Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a megacity with a rich history, situated on the banks of the Buriganga River. The city is home to numerous Bengalis, as well as people from other ethnic groups, including Biharis and Rohingyas. Dhaka is a major hub for Bangladeshi cuisine, with popular dishes like Haleem, Biryani, and Mishti Doi. The city is also known for its vibrant Bengali New Year celebrations, which take place at the Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan.

Geography

Dhaka is located in the central part of Bangladesh, in the Dhaka District, and is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River. The city's geography is characterized by its low-lying Ganges Delta landscape, with the Turag River and Balu River flowing through it. The Madhupur Jungle and Bhawal National Park are nearby, providing a natural escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Dhaka's climate is tropical savanna, with influences from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The city is prone to Cyclones, such as the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone, and Floods, which have affected nearby cities like Sylhet and Chittagong.

History

Dhaka has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the Mughal Empire period, when it was a major center of trade and commerce. The city was founded by Bengal Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century and was later ruled by the Mughals, including Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. The city was also a major center of learning and culture, with institutions like the University of Dhaka and the Bangladesh National Museum. Dhaka played a significant role in the Bengali Language Movement, which was led by Abdul Matin and Abul Barkat. The city was also a key location during the Bangladesh Liberation War, with the Pakistani Army launching a crackdown on Mukti Bahini fighters, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmad.

Economy

Dhaka is the economic hub of Bangladesh, with a diverse range of industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT. The city is home to the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Bangladesh Bank, which is the central bank of Bangladesh. Dhaka is also a major center for trade and commerce, with the Chittagong Port and the Mongla Port being nearby. The city's economy is driven by remittances from Bangladeshi expatriates living in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Companies like Grameen Bank, Square Pharmaceuticals, and Pran-RFL Group are headquartered in Dhaka.

Culture

Dhaka is a culturally rich and diverse city, with a blend of traditional and modern influences. The city is home to numerous festivals and celebrations, including the Bengali New Year and the Eid al-Fitr. Dhaka is also known for its vibrant Bengali cuisine, with popular dishes like Haleem, Biryani, and Mishti Doi. The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, including the Bangladesh National Museum, the Liberation War Museum, and the Dhaka Art College. Dhaka is also a major center for Bengali literature, with writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Nasiruddin Yousuff, and Humayun Ahmed having lived and worked in the city.

Infrastructure

Dhaka's infrastructure is rapidly developing, with new projects like the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway being constructed. The city is home to the Shahjalal International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in South Asia. Dhaka is also connected to other cities in Bangladesh by a network of highways and railways. The city's water supply and electricity systems are managed by the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Dhaka Power Distribution Company, respectively. Companies like Telenor, Grameenphone, and Banglalink provide telecommunications services in the city.

Education

Dhaka is a major center for education in Bangladesh, with numerous institutions of higher learning, including the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and the Dhaka Medical College. The city is also home to the Bangladesh National University, which is the largest university in Bangladesh. Dhaka's education system is managed by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission. The city is also a major center for research, with institutions like the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh being located there. Category:Cities in Bangladesh