Travel in Dahka - Bangladesh - Asia - Culture

Dhaka - Culture

Dhaka, formerly Dacca, is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, in Dhaka Division, central Bangladesh. It is located in the geographic center of the country in the great deltaic region of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. The population, which is largely Muslim, is 3,300,000 (1989 est.). Dhaka is served by the port of Narayanganj, located 16 km (10 mi) to the southeast. 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.

Baitul Mokarrum Mosque The Muslim influence is reflected in the more than 700 mosques and historic buildings found throughout the city. The four major religions though are Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. The Muslims constitute about 87 percent of the population. The constitution of the country guarantees full freedom of religious and cultural activities for all communities. Social life is marked by communal harmony and peace. Islam was declared state religion by a constitutional amendment in June 1988.

Dhaka is divided into an old city, a modern section called Ramne, and many residential and industrial communities. The University of Dhaka (1921) and several technical schools and museums are located here. Dhaka was founded during the 10th century. It served as the Mogul capital of Bengal from 1608 to 1704 and was a trading center for British, French, and Dutch interests before coming under British rule in 1765. In 1905 it was again named the capital of Bengal, and in 1956 it became the capital of East Pakistan. The city suffered heavy damage during the Bangladesh war of independence (1971).

The romanized spelling of the Bengali name was changed from Dacca to Dhaka in 1982. The city's old section, a maze of crowded bazaars and narrow streets, is in marked contrast to Ramna, a modern well-planned area to the north, where most of the government buildings and educational institutions are located. Other landmarks include Lal Bagh Fort and the tomb of Pari Bibi (the wife of a governor of Bengal), both built in the late 17th century, and the large Parliament building (dedicated 1982), designed by Louis I. Kahn. The University of Dhaka (1921), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (1962), and Jahangirnagar University (1970) are located in Dhaka.

ATTRACTIONS

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 (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shiasta Khan now housing a museum.

Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Residential Area has been turned into a museum. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.

Mukti Judda Museum
Situated at Segunbagicha area of the city contains rare photographs of Liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.

National Museum
The Museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy Quran in Arabic and persian letters and Bengali works in the Arabic script. The Museum also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images; books on art, ivory and silver filigree works.

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 epitome of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. It was 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 in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

Baldha Garden
Baldha Garden has collection of rare plant and flowers.

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 those who love nature.

Botanical Garden
Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur just east of the Zoo. Objective of garden botanical education researches preservation of plants and some recreation.

National Assembly Complex
Sangsad bhaban, the National Assembly complex at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar designed by the famous architect Luis I. Khan has distinctive architectural features.

National Memorial
Located at Saver, in the suburb of Dhaka City is the National Memorial. It was built to commemorate the martyrs of the war of independence. Jahangirnagar University and its sprawling campus are also located nearby. An attractive village bazar (hat) is held at Saver every Saturday and Tuesday where typical Bangladeshi sweets, vegetables, fish, seasonal fruits and handicrafts are available.

Central Shahid Minar
This Monument is the symbol of Bangladesh Nationalism. It was built to commemorate the martyrs of historic Language Movement of 1952. Although this movement was apparently for the recognition of Bangla as one of the state languages of the then Pakistan, it was in fact, the first outburst of popular feelings against unpopular and autocratic government. All subsequent movements in Bangladesh leading to its independence in 1971, owe their origin to this movement and, therefore, this monument has become a place of pilgrimage for 120 million Bangladesh.

Sonargaon
About 29 km from Dhaka, Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From then onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sanargaon was a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bangal. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A.D.), the shrines of Panjpirs and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi Village. A folk-art Museum has been established at Sonargaon.

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