Dhaka is the capital and largest city of
Bangladesh. Today's Dhaka has a long story of evolution. It was founded during
the 10th century. It served as the Mughal capital of Bengal from 1608 to
1704.Before coming under British rule in 1765 it was a trading center for
British, French, and Dutch colonialism . In 1905 it was again named the capital
of Bengal, and in 1956 it became the capital of East Pakistan. During the
Bangladesh war of independence in1971 the city suffered a heavy damage. In 1982
the spelling was changed from ' Dacca' to 'Dhaka'.
Dhaka is located in the geographic center of the
country. It is in the great deltaic region of the Ganges and Brahmaputra
rivers. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average
temperature of 25 deg C (77 deg F) and monthly means varying between 18 deg C
(64 deg F) in January and 29 deg C (84 deg F) in August. Nearly 80% of the
annual average rainfall of 1,854 mm (73 in) occurs between May and September.
Dhaka is located in one of the world's leading
rice- and jute-growing regions. Its industries include textiles (jute, muslin,
cotton) and food processing, especially rice milling. A variety of other
consumer goods are also manufactured here. The Muslim influence is reflected in
the more than 700 mosques and historic buildings found throughout the city. The
University of Dhaka (1921) and several technical schools and museums are
located here.
Attractions of Dhaka
Mosques : Dhaka has several hundred mosques.
Prominent are Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque, the seven Domed Mosque (17th
century), Star Mosque (18th century) , Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan
Mosque.
Lalbagh Fort : It was built in 1678 A.D. by
Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene
of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys
stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces.
Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi ,
Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a
museum.
Bahadur Shah Park: It was built to commemorate
the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It is
said that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged
here.
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum : The residence of
the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi has
been turned into a musuam. It contains rare collection of personal effects and
photographs of his lifetime.
Mukti Juddha Museum : Situated at Segun
Bagicha area of the city the museum contains rare photographs of Liberation war
and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.
Ahsan Manzil Museum : On the bank of the river
Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned
into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural
heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many
events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical
beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles
around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household
articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Curzon Hall : Beautiful architectural building
named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.
Old High Court Building : Originally built as
the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a happy blend of European
and Mughal architecture.
Dhaka Zoo : Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo.
Colorful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of
animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
National Museum : Located at the central point
of the city, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections
including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.
Botanical Garden : Built on an area of 205
acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka Zoo. One can have a look at the
zoo and the botanical garden in one trip.
National Park : Situated at Rejendrapur, 40
km. north of Dhaka city , this is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational
forest with facilities for picnic and rowing etc.
Shahid Minar : Symbol of Bengali nationalism.
This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language
movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and
bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere.
Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.
National Poet's Graveyard : Revolutionary poet
Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard
is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.
Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden) : A Popular Park.
The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence on this
occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and
gentle breezes. Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs of our Liberation
war has been blown here recently.
Mausoleum of National Leaders : Located at the
southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of
great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid
Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin.
Banga Bhaban : The official residence of the
President, located in the city . One can have an outside view of this grand
palace.
Baldha Garden : Unique creation of the late
Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904.
Located in Wari area of Dhaka city, the garden with its rich collection of
indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attraction for
naturalists and tourists.
Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden
surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.
Parliament House : Jatiya Sangsad
Bhaban (Parliament House) located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar has
distinctive architectural features. Designed by the famous architect Louis I.
Kahn, it may be called an architectural wonder of this region.
Science Museum : The museum is a modern
learning center related to the latest scientific discoveries. It is
situated at Agargaon.