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Coordinates: 23°42′07″N 90°22′12″E / 23.702°N 90.37°E / 23.702; 90.37
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{{Infobox city||official_name =Dhaka
{{Infobox city||official_name =Dhaka
|nickname = City of Mosques
|nickname = City of Mosques
|image_skyline = Dhaka-skyline-aymash.jpg‎
|image_skyline = Dhaka-skyline-aymash.jpg‎
|imagesize = 280px
|image_caption = Dhaka skyline
|image_caption = Dhaka skyline
|map_caption = Location of Dhaka in [[Bangladesh]]
|map_caption = Location of Dhaka in [[Bangladesh]]
|pushpin_map = Bangladesh<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map -->
|pushpin_map = Bangladesh<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map -->
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{{IndicText}}
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'''Dhaka''' (formerly spelt "Dacca") ([[Bengali language|Bangla]]: ঢাকা, {{pronounced|ɖʱaka}}) is the [[Capital (political)|capital]] of [[Bangladesh]] and the principal city of [[Dhaka District]]. Dhaka is a [[megacity]] and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the [[Buriganga River]], Dhaka, along with its [[metropolitan area]], has a population of over 12 million, making it the largest city in Bangladesh.<ref name="BangladeshStatPock2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pb_wb_page.pdf|title=Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Statistical Pocket Book, 2007|format=pdf|accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref> Dhaka is known as the 'City of Mosques' and for its fine [[muslin]] cloth.
'''Dhaka''' ([[Bengali language|Bangla]]: ঢাকা, {{pronounced|ɖʱaka}})— formerly '''Dacca''' and '''Jahangir Nagar''', is the [[Capital (political)|capital]] of [[Bangladesh]] and the principal city of [[Dhaka District]]. Dhaka is a [[megacity]] and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the [[Buriganga River]], Dhaka, along with its [[metropolitan area]], has a population of over 12 million, making it the largest city in Bangladesh.<ref name="BangladeshStatPock2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pb_wb_page.pdf|title=Statistical Pocket Book, 2007|publisher=Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics|format=pdf|accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref> Dhaka is known as the ''City of Mosques'' and renowned for producing the world's finest [[muslin]]. As a cosmopolitan city, Dhaka has been the center of Persio-Arabic and Western cultural influences in eastern [[Indian Subcontinent]]. Today it serves as one of the prime centers for culture, education and business in the region.


Under [[Mughal Empire|Mughal rule]] in the 17th century, the city was known as [[Jahangir Nagar]]. It was a provincial capital and a centre of the worldwide muslin trade. The modern city, however, was developed chiefly under [[British Raj|British rule]] in the 19th century, and became the second-largest city in [[Bengal]] after [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] (presently Kolkata). After the [[partition of India]] in 1947, Dhaka became the administrative capital of [[East Pakistan]], and later, in 1972, the capital of an independent Bangladesh. During the intervening period, the city witnessed widespread turmoil; this included many impositions of [[martial law]], the declaration of Bangladesh's independence, [[Operation Searchlight|military suppression]], devastation during war, and natural calamities.
Under [[Mughal Empire|Mughal rule]] in the 17th century, the city was known as [[Jahangir Nagar]]. It was a provincial capital and a centre of the worldwide muslin trade. The modern city, however, was developed chiefly under [[British Raj|British rule]] in the 19th century, and became the second-largest city in [[Bengal]] after [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] (presently Kolkata). After the [[Partition of Bengal (1905)|Partition of Bengal]] in 1905, Dhaka became the capital of the new province of [[Eastern Bengal and Assam]] but lost its status as a provincial capital again after the partition was annulled in 1911. After the [[partition of India]] in 1947, Dhaka became the administrative capital of [[East Pakistan]], and later, in 1972, the capital of an independent Bangladesh. During the intervening period, the city witnessed widespread turmoil; this included many impositions of [[martial law]], the declaration of Bangladesh's independence, [[Operation Searchlight|military suppression]], devastation during war, and natural calamities.


Modern Dhaka is the center of [[Politics of Bangladesh|political]], [[Culture of Bangladesh|cultural]] and [[Economy of Bangladesh|economic]] life in Bangladesh.<ref name="gob">{{cite web|url=http://www.bangladesh.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&id=174&Itemid=27&lang=bn|title=Price Information of Essential Commodities|publisher=National Web Portal, Government of Bangladesh|format=php|accessdate=2009-02-27|lang=Bangla}}</ref> Although its urban infrastructure is the most developed in the country, Dhaka suffers from urban problems such as pollution, [[traffic congestion|congestion]], and lack of adequate services due to the rising population. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen modernization of [[Transport in Bangladesh|transport]], communications and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation. Dhaka is consistently ranked as one of the least [[Livability ranking|livable cities]] in the world.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vancouver and Melbourne top city league| publisher = BBC News| date = 4 October 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2299119.stm | accessdate =2009-02-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Vancouver is 'best place to live' | publisher = BBC News | date = 4 October 2005| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4306936.stm | accessdate =2008-12-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Lagos, worst city to live|publisher = Online Nigeria |url=http://nm.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=5469&z=17 | accessdate =2008-12-27}}</ref>
Modern Dhaka is the center of [[Politics of Bangladesh|political]], [[Culture of Bangladesh|cultural]] and [[Economy of Bangladesh|economic]] life in Bangladesh.<ref name="gob">{{cite web|url=http://www.bangladesh.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&id=174&Itemid=27&lang=bn|title=Price Information of Essential Commodities|publisher=National Web Portal, Government of Bangladesh|format=php|accessdate=2009-02-27|language=Bangla}}</ref> Although its urban infrastructure is the most developed in the country, Dhaka suffers from urban problems such as pollution, [[traffic congestion|congestion]], and lack of adequate services due to the rising population. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen modernization of [[Transport in Bangladesh|transport]], communications and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation. Dhaka is consistently ranked as one of the least [[Livability ranking|livable cities]] in the world.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vancouver and Melbourne top city league| publisher = BBC News| date = 2002-10-04 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2299119.stm | accessdate =2009-02-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Vancouver is 'best place to live' | publisher = BBC News | date = 2005-10-04| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4306936.stm | accessdate =2008-12-27}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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The existence of urbanized settlements in the area that is now Dhaka dates from the 7th century. The city area was ruled by the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] kingdom of [[Kamarupa (History)|Kamarupa]] and the [[Pala Empire]] before passing to the control of the [[Hindu]] [[Sena dynasty]] in the 9th century.<ref name="moudud">{{cite book|title=South Asia: Eastern Himalayan Culture, Ecology and People|author=Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud|isbn=9840801651}}</ref> Many believe that the name of the city was derived after the establishment of the Goddess [[Dhakeshwari]]'s temple by [[Ballal Sena]] in the 12th century. Dhaka and its surrounding area was identified as ''Bengalla'' around that period. The town itself consisted of a few market centers like Lakshmi Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Patuatuli, Kumartuli, Bania Nagar and Goal Nagar. After the Sena dynasty, Dhaka was successively ruled by the [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] and [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]] governors descending from the [[Delhi Sultanate]] before the arrival of the Mughals in 1608.<ref>{{cite book|author=Taru Bahl & M.H. Syed|title=Encyclopaedia of the Muslim World|page=55|publisher=Anmol Publications PVT|year=2003|isbn=8126114193}}</ref>
