Dhaka, formerly known as Dacca, is the capital and the largest city of Bangladesh. It is the ninth-largest and seventh-most densely populated city in the world.
Location
Dhaka is located just north of the Buriganga River, a channel of the Dhaleswari River, in the south-central part of Bangladesh. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is divided in two city corporation
Dhaka North City Corporation: This area includes neighborhoods like Hatirjheel Lake, Abdullahpur, Uttara, Mirpur, Pallabi, Kazipara, Kafrul, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Cantonment area, Banani, Gulshan, Niketan (Gulshan), Mohakhali, Bashundhara, Banasree, Baridhara, Uttarkhan, Dakshinkhan, Bawnia, Khilkhet, Tejgaon, Farmgate, Mohammadpur.
Dhaka South City Corporation: This area includes neighborhoods like Sadarghat Hazaribagh Dhanmondi Segunbagicha Ramna Motijheel Sabujbagh Lalbagh Kamalapur Kamrangirchar Islampur Sadarghat Wari Kotwali Sutrapur Jurain Dania Demra Shyampur Nimtoli Matuail Paribagh Shahbagh Paltan.
Population
As of 2022, Dhaka is a megacity with a population of 10.2 million residents. The Greater Dhaka area houses over 22.4 million residents, making it one of the largest metropolises in South Asia.
Economy
Dhaka is an important cultural, economic, and scientific hub of Eastern South Asia. It ranks third in South Asia and 39th in the world in terms of GDP. The economy of Dhaka is the largest in Bangladesh, contributing $213.3 billion in nominal gross state product and $740 billion in purchasing power parity terms as of 2022. The economy of Dhaka contributes 40% of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product.
History
The area of Dhaka has been inhabited since the first millennium. The city developed from the 17th century as a provincial capital and commercial center of the Mughal Empire. It was named Jahangirnagar in honor of the then ruling emperor Jahangir.
Culture
Dhaka is characterized by its busy urban life with vibrant, versatile and secular culture including many festivities, variety of cuisine, entertainment industry, shopping experience and sites of interests. The city’s culture is known for its rickshaws, kacchi biryani, art festivals, and religious diversity.
Tourism
Dhaka offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging from historical monuments to modern shopping malls. Some popular tourist spots include the National Parliament House, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Shaheed Minar and many more.
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Dhaka:
- Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace): Once the residence of the wealthiest family of Dhaka during British rule, Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is now a museum open to the public.
- Lalbagh Fort: An incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort complex that stands before the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka.
- Sadarghat Waterfront: One of the largest river ports in the world, Sadarghat is a must-visit for its bustling activity and trade.
- Kawran Bazar: One of the biggest wholesale marketplaces in Dhaka.
- Dhaka Shipyards: Located along the banks of the Buriganga River, it’s fascinating to see the workers building and repairing ships by hand.
- Armenian Church: An orthodox church which bears testimony to the significant Armenian community that once lived in the area.
- Dhakeshwari Temple: The most important Hindu place of worship in Bangladesh.
- Star Mosque: Decorated with motifs of blue stars, it was built in the first half of the 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir.
- Parliament Building of Bangladesh: An architectural marvel designed by Louis Kahn.
- Shakhari Bazar: A historic district with narrow alleyways and historic buildings from the Mughal period.
- Mridha Mosque: An ancient mosque that has stood the test of time.
- Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque: A modern mosque that won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016.
- Liberation War Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving artifacts and memories from Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Conclusion
Dhaka, with its rich history and vibrant culture, stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Bangladesh. As the most populous city in Bangladesh and one of the largest metropolises in South Asia, Dhaka continues to grow and thrive as a significant global city.
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