Dhaka (Bangladesh)

Must see & do

Places of worship

Baitul Mukarram (The Holy House): The national mosque of Bangladesh. Designed by T Abdul Hussain Thariani in 1968 to resemble Holy Ka'abah Sharif at Makkah. Capacity of 40,000 and is 9th largest masjid in the world. Main building is 99 ft high and contains eight floors for namaz. Brain child of Abdul Latif Ibrahim Bawani who first came up with the idea of building a grand mosque with a large capacity. The 'Baitul Mukarram Mosque Society' was formed in 1959 to facilitate the project and land was allocated for the mosque complex at the meeting point of Old and New Dhaka.

Tara Masjid (Star Mosque): Situated at Armanitola area of the old part of Dhaka. Built in first half of 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir (Mirza Ahmed Jan) in Mughal style. Originally a simple rectangular mosque. In early 20th century, Ali Jan Bepari, a local businessman, financed renovation and added a new eastern verandah. Surface was redecorated with Chinitikri work (mosaic work of broken China porcelain pieces), a decorative style that was popular during the 1930s. Masjid decorated with imported Japanese and English china clay tiles. A plant and vase motif is repeated as a decorative element on the pendentives as well as on the interior of the verandah wall. Curiously, the Japanese Fujiyama motif is found on the surface between the doors.

National Eidgah: Biggest Muslim religious festival, Eid-ul-Fitr, congregation prayers (Eid Jamaat) held at the field of National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises in Dhaka. First Eid jamaat held on field in 1828. Around 125,000 people attend it. Biggest Eid Jamaat of Bangladesh held at Sholakia in Kishoreganj, where about half a million people join the prayer.

Historical places

Lalbagh Fort ('Lalbagh Dirgo' in Bengali): An incomplete Mughal palace fortress. Construction commenced in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam during his 15-month long vice-royalty of Bengal, but before the work could complete, he was recalled by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. His successor, Shaista Khan, did not complete the work, though he stayed in Dhaka up to 1688. His daughter Iran Dukht nick named Pari Bibi (Fairy Lady) died here in 1684 and this led him to consider the fort to be ominous. Great Rebellion of 1857 where local soldiers fought and lost against British East India Company took place here.

Ahsan Manzil: Once official residential palace and seat of Dhaka Nawab Family. Construction started in 1859 and completed in 1869. Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. To preserve the cultural and history of the area, the palace became the Bangladesh National Museum on 20 September 1992. More than 3million visitors every year. During the Mughal Period, Sheikh Enayetullah’s (the illustrious landlord of Jalapur) Garden House was situated here. In 1740, his son Sheikh Motiullah, sold it to French traders who used it as their business center. Khwaja Alimullah, the father of Nawab Adul Ghani, purchased that French kuthi (French trading center) building in 1830 and renovated it into his residence. Nawab Abdul Ghani built an enormous palace on the eastern side of the kuthi and named it “Ahsan Manzil” after his son, Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah. Palace is divided into two parts: the eastern side, 'Rangmahal' (with the dome), and western side, 'Andarmahal' (contains living rooms). The nawabs used to conduct their court affairs here as chief of the panchayet (village council) everyday. Many anti-Congress meetings were held here under the patronization of Nawab Ahsanullah, a staunch believer in Muslim identity. Almost all the Viceroys, Governors and Lieutenant Governors of British India who visited Dhaka spent some time at Ahsan Manzil. Almost all political activities of Nawab Khwaja Salimullah centred round this palace. Ahsan Manzil was the cradle of the All India Muslim League. Palace declined with the decline of Nawabs of Dhaka. After shadhinota, most of the nawab family went abroad in search of a better livelihood and work. On 1974, the owners decided to give it up on auction - but Sheikh Mujibur Rahman canceled it and on 2 November 1974 ordered renovation and establishment into a museum and tourist center.

