Dhaka
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| Dhaka | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dhaka |
| Native name | ঢাকা |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Coordinates | 23, 45, 50, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Bangladesh |
| Subdivision type1 | Division |
| Subdivision name1 | Dhaka Division |
| Subdivision type2 | District |
| Subdivision name2 | Dhaka District |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | c. 7th century CE |
| Government type | City Corporation |
| Governing body | Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation |
| Leader title | Mayors |
| Leader name | Atiqul Islam (North), Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh (South) |
| Area total km2 | 306.38 |
| Population total | 10,278,882 |
| Population as of | 2022 Census |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population demonym | Dhakaite |
| Timezone | Bangladesh Standard Time |
| Utc offset | +6 |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 1000, 1100, 12xx, 13xx |
| Area code | +880-2 |
| Website | dncc.gov.bddscc.gov.bd |
Dhaka. The capital and largest city of Bangladesh, it is a megacity and the economic, political, and cultural heart of the nation. Situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, it is one of the world's most densely populated urban areas, known for its vibrant, chaotic energy and rich historical tapestry. The city serves as the seat of the Government of Bangladesh, housing key institutions like the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban and the Bangabhaban.
History
The area's history dates to the first millennium, but it rose to prominence as a provincial capital and commercial center under the Mughal Empire, earning the moniker "Jahangir Nagar" after Emperor Jahangir. It later became a major hub for the British East India Company's Muslin trade. The city was the capital of East Bengal and Assam province from 1905–1911. Following the Partition of India in 1947, it became the administrative capital of East Pakistan. It was the epicenter of the Bengali Language Movement in 1952 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, during which it witnessed events like Operation Searchlight and the Bangladesh genocide. It was declared the capital of independent Bangladesh in December 1971.
Geography and climate
The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta, characterized by flat, low-lying terrain intersected by numerous waterways like the Buriganga River, Turag River, and Balu River. It experiences a tropical wet and dry climate under the Köppen climate classification, with a hot, humid summer influenced by the monsoon, a cool, dry winter, and a distinct rainy season from June to October. The city is vulnerable to flooding in Bangladesh and the impacts of climate change.
Demographics and culture
With a population exceeding 10 million, it is a predominantly Bengali city, with Islam in Bangladesh being the majority religion. It is a cultural powerhouse, home to institutions like the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, and the Liberation War Museum. The annual Eid al-Fitr and Durga Puja celebrations are major events. The city's architectural heritage includes Mughal-era landmarks such as the Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil, alongside modern structures like the Baitul Mukarram and the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban designed by Louis Kahn.
Economy
It is the financial and commercial nucleus of Bangladesh, contributing a significant portion of the national GDP. Key sectors include ready-made garment manufacturing, banking in Bangladesh, information technology, and the Dhaka Stock Exchange. Major commercial districts include Motijheel and Gulshan. The city hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations, Bangladeshi conglomerates like the Beximco Group, and organizations such as the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Government and politics
As the national capital, it houses the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Government of Bangladesh, including the Prime Minister's Office at the Sangsad Bhaban complex, the Supreme Court, and the Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President of Bangladesh. Local governance is split between the Dhaka North City Corporation and the Dhaka South City Corporation. The city is a focal point for national politics, with major parties like the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party headquartered here.
Transport and infrastructure
The city is the hub of the country's transportation network, served by the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Kamalapur Railway Station. Its notorious traffic congestion is navigated via a mix of buses, cars, and iconic three-wheeled auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Major infrastructure projects include the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. The city struggles with infrastructure challenges related to water supply and sanitation in Dhaka and power supply.
Education and healthcare
It is the center of higher education in Bangladesh, hosting premier institutions like the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and Dhaka Medical College. The area of Shahbag is known as an academic and cultural hub. Major healthcare facilities include the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, the Combined Military Hospital, and the Square Hospital. Research institutions such as the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh are also based here.