The existence of urbanized settlements in the area that is now Dhaka dates from the 7th century. The city area was ruled by the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] kingdom of [[Kamarupa (History)|Kamarupa]] and the [[Pala Empire]] before passing to the control of the [[Hindu]] [[Sena dynasty]] in the 9th century.<ref name="moudud">{{cite book|title=South Asia: Eastern Himalayan Culture, Ecology and People|author=Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud|isbn=9840801651}}</ref> Many believe that the name of the city was derived after the establishment of the Goddess [[Dhakeshwari]]'s temple by [[Ballal Sena]] in the 12th century. Dhaka and its surrounding area was identified as ''Bengalla'' around that period. The town itself consisted of a few market centers like Lakshmi Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Patuatuli, Kumartuli, Bania Nagar and Goal Nagar. After the Sena dynasty, Dhaka was successively ruled by the [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] and [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]] governors descending from the [[Delhi Sultanate]] before the arrival of the Mughals in 1608.<ref>{{cite book|author=Taru Bahl & M.H. Syed|title=Encyclopaedia of the Muslim World|page=55|publisher=Anmol Publications PVT|year=2003|isbn=8126114193}}</ref>


The development of townships and a significant growth in population came as the city was proclaimed the capital of Bengal under Mughal rule in 1608. Mughal [[subahdar]] [[Islam Khan]] was the first administrator of the city.<ref>{{cite book|author=Francis Bradley Bradley-Birt|title=The Romance of an Eastern Capital‎|page=264|publisher=Smith, Elder, & Co|year=1906}}</ref> Khan named the town "Jahangir Nagar" (''City of Jahangir'') in honor of the Mughal emperor [[Jahangir]], although this name was dropped soon after Jahangir's death. The main expansion of the city took place under Mughal general [[Shaista Khan]]. The city then measured 19 by 13&nbsp;kilometres (12 by 8&nbsp;mi), with a population of nearly a million people.<ref name="atiqullah">{{cite book|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area (1608–1981)|page=6|author=M. Atiqullah and F. Karim Khan|publisher=Social Science Research Project, University of Dacca Press|year=1965}}</ref> The city passed to the control of the [[British East India Company]] in 1765 after the [[Battle of Plassey]]. The city's population shrank dramatically during this period as the prominence of [[Kolkata]] rose,<ref name="atiqullah2">{{cite book|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area (1608–1981)|page=7|author=M. Atiqullah and F. Karim Khan|publisher=Social Science Research Project, University of Dacca Press|year=1965|quote=With the growth of Calcutta (founded by Job Charnock in 1690), the business centres started moving to Calcutta followed by flight of capital and labour force from Dacca. By 1800, Calcutta became a city of 500 thousands, (Ghosh, 1950 pp 53-54) and Dacca declined to 2000 thousands, the population of 160 years before.}}</ref> but substantive development and modernisation eventually followed. A modern civic water supply system was introduced in 1874 and electricity supply launched in 1878.<ref>{{cite book|author=H Furumai, F Kurisu & H Katayama|title=Southeast Asian Water Environment 2: Selected Papers from the Second International Symposium on Southeast Asian Water Environment|page=205|publisher=IWA Publishing|year=2008|isbn=1843391244}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Mohammad Atiqullah & Fazle Karim Khan|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area, 1608-1981‎|page=10|publisher=University of Dacca|year=1965}}</ref> The [[Dhaka Cantonment]] was established near the city, serving as a base for British and Bengali soldiers.<ref name="cantt">{{cite news|url=http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2008/07/28/golden-past-of-olden-dhaka/|title=Golden past of olden Dhaka|publisher=Bangladesh News|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref>
The development of townships and a significant growth in population came as the city was proclaimed the capital of Bengal under Mughal rule in 1608. Mughal [[subahdar]] [[Islam Khan]] was the first administrator of the city.<ref>{{cite book|author=Francis Bradley Bradley-Birt|title=The Romance of an Eastern Capital‎|page=264|publisher=Smith, Elder, & Co|year=1906}}</ref> Khan named the town "Jahangir Nagar" (''City of Jahangir'') in honor of the Mughal emperor [[Jahangir]], although this name was dropped soon after Jahangir's death. The main expansion of the city took place under Mughal general [[Shaista Khan]]. The city then measured 19 by 13&nbsp;kilometres (12 by 8&nbsp;mi), with a population of nearly a million people.<ref name="atiqullah">{{cite book|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area (1608–1981)|page=6|author=M. Atiqullah and F. Karim Khan|publisher=Social Science Research Project, University of Dacca Press|year=1965}}</ref> The city passed to the control of the [[British East India Company]] in 1765 after the [[Battle of Plassey]]. The city's population shrank dramatically during this period as the prominence of [[Kolkata]] rose,<ref name="atiqullah2">{{cite book|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area (1608–1981)|page=7|author=M. Atiqullah and F. Karim Khan|publisher=Social Science Research Project, University of Dacca Press|year=1965|quote=With the growth of Calcutta (founded by Job Charnock in 1690), the business centres started moving to Calcutta followed by flight of capital and labour force from Dacca. By 1800, Calcutta became a city of 500 thousands, (Ghosh, 1950 pp 53-54) and Dacca declined to 2000 thousands, the population of 160 years before.}}</ref> but substantive development and modernisation eventually followed. A modern civic water supply system was introduced in 1874 and electricity supply launched in 1878.<ref>{{cite book|author=H Furumai, F Kurisu & H Katayama|title=Southeast Asian Water Environment 2: Selected Papers from the Second International Symposium on Southeast Asian Water Environment|page=205|publisher=IWA Publishing|year=2008|isbn=1843391244}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Mohammad Atiqullah & Fazle Karim Khan|title=Growth of Dacca City: Population and Area, 1608-1981‎|page=10|publisher=University of Dacca|year=1965}}</ref> The [[Dhaka Cantonment]] was established near the city, serving as a base for British and Bengali soldiers.<ref name="cantt">{{cite news|url=http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2008/07/28/golden-past-of-olden-dhaka/|title=Golden past of olden Dhaka|date=2008-07-28|publisher=Bangladesh News|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref>


[[File:Ahsan-Manzil.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ahsan Manzil]] was once the palace of the [[Dhaka Nawab Family]]; it is now a museum.]]