Dhaka University ('Dhaka Bishobidaloi' in Bengali, aka University of Dhaka or just DU): Established in 1921. First & largest university of Bangladeshi. Over 32,000 students and 1,600 faculty. Fondly called "the Oxford of the East". Almost 90% members of Bangladesh's public service studied here. Nawab Bahadur Syed Nawab Ali Chowdhury largely credited with forming it. Opened on 1 July 1921 with three faculties : Arts, Law and Science. Among the top 100 Asian universities in engineering. Original Flag of Bangladesh was unfurled on DU campus for the first time. 1948 & 1952 Basha Andolan gained popular rising from DU. On 25 March 1971 at the beginning of Operation Searchlight 10 teachers of Dhaka University were killed by Pakistani Army. Famous students include Jahanara Imam, Sheikh Mujib, and Muhammad Yunus.

Sonargaon (Golden Village): Capital of 15th century Bengal ruler Isa Khan who fought against Mughals. Once an important trading and political center, and boasts architecture of the Sultanate, Mughal, and colonial periods such as Sonakanda River Fort, the Panch Pir Mazar Shrine, and Ibrahim's and Abdul Hamid's Mosque, and British colonial architecture includes the Ananda Mohan Piddar House and other street-front houses. It's the end point of 2,500 km long Grand Trunk Road connecting Afghanistan, northern India and Bangladesh. Located in Narayanganj city (southeast of Dhaka).

Dhaka landmarks

Jatiyo Smriti Shoudho (National Martyrs' Memorial): Commemorates those killed in 1971's Muktijudho. Designer Syed Mainul Hossain's work chosen from 57 entrants in 1978. Made up of 7 isosceles pyramid, highest being 150 ft tall. Completed in 1982. Whole complex is 84 acres wide with further 25 acres of green land. Contains mass graves, artificial lake, helipad and cafeteria. Cost around TK 5 crore (approx £0.5 million). Located in Savar (20 miles / 35 km northwest of Dhaka).

Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building): Houses all parliamentary activities. Built by Jewish-American Louise Isadore Kahn and his Bangladeshi student Muzharul Islam who was originally assigned the work. Work began in 1961 by Government of Pakistan and was completed in 28 January 1982. Cost around Tk 129 crore (approx £1 billion.). 200 acres wide. One of the largest legislative complexes in the world. Open to public though entrance to Bhaban, Main Building, limited only to members of Parliament and staff.

Shaheed Minar (National Monument): Commemorates those killed in Bhasha Andolon of ekushey (21) February 1952. Design includes half-circular columns to symbolize the mother with her fallen sons standing on the monument’s central dais and the red sun shining behind. 14 meters tall and made with marble stones. Marble floor designed to reveal the moving shadows of the columns. Floor has 1,500 sq foot (140m2) mural representing history of Language Movement. Staircases and barrier are white to symbolise purity. Fence on both sides painted with lines from poems of legendary poets in iron letters. Two statues of the patriots who sacrificed their lives in Basha Andolan found near the entrance. The marble floor was designed to reveal the moving shadows of the columns.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport ('Shahjalal Antorjatik Bimanbondhor' in Bengali): Main international and national airport of Bangladesh. Operating from 1980 when it took over from Tejgaon Airport. Officially opened by President Abdus Sattar. Two major terminals T1 and T2. Over 52% of Bangladesh's national and international flights occur through here. Based on an area of 1,980 acres of land. Renamed from Zia International airport (after General Ziaur Rahman) to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in honour of sufi Hazrat Shah Jalal from Sylhet.

Bangabhaban (House of Bangladesh): Official residence of the President of Bangladesh. Original land belonged to Dhaka sufi Hazrat Shahjalal Dakhini who, along with his followers, were killed by sultan of Bengal. After 1905 partition of Bengal the government bought the estate and constructed a palatial house for temporary use by British Viceroy of India. Built on 47 acres (190,000 m²) of land. Used by viceroy until 1912 when the capital was moved to New Delhi. Palace used by Governors of Bengal and East Pakistan from 1912 to 1971. Every Bangladeshi president has lived here.

Shaheed Buddhijibi Smriti Shoudho (Martyred Intellectuals Memorial): Dedicated to all intellectuals - estimated to be over 1,000 - who were assassinated by the Pakistani Army with the help of Bengali 'Razakars' Al-Badr and Al-Shams forces before and during Bangladesh's indpendence of 1971. In the night of 14 December 1971, two days before independence, over 200 of East Pakistan's intellectuals including professors, journalists, doctors, artists, engineers, and writers were rounded up in Dhaka, blindfolded and taken to torture cells around the city and later killed en masse, most notably at Mirpur and Rayerbazar (the location of the memorial). Noted intellectuals included Govinda Chandra Dev (Philosopher, Professor at DU), Munier Chowdhury (Litterateur, Dramatist, Professor at DU), Shahidullah Kaiser (journalist), and many others. December 14 mourned in Bangladesh as 'Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh', Day of the Martyred Intellectuals.

