Dhaka

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Dhaka (previously Dacca; Bangla: ঢাকা), population 9,000,022 (2001), is the capital of Bangladesh. The city is situated on Buriganga, a channel of the Dhaleswari River, in the heart of the world's largest jute-growing region. It is the industrial, commercial, and administrative center of Bangladesh, with trade in jute, rice, oilseeds, sugar, and tea. Manufactures include textiles and jute products. Dhaka is famous for its handicrafts.

History

Dhaka's history dates back to the year 1000, but the city achieved glory as the capital of Mughal Bengal. At that time, it was also known as Jahangir Nagar in honor of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The city passed to British rule in 1765. It became the capital of East Pakistan in 1947. In 1971, the city became capital of the newly independent country Bangladesh. It was formerly known under the spelling Dacca.

Modern Dhaka has vastly outgrown the Old City as its population mushroomed during recent decades due to an influx of people from rural areas. The Old City with its important port and various historcal sites can still be found at the southern end of the sprawling and disorganised modern development.

Landmarks

• the Dhakeshwari ("hidden goddess") temple, from which the city probably derives its name
• the Bara Katra palace
• Hoseni Dalan
• the Lal Bagh Fort
• Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (the National Assembly building), designed by the architect Louis Kahn
• Ahsan Manzil – The "Pink Palace", now a museum, the building is poorly maintained.
• Baitul Mukarram – The national mosque.

The University of Dhaka, BUET, Dhaka Medical College and other higher educational facilities and agriculture research institutes are also in the city. The surrounding district is very densely populated and subject to heavy monsoon floods.