Dhaka
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 eight million people with an area of about 1353 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 center of industrial,
commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. 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 river craft, yatchs, country boats,
motor launches, paddle - steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity. Colorful
rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors. Some of
the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are : Mosque : Dhaka has several
hundred mosques. Prominent are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Baitull
Mukarram-National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan
Mosque.
Hindu Temples :
Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission.
Churches:
Armenian Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former
Holy Rosary Church (1677A.D.) at Tejgaon.
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. Phone: 507262.
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 were publicly hanged.
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. Phone: 8110046.
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. Phone:
9559091.
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. Phone:
7311646.
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. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and
foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are
available here.
National Museum :
Centrally located, 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.
Central 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.
Buddhist monastery :
Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery.
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) : 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 three great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque,
Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja 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.
National Assembly :
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, designed by the
famous architect Louis I. Kahn, has distinctive architectural features, It may be called
an architectural wonder of this region.
Science Museum :
Located at Agargaon, the museum is a modern learning center related to the latest
scientific discoveries.
National Memorial :
Located at Savar, 35, km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul
Hossain is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971
war of liberation. |