[[File:Ahsan-Manzil.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ahsan Manzil]] was once the palace of the [[Dhaka Nawab Family]]; it is now a museum.]]
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|last=Richards
|last=Richards
|first=John
|first=John
|year=2002
|format=HTML
|format=HTML
|publisher=Inroads
|publisher=Inroads
}}</ref> Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Dhaka remained a hotbed of political activity, and the demands for autonomy for the Bengali population gradually gained momentum.
}}</ref> Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Dhaka remained a hotbed of political activity, and the demands for autonomy for the Bengali population gradually gained momentum.
[[File:Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (Roehl).jpg|thumb|left|[[Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban]] houses the national parliament.]]
[[File:Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (Roehl).jpg|thumb|left|[[Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban]] houses the national parliament.]]
The [[1970 Bhola cyclone]] devastated much of the region, killing an estimated 500,000 people. More than half the city of Dhaka was flooded and millions of people marooned.{{Fact}} With public anger growing against ethnic discrimination and poor cyclone relief efforts from the central government, Bengali politician [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] held a nationalist gathering on March 7, 1971 at the [[Suhrawardy Udyan|Race Course Ground]]. An estimated one million people attended the gathering, leading to the March 26 declaration of Bangladesh's independence.<ref name="CALC"/><ref name="REF">{{cite web
The [[1970 Bhola cyclone]] devastated much of the region, killing an estimated 500,000 people. More than half the city of Dhaka was flooded and millions of people marooned.{{Fact|date=March 2009}} With public anger growing against ethnic discrimination and poor cyclone relief efforts from the central government, Bengali politician [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] held a nationalist gathering on March 7, 1971 at the [[Suhrawardy Udyan|Race Course Ground]]. An estimated one million people attended the gathering, leading to the March 26 declaration of Bangladesh's independence.<ref name="CALC"/> In response, the [[Pakistan Army]] launched [[Operation Searchlight]], which led to the arrests, torture and killing of thousands of people: Muslims, Hindus, [[Bengali people|Bengali]]s, and intellectuals.<ref name="SelectiveGenocide">{{cite web|author=Archer Blood|url=http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB79/BEBB1.pdf|title=Transcript of Selective Genocide Telex|format=pdf|publisher=Department of State, United States|accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref> After nine months of bloody battle with Bangladeshi Forces, the Pakistani Army surrendered to the [[Mitra Bahini]] on December 16 marking the end of the independence war of Bangladesh. As the nation's capital, Dhaka saw a rapid and massive growth of the city population in the post-independence period, as migrant workers from rural areas across Bangladesh moved to the city. The growth of commerce and industry along with the city's population has created further challenges to services and infrastructure.<ref>{{cite book|author=United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations Human Settlements Programme|title=Enhancing Urban Safety and Security: Global Report on Human Settlements 2007‎|page=184|publisher=Earthscan|year=2007|isbn=184407479X}}</ref> A real estate boom has followed the expansion of city limits and the development of new settlements such as [[Bashundhara (Dhaka)|Bashundhara]], [[Mirpur (Dhaka)|Mirpur]] and [[Motijheel]].
