Dhaka: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:04, 7 April 2025

Dhaka (Bengali: ঢাকা, pronounced [ˈɖʱaka]) is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. Situated along the banks of the Buriganga River, it is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. As of 2024, Dhaka has an estimated population of over 21 million, making it one of the most densely populated and rapidly growing megacities in the world.

Etymology

The origin of the name "Dhaka" is debated. Some believe it derives from the dhak tree (Shorea robusta), which once grew in the area. Others link it to the Dhakeshwari Temple, a historic Hindu temple believed to have given the city its name.

History

Ancient and Medieval Periods:

The area now known as Dhaka has been inhabited since at least the 7th century. It was part of the ancient region of Bengal, under various empires including the Buddhist Pala Empire and the Hindu Sena dynasty.

Mughal Era:

Dhaka rose to prominence in the early 17th century as a Mughal provincial capital. In 1608, it was named the capital of Bengal Subah and renamed Jahangirnagar after Emperor Jahangir. The city thrived as a center of trade, especially known for its fine muslin fabrics.

Colonial Period:

Dhaka came under British control in the 18th century after the fall of the Mughal Empire. During British rule, it was a district town in the province of Bengal, playing a role in colonial administration and education.

Modern Era:

In 1947, Dhaka became the capital of East Bengal (later East Pakistan) following the partition of British India. After the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Dhaka was declared the capital of independent Bangladesh.

Geography and Climate

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River. The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta and is prone to flooding during the monsoon season.

Climate:

Dhaka has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct monsoon season. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry.

Economy

Dhaka is the economic engine of Bangladesh. The city hosts the headquarters of major corporations, banks, and financial institutions. The ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which accounts for the majority of the country’s exports, is concentrated in and around the city.

Other key sectors include:

Telecommunications
Real estate and construction
Information technology
Retail and trade

Infrastructure

Transportation:

Dhaka has a rapidly expanding transportation network, including:

Dhaka Metro Rail, the first mass rapid transit system in Bangladesh
Extensive bus and rickshaw networks
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country’s busiest airport

Utilities and Urban Planning:

Dhaka faces significant challenges in urban planning, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate sanitation. Various initiatives are underway to modernize infrastructure and improve livability.

Education and Culture

Education:

Dhaka is home to the country’s top academic institutions, including:

University of Dhaka (established 1921)
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
North South University
BRAC University

Culture:

Dhaka is a cultural hub, with a rich tradition in music, literature, film, and art. Key cultural events include:

Dhaka International Film Festival
Dhaka Art Summit
Ekushey Book Fair

Landmarks include:

Lalbagh Fort
Ahsan Manzil
National Parliament House (designed by Louis Kahn)
Liberation War Museum

Demographics

Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The population is diverse, comprising ethnic Bengalis and minority communities. Islam is the predominant religion, followed by Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism.

Governance

Dhaka is divided into two municipal corporations:

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)

Each is headed by an elected mayor and is responsible for municipal services and urban management.

Sister Cities

Dhaka has several sister city agreements, including:

