beguni, wedges, and fresh fruits. Beverages range from lebu sharbat to cinnamon tea and iced tea, while live stations serve freshly prepared jelebi, beguni, and piyazu - adding both aroma and theatre to the evening. The spread continues with chicken biryani, momo, and green salad, offering something for every palate.
For larger gatherings, particularly corporate groups or extended families of more than 40 guests, add-on options such as beef bhuna, prawn BBQ, luchi achari, lacchi, pudding, jarda, and a full BBQ station provide further customization. The emphasis, organizers say, is on creating a shared experience rather than simply offering a meal.
Yet it is perhaps the Sehri arrangement that most clearly reflects BASECAMP's broader vision.
Running from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am and priced at BDT 1,399, the Sehri buffet is designed as an overnight family-friendly experience. Guests are encouraged to slow down and engage in activities that foster connection - from sound healing sessions and tree planting to painting, ludo, chess, origami, and crochet. The concept, described as "Sehri for Mind and Soul," transforms the pre-dawn meal into a period of reflection and bonding.
The Sehri menu maintains a balance of comfort and nourishment: steamed chinigura rice, chicken curry, beef kosha, ghono dal, garden-fresh bharta, or shorshe begun, sautéed vegetables, pickles and green salad. Traditional accompaniments such as flattened rice, curd, gur, and ghee complement tea, coffee and cinnamon tea, creating a spread that feels both homely and abundant.
For BASECAMP, the Ramadan initiative represents a natural extension of its identity. Over the years, the organization has focused on structured outdoor engagement - leadership camps, corporate retreats, and family recreation - always emphasizing safety and meaningful participation. By bringing Iftar and Sehri outdoors, the team aims to offer a similar sense of intentional gathering within a spiritual context.
Pre-booking is required, ensuring that the environment remains organized and secure. According to organizers, the goal is to provide a setting where guests can step away from city chaos without leaving the city itself.
In a rapidly urbanizing Dhaka, where open spaces are scarce and communal experiences often feel rushed, BASECAMP's Ramadan arrangement offers something quietly different. It is not merely about breaking fast; it is about reclaiming time - time to breathe, to reflect, and to connect beneath the open sky.