|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0022.HTM
|title=Mujib, (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur
|accessdate=2006-07-06
|last=Rashid
|first=Harun-or
|format=HTML
|work=Banglapedia
|publisher=Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
}}</ref> In response, the [[Pakistan Army]] launched [[Operation Searchlight]], which led to the arrests, torture and killing of thousands of people: Muslims, Hindus, [[Bengali people|Bengali]]s, and intellectuals.<ref name="SelectiveGenocide">Blood, Archer, {{PDFlink|[http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB79/BEBB1.pdf Transcript of Selective Genocide Telex]|131&nbsp;KB}}, Department of State, United States</ref> After nine months of bloody battle with Bangladeshi Forces, the Pakistani Army surrendered to the [[Mitra Bahini]] on December 16 marking the end of the independence war of Bangladesh. As the nation's capital, Dhaka saw a rapid and massive growth of the city population in the post-independence period, as migrant workers from rural areas across Bangladesh moved to the city.<ref name = "Dhaka2"/> The growth of commerce and industry along with the city's population has created further challenges to services and infrastructure.<ref>United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, ''Enhancing Urban Safety and Security: Global Report on Human Settlements 2007‎'', page 184, Earthscan, 2007, ISBN 184407479X</ref> A real estate boom has followed the expansion of city limits and the development of new settlements such as [[Bashundhara (Dhaka)|Bashundhara]], [[Mirpur (Dhaka)|Mirpur]] and [[Motijheel]].<ref name="Dhaka2">{{cite web
|last=
|first=Banglapedia
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/D_0145.HTM
|title=History of Dhaka
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref>


==Geography and climate==
==Geography and climate==
{{seealso|Geography of Bangladesh}}
{{seealso|Geography of Bangladesh}}
Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh at {{coord|23|42|0|N|90|22|30|E|type:city_region:BD}}, on the eastern banks of the [[Buriganga River]]. The city lies on the lower reaches of the [[Ganges Delta]] and covers a total area of {{convert|153.84|km2|sqmi|lk=out}}.<ref name="Bangladesh2001Mun"> [http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics; Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava2001 ('''pdf-file''')] Accessed on 2008-09-29. </ref> It consists of seven principal [[thana]]s &ndash; [[Dhanmondi Thana|Dhanmondi]], [[Kotwali]], [[Motijheel]], [[Paltan]], [[Ramna]], [[Mohammadpur]], [[Sutrapur]], [[Tejgaon]] &ndash; and 16 auxiliary thanas &ndash; [[Gulshan (Dhaka)|Gulshan]], [[Lalbagh Thana|Lalbagh]], [[Mirpur Thana|Mirpur]], [[Pallabi]], [[Shah Ali]], [[Turaag]], [[Sabujbagh]], [[Dhaka Cantonment]], [[Demra]], [[Hazaribagh Thana|Hazaribagh]], [[Shyampur]], [[Badda]], [[Kafrul]], [[Kamrangir char]], [[Khilgaon]] and [[Uttara (Dhaka)|Uttara]]. In total the city has 130 wards and 725 ''[[mohalla]]s''.<ref name = "Dhaka"/> Dhaka district has an area of 1463.60&nbsp;square kilometres (565&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi); and is bounded by the districts of [[Gazipur District|Gazipur]], [[Tangail District|Tangail]], [[Munshiganj District|Munshiganj]], [[Rajbari District|Rajbari]], [[Narayanganj District|Narayanganj]], [[Manikganj District|Manikganj]].<ref name = "Dhaka"/> [[Tropics|Tropical]] vegetation and moist soils characterise the land, which is flat and close to sea level. This leaves Dhaka susceptible to flooding during the [[monsoon]] seasons owing to heavy rainfall and [[cyclone]]s.
Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh at {{coord|23|42|0|N|90|22|30|E|type:city_region:BD}}, on the eastern banks of the [[Buriganga River]]. The city lies on the lower reaches of the [[Ganges Delta]] and covers a total area of {{convert|153.84|km2|sqmi|lk=out}}.<ref name="Bangladesh2001Mun">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf|publisher=Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics|title=Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava|year=2001|format=pdf|accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref> It consists of seven principal [[thana]]s &ndash; [[Dhanmondi Thana|Dhanmondi]], [[Kotwali]], [[Motijheel]], [[Paltan]], [[Ramna]], [[Mohammadpur]], [[Sutrapur]], [[Tejgaon]] &ndash; and 16 auxiliary thanas &ndash; [[Gulshan Thana|Gulshan]], [[Lalbagh Thana|Lalbagh]], [[Mirpur Thana|Mirpur]], [[Pallabi]], [[Shah Ali]], [[Turaag]], [[Sabujbagh]], [[Dhaka Cantonment]], [[Demra]], [[Hazaribagh Thana|Hazaribagh]], [[Shyampur]], [[Badda]], [[Kafrul]], [[Kamrangir char]], [[Khilgaon]] and [[Uttara (Dhaka)|Uttara]]. In total the city has 130 wards and 725 ''[[mohalla]]s''.<ref name = "Dhaka"/> Dhaka district has an area of 1463.60&nbsp;square kilometres (565&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi); and is bounded by the districts of [[Gazipur District|Gazipur]], [[Tangail District|Tangail]], [[Munshiganj District|Munshiganj]], [[Rajbari District|Rajbari]], [[Narayanganj District|Narayanganj]], [[Manikganj District|Manikganj]].<ref name = "Dhaka"/> [[Tropics|Tropical]] vegetation and moist soils characterise the land, which is flat and close to sea level. This leaves Dhaka susceptible to flooding during the [[monsoon]] seasons owing to heavy rainfall and [[cyclone]]s.