Kolkata, India
Karachi, Pakistan
Ankara, Turkey
Seoul, South Korea

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox settlement
+'''Dhaka''' (Bengali: ঢাকা, pronounced [ˈɖʱaka]) is the capital and largest city of '''Bangladesh'''. Situated along the banks of the Buriganga River, it is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. As of 2024, Dhaka has an estimated population of over 21 million, making it one of the most densely populated and rapidly growing megacities in the world.
-| name              = Dhaka
-| native_name       = ঢাকা
-| native_name_lang  = bn
-| settlement_type   = Capital city
-| image_skyline     = Dhaka montage.png
-| image_caption     = Clockwise from top: Lalbagh Fort, National Parliament House, Hatirjheel, Ahsan Manzil, Curzon Hall
-| map_caption       = Location in Bangladesh
-| coordinates       =
-| subdivision_type  = Country
-| subdivision_name  = [[Bangladesh]]
-| established_title = Founded
-| established_date  = 1608
-| government_type   = Mayor–Council
-| leader_title      = Mayor
-| leader_name       = [[Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh]] (DSCC) <br> [[Atiqul Islam]] (DNCC)
-| area_total_km2    = 306.4
-| population_as_of  = 2023
-| population_total  = 23,210,000
-| population_density_km2 = 75,754
-| timezone          = [[Bangladesh Standard Time|BST]]
-| utc_offset        = +6
-| postal_code       = 1000
-}}
-'''Dhaka''' ({{lang-bn|ঢাকা}}) is the capital and largest city of [[Bangladesh]], located in the central part of the country along the banks of the [[Buriganga River]]. Known as the "City of Mosques" and the "Rickshaw Capital of the World," Dhaka is a vibrant metropolis and one of the most densely populated cities globally.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Dhaka Britannica entry on Dhaka]</ref>
+== Etymology ==
+The origin of the name "Dhaka" is debated. Some believe it derives from the '''dhak tree''' (Shorea robusta), which once grew in the area. Others link it to the '''Dhakeshwari Temple''', a historic Hindu temple believed to have given the city its name.
 == History ==
-=== Early History ===
+'''Ancient and Medieval Periods:'''
-Dhaka's origins can be traced back to the 7th century when it was a small settlement under the [[Bengal Sultanate]]. The city gained prominence in the early 17th century when it became the capital of [[Mughal Bengal]]. During this period, it was renowned for its fine muslin fabric and thriving trade.<ref>[https://www.dhakacity.org/history History of Dhaka City]</ref>
-=== Colonial Era ===
+The area now known as Dhaka has been inhabited since at least the 7th century. It was part of the ancient region of '''Bengal''', under various empires including the Buddhist '''Pala Empire''' and the Hindu '''Sena dynasty'''.
-Under British colonial rule, Dhaka lost much of its significance but remained an important administrative and commercial hub. The construction of educational institutions like [[Dhaka College]] and landmarks like [[Curzon Hall]] took place during this period.<ref>[https://www.thedailystar.net/history-of-dhaka-british-period The Daily Star: Dhaka under British rule]</ref>
-=== Post-Independence ===
+'''Mughal Era:'''
-After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Dhaka was declared the capital. It experienced rapid growth in population and urbanization, becoming the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation.<ref>[https://www.banglapedia.org/Dhaka_after_independence Banglapedia: Dhaka after independence]</ref>
-== Geography ==
+Dhaka rose to prominence in the early 17th century as a Mughal provincial capital. In 1608, it was named the capital of '''Bengal Subah''' and renamed '''Jahangirnagar''' after Emperor Jahangir. The city thrived as a center of trade, especially known for its fine muslin fabrics.
-Dhaka is situated in the delta region of Bangladesh, characterized by a tropical climate. It is prone to monsoon rains, flooding, and occasional cyclones due to its low-lying geography.<ref>[https://climate-data.org/Dhaka climate information]</ref>
+'''Colonial Period:'''
+Dhaka came under British control in the 18th century after the fall of the Mughal Empire. During British rule, it was a district town in the province of Bengal, playing a role in colonial administration and education.
+'''Modern Era:'''
+In 1947, Dhaka became the capital of East Bengal (later East Pakistan) following the partition of British India. After the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Dhaka was declared the capital of independent '''Bangladesh'''.
+== Geography and Climate ==
+Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River. The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta and is prone to flooding during the monsoon season.
+'''Climate:'''
+Dhaka has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct monsoon season. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry.
 == Economy ==
-Dhaka is the economic powerhouse of Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. Key industries include textiles, finance, trade, and IT. The city houses major economic zones like the [[Export Processing Zones|Dhaka EPZ]].<ref>[https://www.dhakachamber.com/about-economy Dhaka Chamber of Commerce]</ref>
+Dhaka is the economic engine of Bangladesh. The city hosts the headquarters of major corporations, banks, and financial institutions. The '''ready-made garment (RMG)''' industry, which accounts for the majority of the country’s exports, is concentrated in and around the city.
+Other key sectors include:
+* Telecommunications
+* Real estate and construction
+* Information technology
+* Retail and trade
+== Infrastructure ==
+'''Transportation:'''
+Dhaka has a rapidly expanding transportation network, including:
+* '''Dhaka Metro Rail''', the first mass rapid transit system in Bangladesh
+* Extensive bus and rickshaw networks
+* Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country’s busiest airport
+'''Utilities and Urban Planning:'''
+Dhaka faces significant challenges in urban planning, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate sanitation. Various initiatives are underway to modernize infrastructure and improve livability.
+== Education and Culture ==
+'''Education:'''
+Dhaka is home to the country’s top academic institutions, including:
-== Culture ==
+* University of Dhaka (established 1921)
-The city is a cultural hub, hosting festivals like [[Pohela Boishakh]] (Bengali New Year) and [[Ekushey Book Fair]]. Historical landmarks include [[Lalbagh Fort]], [[Ahsan Manzil]], and the [[National Parliament House]], designed by [[Louis Kahn]].<ref>[https://www.lonelyplanet.com/dhaka Lonely Planet Guide to Dhaka]</ref>
+* Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
+* North South University
+* BRAC University
-== Transportation ==
+'''Culture:'''
-Dhaka's transportation system relies heavily on rickshaws, buses, and a limited metro rail system. The city's traffic congestion is among the worst globally, prompting significant investments in urban transportation projects.<ref>[https://www.worldbank.org/transport_in_dhaka World Bank on Dhaka transportation]</ref>
+Dhaka is a cultural hub, with a rich tradition in music, literature, film, and art. Key cultural events include:
+* Dhaka International Film Festival
+* Dhaka Art Summit
+* Ekushey Book Fair
+Landmarks include:
+* Lalbagh Fort
+* Ahsan Manzil
+* National Parliament House (designed by Louis Kahn)
+* Liberation War Museum
 == Demographics ==
-As of 2023, Dhaka's population exceeds 23 million, making it one of the largest cities in the world. It is a melting pot of diverse communities and cultures, with [[Bengali people|Bengalis]] forming the majority.<ref>[https://www.populationdata.net/dhaka Population data]</ref>
+Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The population is diverse, comprising ethnic Bengalis and minority communities. Islam is the predominant religion, followed by Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
+== Governance ==
+Dhaka is divided into two municipal corporations:
+* Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)
+* Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)
+Each is headed by an elected mayor and is responsible for municipal services and urban management.
+== Sister Cities ==
+Dhaka has several sister city agreements, including:
+* Kolkata, India
+* Karachi, Pakistan
+* Ankara, Turkey
+* Seoul, South Korea
 == See Also ==
-* [[Lalbagh Fort]]
-* [[Ahsan Manzil]]
-* [[National Parliament House]]
-* [[Bengal Sultanate]]
-== References ==
-<references />
-== External Links ==
+* History of Dhaka
-* [https://www.dhakametropolitan.gov.bd Dhaka Metropolitan Government]
+* [[List of cities in Bangladesh]]
-* [https://www.lonelyplanet.com/dhaka Lonely Planet Dhaka Guide]
+* Demographics of Bangladesh
+* Transport in Dhaka