Dhaka

Bangladesh’s rich past and fast urbanization are demonstrated by Dhaka, the capital and biggest city. Dhaka is now the ninth-largest and seventh-most densely populated city in the world with a population of 10.2 million inside its city boundaries and over 23.9 million in the greater metropolitan area by 2024. Widely considered as the most densely populated built-up urban area in the world, this megacity presents both possibilities and problems associated with such high degree of urbanization.

Dhaka, Eastern South Asia’s scientific, cultural, and economic center, is absolutely crucial in determining the course of the area. Its importance transcends national boundaries; ranked third in South Asia and forty-nine globally in terms of GDP. The strategic location of the city on the Ganges Delta, surrounded by the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, and Shitalakshya rivers, has been crucial in its growth as a major urban center. Dhaka also stands as the largest Bengali-speaking city in the world, so reinforcing its linguistic and cultural might.

Beginning in the 17th century, Dhaka evolved into an early modern city, having first been a first-millennial city. Dhaka prospered as a provincial capital and commercial center under Mughal control, going through a golden age spanning 75 years (1608–39 and 1660–1704). Reflecting its significance inside the Mughal Empire, the city was renamed Jahangirnagar during this time in honor of Emperor Jahangir. When Dhaka developed as a worldwide trading center drawing traders from all around Eurasia, its wealth peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries. The city’s cosmopolitan character and economic importance were highlighted by its name, “Venice of the East,” derived from its reputation for exquisite muslin fabrics.

Dhaka’s urban scene and infrastructure underwent notable transformation during the British colonial era. The city became a significant administrative and educational hub within the British Raj when electricity, railroads, theatres, Western-style schools, and contemporary water supplies systems were introduced. After India was divided in 1947, Dhaka became East Pakistan’s capital and subsequently took over as legislative capital for the whole nation in 1962. After a protracted liberation war, the city’s future changed dramatically in 1971 when it became the capital of Bangladesh, a newly independent country.

Dhaka today is a beta-global city, the hub of Bangladesh’s political, business, and cultural activity. It has leading educational, scientific, research, and cultural organizations as well as the seat of the national government and many corporate headquarters. With a startling 35% of Bangladesh’s GDP under its contribution to the national economy, the city clearly boasts economic strength. With more than 750 listed companies, the Dhaka Stock Exchange emphasizes how financial powerhouse the city is.

Dhaka’s hosting of more than 50 diplomatic missions and acting headquarters for regional organizations including BIMSTEC, CIRDAP, and the International Jute Study Group highlights its international importance even more. This diplomatic presence not only improves the city’s global connectivity but also supports its role as a major participant in projects of regional cooperation and development.

Rich and varied, the city’s cultural tapestry is distinguished by a special fusion of modern and classic components. Dhaka is well-known for its vivid rickshaw scene, mouthwatering Kachi Biryani, energetic art events, and variety of street food that appeals to both residents and tourists. The architectural legacy of the city reflects its religious variety; it spans centuries and combines Mughal and British colonial elements. Among its most well-known sites is the modernist Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, the national parliament building, which epitomizes Bangladesh’s architectural creativity and democratic hopes.

The cultural value of Dhaka transcends its obvious past. UNESCO has identified as intangible cultural legacy of mankind the city’s annual Bengali New Year procession, the exquisite workmanship of Jamdani saris, and the vivid art covering its rickshaws. These cultural manifestations not only help to preserve customs but also support the city’s distinctive character on international scene.

Dhaka also produces quite remarkable intellectual and artistic output. Many authors and poets who have made major contributions to Bengali and English literature have come out of the city. It is also connected to two Nobel laureates, so underscoring its part in encouraging humanitarian and intellectual excellence.

Economically, Dhaka is still the main engine behind Bangladesh’s expansion. The Greater Dhaka Area is a center of manufacturing, finance, and services since it is the most densely industrialized area of the nation. The backbone of the city’s industrial activity consists on major sites including Tejgaon, Shyampur, and Hazaribagh. With hundreds of thousands of employees, the textile sector especially is quite important for the local economy.

The economic scene of the city is distinguished by both official and unofficial sectors. Although big local conglomerates and international companies have started to show up in Dhaka, a lot of the workforce is involved in unorganized, household labor. For a sizable portion of the population, the unofficial sector—which includes street vendors, small shop owners, and rickhaw drivers—offers livelihoods.

Rapid urbanization and economic growth in Dhaka have resulted in a building frenzy that has changed the skyline with fresh high-rise towers and skyscrapers. Particularly notable in the finance, banking, manufacturing, and telecommunications industries is this urban growth. Rising middle class has driven demand for modern consumer goods and luxury items, so diversifying the city’s economy.

Notwithstanding its economic vitality, Dhaka has major problems, especially with regard to urban design and infrastructure. For residents, traffic congestion and poor public transportation systems provide daily difficulties and compromise economic effectiveness. The national government has responded to these problems by enacting policies meant to promote fast urbanization of nearby areas and providing tax breaks for new building outside the city core.

While Dhaka looks ahead, work is under progress to improve its connectivity and infrastructure. With a contemporary third terminal added, the growth of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to more than double its capacity for passenger handling—20 million yearly. Scheduled for completion in October 2024, this development will greatly increase Dhaka’s importance as a regional transportation hub and help to boost international trade and tourism.