Bangladesh · City of Mosques
ঢাকা 지국
Bangladesh
24.65M Urban (2025)
Ganges Delta (47,400/km²)
BST (UTC+6)
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, stands as one of the world's most densely populated megacities with an urban population of 24.65 million in 2025 (city proper: 21.1 million, growing at 3% annually). With a staggering population density of 47,400 people per square kilometer, Dhaka holds the distinction of being the world's most densely populated city—a vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly energetic metropolis where humanity pulses through every street, alley, and waterway.
The economy generates a Gross State Product of $162 billion ($225 billion PPP), contributing approximately 40% of Bangladesh's national GDP. This economic powerhouse drives the nation's remarkable garment industry, with over 800,000 workers employed in textile manufacturing. The city's streets teem with approximately 400,000 rickshaw drivers navigating the congested thoroughfares, symbolizing Dhaka's unique blend of traditional transport and modern commerce.
Tourism is experiencing steady growth, with Bangladesh's tourism market valued at $2.397 billion in 2025 and projected to grow at 9.62% CAGR to reach $3.461 billion by 2029. While Dhaka faces significant urban challenges including traffic congestion and infrastructure strain, the city offers authentic experiences through its rich Mughal heritage, vibrant river culture, Liberation War history, and the warm hospitality of its resilient residents who have built one of Asia's most dynamic emerging economies.
This incomplete 17th-century Mughal fortress complex (built in 1678) features the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy Lady), the Diwan-i-Aam (audience hall), and the Hammam (royal bath). Despite never being completed, Lalbagh Fort stands as one of Dhaka's most significant Mughal monuments, with its red laterite construction creating a striking contrast against the modern cityscape.
This stunning pink palace built in 1872 served as the residential palace of the Nawab of Dhaka. The Indo-Saracenic architecture features a distinctive pink façade and dome that has become an iconic symbol of old Dhaka. Now a museum, it preserves the lifestyle of Dhaka's aristocracy during the British Raj and displays artifacts from Bangladesh's rich history.
Located in Savar, just outside Dhaka, this powerful monument honors the martyrs of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The striking geometric design features seven triangular concrete walls representing seven stages of the independence movement, rising from an artificial lake. The site serves as a focal point for national remembrance and patriotic ceremonies.
This early 19th-century mosque gained fame through its later embellishment with Japanese and English china mosaic tiles in the 1960s. The intricate star motifs on the tiles give the mosque its name, while the ornate decorations featuring floral patterns, calligraphy, and colorful mosaics create a mesmerizing interior that represents Dhaka's Islamic architectural heritage.
The busiest river port in Bangladesh and possibly South Asia, Sadarghat presents an overwhelming sensory experience where hundreds of ferries transport thousands daily across the Buriganga River. The controlled chaos of boats loading passengers and cargo, vendors selling food, and the constant movement of humanity captures the authentic rhythm of Dhaka's river culture.
This comprehensive museum documents Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971. Through photographs, documents, weapons, and personal accounts, the museum preserves the memory of the Liberation War's three million martyrs and honors the birth of the nation. The exhibits provide essential context for understanding modern Bangladesh's identity and values.
Dhaka's economy has experienced remarkable transformation, driven primarily by the ready-made garment (RMG) industry that accounts for over 80% of Bangladesh's exports. The city hosts thousands of garment factories employing 800,000+ workers, making Bangladesh the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. This industrial base has fueled rapid economic growth, though it also presents challenges regarding working conditions, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. The financial sector, technology startups, and pharmaceutical industries are emerging as important economic diversification efforts.
The cultural landscape reflects Dhaka's complex history spanning the Mughal period, British colonial rule, Pakistani governance, and independent Bangladesh. Bengali culture dominates, expressed through the Bengali language (Dhaka was central to the Language Movement of 1952), literature, music (including Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti), and cuisine. Dhaka's street food culture—from pitha (rice cakes) to biryani—offers authentic culinary experiences, while the city's traditional craft industries produce fine muslin, jamdani saris, and rickshaw art.
Despite urban challenges, Dhaka demonstrates remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The city's 400,000 colorfully decorated rickshaws create mobile art galleries navigating the streets. Tea stalls (cha dokans) serve as social gathering points across all economic classes. The New Market and Banga Bazaar offer shopping experiences from traditional handicrafts to modern goods. Theater, cinema, and literature flourish, with Dhaka serving as the cultural capital of Bengali-speaking peoples worldwide, preserving and innovating within rich artistic traditions.
Dhaka's history dates back over a millennium, though it rose to prominence in 1608 when Mughal Emperor Jahangir's governor Islam Khan made it the capital of Bengal, renaming it Jahangirnagar. Under Mughal rule, Dhaka became a major center for trade (especially fine muslin cloth) and Islamic culture, attracting merchants from across Asia and Europe. The city's mosques, palaces, and gardens from this era earned it the nickname "City of Mosques." British colonial rule (1858-1947) saw Dhaka's decline as Calcutta became the regional capital, though it briefly served as East Bengal's capital (1905-1911).
The partition of India (1947) made Dhaka the capital of East Pakistan, leading to renewed growth but also increasing tensions with West Pakistan over language rights and political autonomy. The Language Movement of 1952, where students protested for recognition of Bengali, is commemorated at Dhaka's Shaheed Minar. These tensions culminated in the 1971 Liberation War, with Dhaka suffering greatly during the conflict. Since independence, Dhaka has experienced explosive growth, transforming from a city of 1 million (1971) to today's megacity of over 24 million, facing immense challenges while driving Bangladesh's emergence as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.
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