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Dhaka (/ ˈ d ɑː k ə / DAH-kə or / ˈ d æ k ə / DAK-ə; Bengali: ঢাকা, romanized: Ḍhākā, pronounced ⓘ), formerly known as Dacca, [15] is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh.
Learn about the origins and evolution of Dhaka (Dacca), the capital of Bangladesh, from the 7th century CE to the present. Explore the influences of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Mughal, British and Bengali cultures on the city's development and identity.
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Dhaka, city and capital of Bangladesh. It is located just north of the Buriganga River, a channel of the Dhaleswari River, in the south-central part of the country. Dhaka is Bangladesh’s most populous city and is one of the largest metropolises in South Asia. Pop. (2001) city, 5,333,571; metro. area, 9,672,763; (2011) city, 7,033,075; metro. area, ...
Dhaka’s name is said to refer to the dhak tree, once common in the area, or to Dhakeshwari (“The Hidden Goddess”), whose shrine is located in the western part of the city. Although the city’s history can be traced to the 1st millennium ce, the city did not rise to prominence until the 17th century, when it served as the capital of the Muslim Mughal dynasty of Bengal province (1608–39 and 1660–1704). It was the centre of a flourishing sea trade, attracting English, French, Armenian, Portuguese, and Dutch traders.
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Historic buildings of the Muslim period include Lal Bagh fort (1678) and its tomb of Bibi Pari (died 1684), wife of a governor of Bengal; the Bara Katra (great caravansary, a building historically used for sheltering caravans and other travelers; 1664); the Chhota Katra (small caravansary; 1663); and Husayni Dalan (a religious monument of the Shīʿite branch of Islam; 1642). Other 17th-century buildings include the Hindu Dhakeshwari temple and Tejgaon church, built by the Portuguese.
Since its establishment as the capital city, the population, area, and social and economic diversity of Dhaka have grown tremendously. Together with its river port of Narayanganj, 10 miles (16 km) to the south, Dhaka now is one of the most densely industrialized regions in the country. Traditional products include jamdani (fine-quality muslin), embroidery, silk, and jewelry. Among the city’s major industries are jute processing and the manufacture of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather goods, ceramics, and electronics products. A strong export-oriented garment industry emerged in the late 20th century.
The area around Dhaka consists of a level plain bounded by the Meghna, Padma (Ganges [Ganga]), and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers. The plain is crossed by a network of streams and rivers, the chief being the Dhaleswari, Buriganga, and Sitalakhya. Important crops are rice, jute, sugarcane, and oilseeds; there is also some cattle farming.
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Feb 2, 2024 · Dhaka is a vibrant, chaotic and congested metropolis of 20 million people with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Learn about its attractions, transport, climate, language, visa and more.
Dhaka, formerly known as Dacca, is the largest and most populous city in Bangladesh and a major hub for trade and culture in South Asia. Learn about its history, geography, climate, districts, attractions, and tips for visiting.
Dhaka is a chaotic and energetic city of nearly 17 million people, with a rich history and culture. Explore its attractions, such as the Buriganga River, the Pink Palace, the National Museum and the Liberation War Museum.
Dhaka (previously Dacca; Ḍhākā; IPA: [ɖʱaka]) is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, is the largest city in Bangladesh and one of the most populous in the world.