Dhaka parks & stadiums

Suhrawardy Udyan (formerly Ramna Race Course): A national memorial of Tin Netar Mazar (Mausoleum of three leaders) - Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq (1873-1962, the first Muslim Mayor of Kolkata), Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (1892-1963, fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan befor independence of Bangladesh, and co-founder of Awami League with Maulana Bashani) and Khwaja Nazimuddin (1894-1964, second Prime Minister of Pakistan, a Cambridge graduate and knighted by the Queen of England). It's named after Suhrawardy. During British rule it was used as military club, then it became a ground for Sunday horse racing (and was known as 'Dhaka Race Course'). Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made his historic "This time the struggle is for our freedom" speech here. Original Flag of Bangladesh was hoisted here for the second time, after first unfurling at the University of Dhaka and the first time it was flown at such a large public gathering in Bangladesh. Site of the centuries old Ramna Kali Mandir, a Hindu temple and Dhaka landmark that was razed to ground byPakistan Army on 27 March 1971 in a massacre that led to the death of over 100 people. Pakistan Army under Lt. Gen. A. A. K. Niazi also surrendered here on 16 December 1971 and signed peace treaty - December 16 is now celebrated as "Bijoy Dibosh". Suhrawardy Udyan has an eternal flame setup in 1996 to symbolise freedom.

Ramna Park: Beautiful residential area founded by Subehdar Islam Khan, founder of Dhaka, around 1610 and restored by British collector Mr Dowes in 1825. In 1928 he converted garden into racecourse after 20 years of labour. The Nawabs of Dhaka developed racecourse area into a beautiful garden and named part of it 'Shahbagh', the royal garden. Nawabs also set up a zoo which was later shifted to its present location at Mirpur. Ramna Park officially inaugurated in 1949 with an area of 88.50 acres (358,100 m2) of land with 71 species of plants. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II visited here. A raised concrete platform was built for the Queen, the remnants of which can still be seen in the park close to the lake. Present shape of Ramna Park drawn up in 1952 by Public Works Department of Bangladesh (former C&B Department) and the lake was excavated and extended.

Chondrima Uddyan (aka Zia Uddyan): This 'moonlight park' is situated behind Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban. Burial ground of President Ziaur Rahman (the founder of BNP). Contains the scenic crescent lake and has a bridge connecting it to the main road.

Rose Garden Palace: Originally built as a pleasure lodge for Nawabs of Dhaka. Birthplace of Awami League as Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani formed the party here in 1949.

Baldha Garden: 3 acres of magnificent parkland containing over 600 species of plant, many of them rare, from fifty countries. Created in 1904 by Narendra Narayan Roy, the owner of Baldha property, and was resurrected by the Department of Forestry in 1962 after his death in 1943 caused the garden to deteriorate. Located at Wari in the old part of Dhaka. Open all year round.

Bangabandhu National Stadium (formerly Dhaka Stadium): Named in honour of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, also known as "Banga bandhu" or "Friend of Bengal". Capacity of 40,000. Located next to National Hockey Stadium. Only venue in the world to have hosted an inaugural home fixture for two Test nations - India were the visitors on both occasions, first in 1954-55, when Dhaka was the capital of East Pakistan, and 46 years later, when Bangladesh became the tenth nation to attain Test status. Home to Bangladesh national cricket team until 1 March 2005, now used for football and athletics. Bangladesh cricket team first Test match was held here on 10 November 2000, and they won for the first time at home on 26 December 2004 against India. Stadium used for competitions of the 2010 South Asian Games, including football and athletics. Grand opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC cricket world cup took place here.

Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium: Cricket ground built in 2006. Capacity 26,000. Initially named "Mirpur Stadium", but later renamed to "Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium" as dedication to A.K. Fazlul Huq who was given title of 'Sher-e-Bangla', the Bengali Tiger. Considered one of the best grounds in the subcontinent. The most striking feature of the ground is the drainage facility which is probably the best in the subcontinent. Hosted first Bangladesh Test when they played India in May 2007. Opening match of Cricket World Cup 2011 took place here between Bangladesh and India on 19 February 2011.

Others:

Supreme Court of Bangladesh: Highest court of law in Bangladesh. Composed of High Court Division (hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals) & Appellate division (hears appeals from High Court). Created by Part VI Chapter I of the Constitution of Bangladesh adopted in 1972. Chief Justice of Bangladesh and other judges of the supreme court are appointed by His Excellency the President of Bangladesh with in consultation with Prime Minister. Supreme Court is independent of the executive branch (part of government that has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state bureaucracy), and is able to rule against the government in politically controversial cases.

Bangla Academy: National academy for promoting Bangla language in Bangladesh. Established on 3 December 1955 after recommendation by the linguist Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah and the All Party National Language Committee following the Language Movement of 1952. Main task is to conduct research on Bengali language, culture, history, and publish Bengali literary and research work. Organises the month-long Ekushey Book Fair, the largest book fair in the country to commemorate Basha Andolan. Functions and structure of Academy devised on the French Academy model. Compiles and publishes dictionaries, encyclopaedia and guideline for Bangla spelling. Awards the 'Bangla Academy Award' each year in recognition of creative genius in advancement and overall contribution in the field of Bangla language and literature. Bangla Academy Award introduced in 1960 and recognized six categories - the first winner and fellow was Farrukh Ahmed, amongst others. Other winners include Sufia Kamal and Munier Chowdhary (1962), Zahir Raihan (1972), Humayun Ahmed (1981), and Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (2004).

Biman Bolaka Bhaban: Headquarter of Bangladesh's national airline Biman Bangladesh Airline. Biman (meaning Aeroplane) founded in February 1972. Company slogan is আকাশে শান্তির নীড় (Akashe Shantir Nir) 'Your home in the sky'. Logo of white stork (Bolaka) in red circle with green writing to represent colours of Bangladesh's flag. Travels to over 16 countries but has air service agreement with 42 countries. Owned by Government of Bangladesh until 23 July 2007 when it was transformed int country's largest public limited company by the then caretaker government. On 4 February 1972, Biman started its domestic service on the Dhaka–Chittagong, Dhaka–Jessore and Dhaka–Sylhet routes with a World War II vintage Douglas Dakota and Douglas DC-3, both gifts from the Bangladesh Air Force. First international flight made on 4 March 1972 to London on Boeing 707.

Shapla Chattar: During the 1990s this was the biggest fountain in the city. Located in the heart of largest business district and marks the 'zero' point of Dhaka. The 'shapla' (water lilly) is the national flower of Bangladesh and is found throughout the whole country.

Shishu Academy: National academy for children in Bangladesh. Established in 1976. Provides training on performing arts and child healthcare and also has programmes of primary education for children and for publication of books on children. Makes films on children and runs a children's art gallery, a children's library and educational forums and the programme on the history of Bangladesh.

Sadarghat Port (aka Sadarghat Launch Terminal): One of the largest river ports in the world and main port and dock of Dhaka. Located on the banks of Buriganga Nodi, next to Ahsan Manzil. Originaly built as a place for landing boats, launches and even ships coming to Dhaka. An average of 30,000 people use the 200 large and small passenger launches for departure and arrival from the terminal every day, each paying Tk 2.50 for entrance.

Square Hospital: A 320-bed private hospital. Affiliation of Methodist Healthcare (USA), SingHealth (Singapore), Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre (Thailand) and Christian Medical College(India). Comprised of two buildings on either side of Panthapath connected by an over-bridge. Main hospital building is 18 stories and is approximately 450,000 sq.ft. The second building (ASTRAS) is located across the street and is 16 stories with 136,000 sq.ft. Outpatient department serves up to 1200 patients daily, through 60 examination rooms.

Apollo Hospital: The only internationally Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited 450-bed multi-disciplinary private hospital in Bangladesh. Eleven-storied building built on four acres of land by Smith Group (USA) architecture company in 16 April 2005.

Old pictures of Dhaka

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