Dhaka experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average temperature of 25&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] (77&nbsp;[[Fahrenheit|°F]]) and monthly means varying between 18&nbsp;°C (64&nbsp;°F) in January and 29&nbsp;°C (84&nbsp;°F) in August.<ref name = "Geo"/> Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854&nbsp;millimetres (73&nbsp;in) occurs between May and September.<ref name="Geo">{{cite web
Dhaka experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average temperature of 25&nbsp;[[Celsius|°C]] (77&nbsp;[[Fahrenheit|°F]]) and monthly means varying between 18&nbsp;°C (64&nbsp;°F) in January and 29&nbsp;°C (84&nbsp;°F) in August.<ref name = "Geo"/> Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854&nbsp;millimetres (73&nbsp;in) occurs between May and September.<ref name="Geo">{{cite web
|author=Bangladesh Online
|last=
|first=Bangladesh Online
|date=2006-09-10
|date=2006-09-10
|url=http://www.bangladeshonline.com/tourism/spots/dhaka.htm
|url=http://www.bangladeshonline.com/tourism/spots/dhaka.htm
|title=Geography and climate
|title=Geography and climate
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-10
|accessdate=2006-09-10
}}</ref> Increasing air and water pollution emanating from traffic congestion and industrial waste are serious problems affecting public health and the quality of life in the city.<ref name = "Geo2"/> Water bodies and [[wetland]]s around Dhaka are facing extinction as these are being filled up to construct multi-storied buildings and other real estate developments. Coupled with pollution, such erosion of natural habitats threatens to destroy much of the regional biodiversity.<ref name="Geo2">{{cite news
}}</ref> Increasing air and water pollution emanating from traffic congestion and industrial waste are serious problems affecting public health and the quality of life in the city.<ref name = "Geo2"/> Water bodies and [[wetland]]s around Dhaka are facing extinction as these are being filled up to construct multi-storied buildings and other real estate developments. Coupled with pollution, such erosion of natural habitats threatens to destroy much of the regional biodiversity.<ref name="Geo2">{{cite news
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|date=2006-09-27
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities28.htm
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities28.htm
|title=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special (The Daily Star)
|title=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special
|publisher=The Daily Star
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
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|source =weatherbase.com <ref name=weather1>{{cite web
|source =weatherbase.com <ref name=weather1>{{cite web
| url =http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=032914&refer=/ | title =Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Dhaka, Bangladesh | dateformat =mdy | accessdate =Dec 15 2008
|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=032914&refer=/ | title=Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Dhaka, Bangladesh|accessdate=2008-12-15|publisher=weatherbase.com}}</ref>
|accessdate = 2008-12-15
| publisher =weatherbase.com | language =English }}</ref>
|accessdate = 15 Dec 2008
}}<!--Infobox ends-->
}}<!--Infobox ends-->


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[[File:Nagar Bhaban.A.M.R.jpg|thumb|The Dhaka City Corporation building]]
[[File:Nagar Bhaban.A.M.R.jpg|thumb|The Dhaka City Corporation building]]
The Dhaka municipality was founded on August 1, 1864 and upgraded to "[[municipal corporation|corporation]]" status in 1978.<ref name="CityCorp">{{cite web
The Dhaka municipality was founded on August 1, 1864 and upgraded to "[[municipal corporation|corporation]]" status in 1978.<ref name="CityCorp">{{cite web
|author=Dhaka City Corporation
|last=
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/Page/About_us/About/Category/2/About_us_info
|first=Dhaka City Corporation
|date=2006-09-05
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/aboutdcc.html
|title=City Corporation
|title=City Corporation
|format=PHP
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-05
|accessdate=2009-02-27
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka City Corporation]] is a self-governing corporation which runs the affairs of the city. The incorporated area is divided into several wards, which have elected commissioners. The [[mayor]] of the city is elected by popular vote every five years, and the post is presently held by [[Sadeque Hossain Khoka]].<ref name="Mayor">{{cite web
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka City Corporation]] is a self-governing corporation which runs the affairs of the city. The incorporated area is divided into several wards, which have elected commissioners. The [[mayor]] of the city is elected by popular vote every five years, and the post is presently held by [[Sadeque Hossain Khoka]].<ref name="Mayor">{{cite web
|author=Dhaka City Corporation
|last=
|first=Dhaka City Corporation
|date=2006-09-10
|date=2006-09-10
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1321003.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1321003.stm
|title=Dhaka police fear crime wave
|title=Dhaka police fear crime wave
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref><ref name="Tro">{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name="Tro">{{cite news
|last=World News
|first=BBC
|date=2003-02-20
|date=2003-02-20
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2784105.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2784105.stm
|title='Troop trials' in Dhaka crime fight
|title='Troop trials' in Dhaka crime fight
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The city is divided into 10 parliamentary constituencies. The two main political parties are the [[Bangladesh Awami League|Awami League]] and the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]]. [[Ramna]] contains the Secretariat, which houses most of the government ministries. The [[Supreme Court of Bangladesh]] and the [[Dhaka High Court]] are located in the city. The [[Bangabhaban]] palace has served as the official residence of the [[Governor-General of India|Viceroy of India]], the [[governor]] of East Pakistan and presently the [[President of Bangladesh]].<ref name="bpedia-bangabhaban">[http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/B_0125.htm Bangabhaban], from [[Banglapedia]].</ref> The [[Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban]], designed by renowned architect [[Louis Kahn]],<ref name="CALC"/> houses the [[unicameralism|unicameral]] national parliament. The [[Baitul Mukarram]], developed with a design resembling the [[Kaaba]] of [[Mecca]], is the national [[mosque]]. Other historical monuments in the city include the [[Bara Katra]] palace, the [[Lalbagh Fort]], the [[Hoseni Dalan]] and the [[Ahsan Manzil]].
The city is divided into 10 parliamentary constituencies. The two main political parties are the [[Bangladesh Awami League|Awami League]] and the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]]. [[Ramna]] contains the Secretariat, which houses most of the government ministries. The [[Supreme Court of Bangladesh]] and the [[Dhaka High Court]] are located in the city. The [[Bangabhaban]] palace has served as the official residence of the [[Governor-General of India|Viceroy of India]], the [[governor]] of East Pakistan and presently the [[President of Bangladesh]].<ref name="bpedia-bangabhaban">{{cite web|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/B_0125.htm|title=Bangabhaban|publisher=[[Banglapedia]]}}</ref> The [[Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban]], designed by renowned architect [[Louis Kahn]],<ref name="CALC"/> houses the [[unicameralism|unicameral]] national parliament. The [[Baitul Mukarram]], developed with a design resembling the [[Kaaba]] of [[Mecca]], is the national [[mosque]]. Other historical monuments in the city include the [[Bara Katra]] palace, the [[Lalbagh Fort]], the [[Hoseni Dalan]] and the [[Ahsan Manzil]].


