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The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its
exciting history and rich culture Known the world over as the city of
mosques and muslin. It has attracted travellers from far and near through
ages. It has history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its
foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was
founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal.
Dhaka as the capital of
Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an
area of about 815 sq. km Having a happy blending of old and new
architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is
throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of
industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for
Bangladesh. At Tongi Teigaon, Demra, Pagla, Kanchpur the industrial
establishments turn-out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial
area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the
river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of rivercraft, yatchs, country
boats, motor launches, paddle - steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling
with activity.Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common
attractions for the visitors.Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of
Dhaka are:
GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area : 815.85 Sq.
kilometres (approx.)
Population : Seven million (approx.)
Climate : Tropical, with heavy rainfall and bright sunshine in
the monsoon and warm for the greater part of the year. The winter months,
from November to March, are however, most likeable, cool and pleasant.
Temperature: Max. Min.
summer 36.7°C 21.1°c
Winter 31.7°C 10.5°c
Rainfall : 2540 mm annually.
Humidity : 80 percent (approx.)
The embellished Star Mosque
Mosque :
Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Baitul
Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century)
Hindu Temples : Dhakeshwari Temple
(llth Century), Ramkrishna Mission.
Churches : Armenian Church (1781
A.D.) St.Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former Holy
Rosary Church (1677 A.D.) at Teigaon.
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 Lelbagh are the tomb
of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab
Shaista Khan now housing a museum.
National Memorial :
Located at Savar, 35, km. from
Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossein, is dedicated
to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of
liberation.
1857 Memorial : (Bahadur Shah Park)
Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59)
against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil
compatriots mere publicly hanged
Bangabandhu
Memorial Museum : The residence of the father of the nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Residential Area has been
turned into a musuem. it contains rare collection of personal effects and
photographs of his lifetime.
Mukti Juddha Museum :
Situatad at Segun
Bagich a area of the city contains rare photographs of Liberation war and
items used by the freedom fighters during the period.
National
Museum : Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of
interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu,
Buddhist and Muslim periods.
Science
Museum : Located at Agargaon,
the museum is a modern learning Centre related to the latest scientific
discoveries.
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 r cultural heritage. It was the
home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a Silent [spectator to many events. Today's
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.
Mausoleum of National leaders : Located at the south western corner of
Suhrawardy Uddyan it is the eternal resting piece of three great national
leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A,K. Fazlull Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and
Khawja Nazimuddin.
Banga Bhaban : Tourists can have a
look (outside view only) of Banga Bhaban, the official residence of the
president.
Bara Katra: This building of grand scale, now almost in ruins, is one of the
most important remains of the Mughal peirod in Dhaka. If is of the type of 'Katra'
(enclosed quadrangle building) with a gigantic frontage towards the river
Buriganga. It was built by Abul Qasim, Dewan of Shah Shuja in 1644 A.D. It
served the purpose of a caravanserai.
Chota Katra: Situated about 200 yards east of Bara Katra, Chota Katra
was built in 1663 A.D. by Nawab Shaista Khan. This is of similar plan and
purpose as the Bara Katra but is smaller in size.
National Art Gallery : Situated in the Shilpakala Academy premises
this has a representative collection of folk-art and painting by artists of
Bangladesh.
National Assembly Complex : Sangsad Bhaban, the National Assembly
Complex in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar designed by the famous architect Luis 1. Kahn
has distinctive architectural features.
Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden) : At a
stone's thrown distance from Dhaka Sheraton Hotel is the Suhrawardy Uddyan,
formerly known as the Race Course, the popular park of the city. It is here
that the clarioncall for independence of Bangladesh was given by Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the 7th March 1971 and
curiously enough it is again here that the commander of the occupation
forces surrendered on the 16th December 1971.
Baldha Garden : Baldha Garden has collection of rare plants and flowers.
Ramna Garden : Ramna park is a vast stretch of green ground
surrounded by a serpentine lake.
Zoological Garden : Called Mirpur Zoo, it is situated at Mirpur 16 km
NW of Dhaka, on 230 acres of land.
Botonical Garden: Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur
just east of the Zoo. Objective of garden-botanical education, research,
preservation of plants and some recreation.
National Park : Situated at Rajendrapur, 40 km due north of Dhaka,
within Joydevpur Police Station in the magnificent Bhawal region of Dhaka-Trishal-Mymensingh
highway, this is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest, ideal
for hose who love nature.
Curzon
Hall : Beautiful architectural
building named after Loard Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of
Dhaka University.
High Court Building :
Originally built as the residence of British
Governor. it illustrate happy blend of European Mughal architecture.
Dhaka
Zoo : Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive
collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds
including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
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