Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a sprawling megacity that serves as the nation's political, economic, and cultural epicenter. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River in the heart of the Bengal Delta, its history spans over a thousand years, blooming significantly in the 17th century as the Mughal capital of Bengal. This period left behind iconic landmarks such as the Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fortress complex, and the Star Mosque with its ornate tile work. During the British era, Dhaka was famed worldwide for its exquisite Muslin fabric, a textile so fine it was sought after by European royalty. Today, the city is a study in contrasts, where the chaotic charm of Old Dhaka's narrow alleys meets the modernist grandeur of the National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban), designed by the legendary architect Louis Kahn. Known as the Rickshaw Capital of the World, Dhaka is home to over 400,000 cycle rickshaws, each a moving piece of folk art. Economically, it is the powerhouse of the country, driven by a massive ready-made garment industry and a growing tech sector. The city's academic prestige is anchored by the University of Dhaka, established in 1921. Culturally, Dhaka is a melting pot, celebrating events like the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) with unmatched fervor. The culinary scene in Dhaka is a highlight, especially the traditional Old Dhaka Biryani and the diverse street foods of Chawkbazar. Despite facing immense urban pressure, the recent inauguration of the Dhaka Metro Rail and major expressway projects signal the city's ambition to transform into a sustainable 21st-century global metropolis.

Nearby cities

Gazipur

A rapidly growing industrial city north of Dhaka, home to many textile factories and the Bishwa Ijtema gathering.

Narsingdi

An industrial hub east of Dhaka, famous for its textile industry and the ancient archaeological site of Wari-Bateshwar.

Narayanganj

An industrial hub near Dhaka, historically significant for its jute trade and river transport.

Tangail

A district famous for its traditional handloom sarees and its scenic rural landscape north of Dhaka.

Faridpur

A district in central Bangladesh, historically significant and known for its jute production and river trade.

More places

Panam City

An abandoned historic settlement in Sonargaon, which was the center of wealthy Hindu merchants in the 19th century.

Ahsan Manzil

The former palace of the Nawab of Dhaka, on the banks of the Buriganga River.

Shaheed Minar

A national monument in Dhaka commemorating the victims of the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.

Rose Garden Palace

A magnificent late 19th-century mansion in Dhaka.

Star Mosque

A richly decorated mosque in the old part of Dhaka from the late 18th century.

Bara Katra

A historic Mughal-era structure in Dhaka that originally served as a caravanserai.

Hussaini Dalan

An important Shia Islamic structure in the heart of Dhaka.

Lalbagh Fort

An incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort in Dhaka.