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 travelers from far and nearer throughout in all the ages. It has a 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 eleven million people with an area of about 815 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 centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla, kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily necessities. 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, batches, country boats, motor launches, paddle-steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity. Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors.
Tourist attractions:
Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are:
(1) Mosque: Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Atia Mosque (Mugal Element), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century).
(2) Hindu Temples: Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission. Rose Garden (Rajbari).
(3) Churches : Armenian Church (1781). St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon.
(4) Lalbagh Fort : It was built in 1687 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 Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial (Bhahudar 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.
(5) Ahsan Manzil Museum: On the bank of 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. 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) National Museum: Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.
(9) 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.
(10) National Park: Situated at Rejendrapur, 40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc.
(11) Central Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bangladesh nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. Hundred and thousands of people with floral wreaths & bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.
(12) National Poet's Graveyard: Revalutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam diend on the 26 th August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University.
(13) Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Popular Park. The oath for independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Mausoleum of National Leaders: Location at the south western corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Shree - Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimmuddin.
(14) Baldha Garden: It has a rare collection of botanical plants and flowers.
(15) Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.
(16) National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn, has distinctive architectural features. It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.
(17) National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain, sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation.
(18) Sonargaon: About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is one of the oldest capital of Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here.
Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops, Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of Tongi, Narayanganj Demra, Tejgaon: cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making. Last but not least travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka streets is a rewarding experience.