To fight rising traffic [[congestion]] and population, the national government has recently implemented a policy for rapid [[urbanisation]] of surrounding areas and beyond by the introduction of a ten year holiday on [[income tax]] for new construction of facilities and buildings outside Dhaka.<ref name=townplan>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=62337 |title=Town planning for Bangladesh : Vision 2020 |date=2008-11-08 |publisher=The Daily Star |accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref> Aside from [[Chittagong]], Dhaka is the only city in the country with a water-borne sewage system, but this serves only 25% of the population while another 30% are served with [[septic tank]]s.<ref name="Geo2">{{cite web
To fight rising [[traffic congestion]] and population, the national government has recently implemented a policy for rapid [[urbanisation]] of surrounding areas and beyond by the introduction of a ten year holiday on [[income tax]] for new construction of facilities and buildings outside Dhaka.<ref name=townplan>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=62337 |title=Town planning for Bangladesh : Vision 2020 |date=2008-11-08 |publisher=The Daily Star |accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref> Aside from [[Chittagong]], Dhaka is the only city in the country with a water-borne sewage system, but this serves only 25% of the population while another 30% are served with [[septic tank]]s.<ref name="Geo2A">{{cite web
|last=Mondo
|last=Mondo
|first=M. Abdul Latif
|first=M. Abdul Latif
|date=2006-09-27
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities28.htm
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities28.htm
|title=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special (The Daily Start)
|title=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special
|publisher=The Daily Star
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> Only two-thirds of households in Dhaka are served by the city water supply system. More than 9.7 million tonnes of solid wastes are produced in Dhaka city each year. While private and government efforts have succeeded in collecting garbage city-wide and using it as [[manure]], most solid wastes are often dumped untreated in nearby low-lying areas and water bodies.<ref name="Geo2">{{cite news
}}</ref> Only two-thirds of households in Dhaka are served by the city water supply system. More than 9.7 million tonnes of solid wastes are produced in Dhaka city each year. While private and government efforts have succeeded in collecting garbage city-wide and using it as [[manure]], most solid wastes are often dumped untreated in nearby low-lying areas and water bodies.<ref name="Geo2">{{cite news
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|date=2002-10-30
|date=2002-10-30
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2377629.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2377629.stm
|title=Dhaka 'winning' waste disposal battle (BBC World News)
|title=Dhaka 'winning' waste disposal battle
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref><ref name="Geo2A">{{cite news
|last=Mondal
|first=M. Abdul Latif
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities28.htm
|title=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special (The Daily Star)
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> Dhaka has one of the highest rates of death from infectious disease of any city in Asia.<ref name="EDemo1"/>
}}</ref><ref name="Geo2A"/> Dhaka has one of the highest rates of death from infectious disease of any city in Asia.<ref name="EDemo1"/>


==Economy==
==Economy==
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|title=Dhaka
|title=Dhaka
|accessdate=2007-04-23
|accessdate=2007-04-23
}}</ref><ref name = "CiE"/> The city has historically attracted a large number of migrant workers.<ref name="EDemo1"/> [[Hawker centre|Hawkers]], peddlers, small shops, [[rickshaw]] transport, roadside vendors and stalls employ a large segment of the population<ref name="EDemo1"/><ref name = "Rick"/> &ndash; rickshaw-drivers alone number as many as 400,000.<ref>Robert Cervero, ''Informal Transport in the Developing World‎'', page 39, UN-HABITAT, 2000, ISBN 9211314534</ref> Half the workforce is employed in household and unorganised labour, while about 800,000 work in the [[textile]] industry. Even so, unemployment remains high at 23%.<ref name="Ecn">{{cite web
}}</ref><ref name = "CiE"/> The city has historically attracted a large number of migrant workers.<ref name="EDemo1"/> [[Hawker centre|Hawkers]], peddlers, small shops, [[rickshaw]] transport, roadside vendors and stalls employ a large segment of the population<ref name="EDemo1"/><ref name = "Rick"/> &ndash; rickshaw-drivers alone number as many as 400,000.<ref>{{cite book|author=Robert Cervero|title=Informal Transport in the Developing World‎|page=39|publisher=UN-HABITAT|year=2000|isbn=9211314534}}</ref> Half the workforce is employed in household and unorganised labour, while about 800,000 work in the [[textile]] industry. Even so, unemployment remains high at 23%.<ref name="Ecn">{{cite web
|author=Dhaka City Corporation
|last=
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/Page/Search_item_details/Search/Item_id/31/Item/employment/Dhaka_City_At_a_Glance
|first=Dhaka City Corporation
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://www.dhakacity.org/dcc_at_a_glance.html
|title=Economy
|title=Economy
|format=PHP
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2009-02-27
}}</ref> According to [http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/richest-cities-2005.html ''CityMayors Statistics''], Dhaka's GDP registered at $92 billion in 2008 with an annual growth rate of 7.6%. Its estimated GDP in the year 2020 is $160 billion. The annual per capita income of Dhaka is estimated at $500, with 48% of households living below the [[poverty line]],<ref>Asian City Development Strategies: [http://www.citiesalliance.org/fukuoka.nsf/Attachments/CP_Dhaka/$File/CPF_Dhaka.PDF Dhaka], Fukuoka Conference 2000, Cities Alliance, Retrieved: 2009-01-24</ref> including a large segment of the population coming from the villages in search of employment,<ref name = "CiE"/> with many surviving on less than $10 a day.
}}</ref> According to [http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/richest-cities-2005.html ''CityMayors Statistics''], Dhaka's GDP registered at $92 billion in 2008 with an annual growth rate of 7.6%. Its estimated GDP in the year 2020 is $160 billion. The annual per capita income of Dhaka is estimated at $500, with 48% of households living below the [[poverty line]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Asian City Development Strategies: Dhaka|url=http://www.citiesalliance.org/fukuoka.nsf/Attachments/CP_Dhaka/$File/CPF_Dhaka.PDF|format=pdf|publisher=Fukuoka Conference 2000, Cities Alliance|accessdate=2009-01-24}}</ref> including a large segment of the population coming from the villages in search of employment,<ref name = "CiE"/> with many surviving on less than $10 a day.


