Sadarghat, one of the main ports of Dhaka

Dhaka (previously Dacca; Bangla: ঢাকা), population 9,000,022 (2001), is the capital of Bangladesh. The city is situated on Buriganga, a channel of the Dhaleswari River, in the heart of the world's largest jute-growing region. It is the industrial, commercial, and administrative center of Bangladesh, with trade in jute, rice, oilseeds, sugar, and tea. Manufactures include textiles and jute products. Dhaka is famous for its handicrafts.

History

Dhaka's history dates back to the year 1000, but the city achieved glory as the capital of Mughal Bengal. At that time, it was also known as Jahangir Nagar in honor of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The city passed to British rule in 1765. It became the capital of East Pakistan in 1947. In 1971, the city became capital of the newly independent country Bangladesh. It was formerly known under the spelling Dacca.

Landmarks

• the Dhakeshwari ("hidden goddess") temple, from which the city probably derives its name
• the Bara Katra palace
• Hoseni Dalan
• the Lal Bagh fort
• Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (the National Assembly building), designed by the architect Louis Kahn
• Ahsan Manzil - Museum in an old palace - badly maintained.
• Baitul Mukarram: The national mosque.

The University of Dhaka, BUET, Dhaka Medical College and other higher educational facilities and agriculture research institutes are also in the city. The surrounding district is very densely populated and subject to heavy monsoon floods.

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