The main commercial areas of the city include [[Farmgate]], [[New Market, Dhaka|New Market]], [[Gulshan]] and [[Motijheel]], while [[Tejgaon Thana|Tejgaon]] and [[Hazaribagh Thana|Hazaribagh]] are the major industrial areas.<ref>[http://www.rrcap.unep.org/reports/soe/dhaka-soe-05/3-4dhaka-noise.pdf Dhaka City State of Environment: 2005], Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific, [[United Nations Environment Programme]], Retrieved: 2009-01-24</ref> [[Bashundhara City]] is a developing economic area that will include high-tech industries, corporations and a large shopping mall in about 5 years.<ref name="CiE"/> The [[Export Processing Zone]] in Dhaka was set up to encourage the export of garments, textiles and other goods. Dhaka has two EPZ's. They are home to 413
The main commercial areas of the city include [[Farmgate]], [[New Market, Dhaka|New Market]], [[Gulshan Thana|Gulshan]] and [[Motijheel]], while [[Tejgaon Thana|Tejgaon]] and [[Hazaribagh Thana|Hazaribagh]] are the major industrial areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rrcap.unep.org/reports/soe/dhaka-soe-05/3-4dhaka-noise.pdf|format=pdf|title=Dhaka City State of Environment|year=2005|publisher=Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific, [[United Nations Environment Programme]]|accessdate=2009-01-24}}</ref> [[Bashundhara City]] is a developing economic area that will include high-tech industries, corporations and a large shopping mall in about 5 years.<ref name="CiE"/> The [[Export Processing Zone]] in Dhaka was set up to encourage the export of garments, textiles and other goods. Dhaka has two EPZ's. They are home to 413
industries, which employ mostly women.<ref name="EPZ">{{cite news
industries, which employ mostly women.<ref name="EPZ">{{cite news
|last=[[BBC]]
|first=World News
|date=2006-06-06
|date=2006-06-06
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5052738.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5052738.stm
|title=Dhaka clothes factories to reopen
|title=Dhaka clothes factories to reopen
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka Stock Exchange]] is based in the city, as are most of the large multinationals including [[Citigroup]], [[HSBC]], [[Standard Chartered Bank]], [[Unilever]], [[Nestle]] and [[British American Tobacco]]. Large local conglomerates such as [[Navana Group]] [[ACI]] and [[Rahimafrooz]] also have their corporate offices located in Dhaka. [[Microcredit]] also began here and the offices of the Nobel Prize winning [[Grameen Bank]]<ref>{{Cite web
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka Stock Exchange]] is based in the city, as are most of the large multinationals including [[Citigroup]], [[HSBC]], [[Standard Chartered Bank]], [[Unilever]], [[Nestle]] and [[British American Tobacco]]. Large local conglomerates such as [[Navana Group]] and [[Rahimafrooz]] also have their corporate offices located in Dhaka. [[Microcredit]] also began here and the offices of the Nobel Prize winning [[Grameen Bank]]<ref>{{Cite web
| last = | first = | author-link = | title = Poverty Alleviation: Yunus calls for major reforms in World Bank
|title=Poverty Alleviation: Yunus calls for major reforms in World Bank
| newspaper =The Daily Star | pages =http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=10351 | year =2007
|publisher=The Daily Star
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=10351
| date = 5 November | url = }}</ref> and [[BRAC (NGO)|BRAC]] are based in Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web
|date=2007-11-05}}</ref> and [[BRAC (NGO)|BRAC]] are based in Dhaka.<ref>{{Cite web
| last = | first = | author-link = | title = Blind eye to urban poor to spell social disaster:Conference on the poor told
|title=Blind eye to urban poor to spell social disaster:Conference on the poor told
| newspaper =The Daily Star | pages =http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/12/05/d61205011711.htm | year =2007
|publisher=The Daily Star
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/12/05/d61205011711.htm
| date = 5 December | url = }}</ref> Urban developments have sparked a widespread construction boom; new high-rise buildings and [[skyscraper]]s have changed the city landscape.<ref name = "CiE"/> Growth has been especially strong in the finance, banking, manufacturing, [[telecommunications]] and services sectors, while tourism, hotels and restaurants continue as important elements of the Dhaka economy.<ref name="EDemo1"/>
|date=2007-12-05}}</ref> Urban developments have sparked a widespread construction boom; new high-rise buildings and [[skyscraper]]s have changed the city landscape.<ref name = "CiE"/> Growth has been especially strong in the finance, banking, manufacturing, [[telecommunications]] and services sectors, while tourism, hotels and restaurants continue as important elements of the Dhaka economy.<ref name="EDemo1"/>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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The literacy rate is estimated at 62.3%.<ref name="Dhaka">{{cite web
The literacy rate is estimated at 62.3%.<ref name="Dhaka">{{cite web
|author=Banglapedia
|last=
|first=Banglapedia
|date=2006-09-27
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/D_0156.htm
|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/D_0156.htm
|title=Dhaka Division
|title=Dhaka Division
|format=
|accessdate=2009-02-11
|accessdate=2009-02-11
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
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|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities06.htm
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities06.htm
|title=Adivasis in the capital
|title=Adivasis in the capital
|publisher=The Daily Star
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
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[[Islam in Bangladesh|Islam]] is the predominant religion, with a majority belonging to the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] sect. There are also significant [[Shia Islam|Shia]] and [[Ahmadi]]ya communities. [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hinduism]] is the second-largest religion and smaller communities practice [[Buddhism in Bangladesh|Buddhism]] and [[Christianity in Bangladesh|Christianity]]. In recent years there have been rising levels of religious violence, especially from radical Islamic groups.<ref name="Rel1">{{cite news
[[Islam in Bangladesh|Islam]] is the predominant religion, with a majority belonging to the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] sect. There are also significant [[Shia Islam|Shia]] and [[Ahmadi]]ya communities. [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hinduism]] is the second-largest religion and smaller communities practice [[Buddhism in Bangladesh|Buddhism]] and [[Christianity in Bangladesh|Christianity]]. In recent years there have been rising levels of religious violence, especially from radical Islamic groups.<ref name="Rel1">{{cite news
|last=BBC
|first=World News
|date=2001-02-13
|date=2001-02-13
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1167650.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1167650.stm
|title=Four killed in Dhaka riot
|title=Four killed in Dhaka riot
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref><ref name="Rel2">{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name="Rel2">{{cite news
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1397019.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1397019.stm
|title=US condemns Bangladesh violence
|title=US condemns Bangladesh violence
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> Islamic groups have been blamed for targeting Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas as well as police and state authorities.<ref name="Rel3">{{cite news
}}</ref> Islamic groups have been blamed for targeting Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas as well as police and state authorities.<ref name="Rel3">{{cite news
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4556318.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4556318.stm
|title=Violent Dhaka rally against sect
|title=Violent Dhaka rally against sect
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref><ref name="Rel4">{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name="Rel4">{{cite news
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1591794.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1591794.stm
|title=Bangladesh Hindus seek protection
|title=Bangladesh Hindus seek protection
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Culture==
==Culture==
[[File:Star mosque.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Star Mosque|Tara Masjid]] (Star Mosque) is noted for its star-studded design]]
{{seealso|Culture of Bangladesh}}
{{seealso|Culture of Bangladesh}}
[[File:Star mosque.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Star Mosque|Tara Masjid]] (Star Mosque) is noted for its star-studded design]]
As the most populous city of Bangladesh, Dhaka has a vibrant cultural life. Annual celebrations for [[Bangladeshi Independence Day|Independence Day]] (March 26), [[Language Movement Day|Language Martyrs' Day]] (February 21) and [[Victory Day (Bangladesh)|Victory Day]] (December 16) are prominently celebrated across the city. Dhaka's people congregate at the [[Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Jatiyo Smriti Soudho]] to remember the national heroes of the liberation war. These occasions are observed with public ceremonies and rallies in public grounds. Many schools and colleges organise fairs, festivals and concerts in which citizens from all levels of society participate.<ref name = "Cul"/>
As the most populous city of Bangladesh, Dhaka has a vibrant cultural life. Annual celebrations for [[Bangladeshi Independence Day|Independence Day]] (March 26), [[Language Movement Day|Language Martyrs' Day]] (February 21) and [[Victory Day (Bangladesh)|Victory Day]] (December 16) are prominently celebrated across the city. Dhaka's people congregate at the [[Shaheed Minar]] and the [[Jatiyo Smriti Soudho]] to remember the national heroes of the liberation war. These occasions are observed with public ceremonies and rallies in public grounds. Many schools and colleges organise fairs, festivals and concerts in which citizens from all levels of society participate.<ref name = "Cul"/>
[[Image:Durga puja in Dhakeshwari temple.jpg|thumb|right|[[Durga Puja]] at the [[Dhakeshwari Temple]].]]
[[Image:Durga puja in Dhakeshwari temple.jpg|thumb|right|[[Durga Puja]] at the [[Dhakeshwari Temple]].]]
Line 379: Line 342:
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities01.htm
|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities01.htm
|title=Happy 400th anniversary, Dhaka!
|title=Happy 400th anniversary, Dhaka!
|publisher=The Daily Star
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> Large crowds of people gather on the streets of [[Shahbag]], [[Ramna Park]] and the campus of the [[University of Dhaka]] for celebrations. The most popular dressing style for women are ''[[sari|sarees]]'' or ''[[salwar kameez]]'', while men usually prefer western clothing to the traditional ''[[lungi]]''.<ref name=clothingcustoms>{{cite book | last =Sarah C. | first =White | title =Arguing with the Crocodile: Gender and Class in Bangladesh | date =1992 | pages =30 | isbn=9781856490856}}</ref> The ''[[Durga Puja]]'' is the most important Hindu festival of the year. Large processions of Hindus perform devotional songs, dances, prayers and ceremonies for Goddess [[Durga]].<ref>Matthew Westfall & Victoria A. De Villa, ''Urban Indicators for Managing Cities: Cities Data Book‎'', page 174, Asian Development Bank, 2001, ISBN 9715613128</ref> The Muslim festivals of [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid ul-Adha]] witnesses widespread celebrations, with large numbers of Muslims attending prayers in mosques across the city; Dhaka being known as the 'City of Mosques'.<ref name="banglapedia"/>
}}</ref> Large crowds of people gather on the streets of [[Shahbag]], [[Ramna Park]] and the campus of the [[University of Dhaka]] for celebrations. The most popular dressing style for women are ''[[sari|sarees]]'' or ''[[salwar kameez]]'', while men usually prefer western clothing to the traditional ''[[lungi]]''.<ref name=clothingcustoms>{{cite book |author=Sarah C. White | title=Arguing with the Crocodile: Gender and Class in Bangladesh | year=1992 | page=30 | isbn=9781856490856}}</ref> The ''[[Durga Puja]]'' is the most important Hindu festival of the year. Large processions of Hindus perform devotional songs, dances, prayers and ceremonies for Goddess [[Durga]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Matthew Westfall & Victoria A. De Villa|title=Urban Indicators for Managing Cities: Cities Data Book‎|page=174|publisher=Asian Development Bank|year=2001|isbn=9715613128}}</ref> The Muslim festivals of [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid ul-Adha]] witnesses widespread celebrations, with large numbers of Muslims attending prayers in mosques across the city; Dhaka being known as the 'City of Mosques'.<ref name="banglapedia"/>


For much of recent history, Dhaka was characterised by roadside markets and small shops that sold a wide variety of goods.<ref>Jeremy Seabrook, ''In the Cities of the South: Scenes from a Developing World‎'' page 221, Verso Books, 1996, ISBN 1859840817</ref> Recent years have seen the widespread construction of shopping malls, [[multiplex]]es, hotels and restaurants attracting Dhaka's growing middle-class and wealthy residents.<ref>Various writers, ''World and Its Peoples'', page 489, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2008, ISBN 0761476318</ref> Along with [[Cuisine of Bangladesh|Bangladeshi cuisine]] and [[South Asian cuisine|South Asian variants]], a large variety of [[Western cuisine|Western]] and [[Chinese cuisine]] is served at numerous restaurants and eateries.<ref name = "CiE"/> Dhakai [[Bakarkhani]] is the traditional food/snack of the people of old Dhaka. It is famous for its quality and taste and it was highly praised by the Royal court of the [[Mughal Empire]] in [[Delhi]].
For much of recent history, Dhaka was characterised by roadside markets and small shops that sold a wide variety of goods.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jeremy Seabrook|title=In the Cities of the South: Scenes from a Developing World‎|page=221|publisher=Verso Books|year=1996|isbn=1859840817}}</ref> Recent years have seen the widespread construction of shopping malls, [[Multiplex (movie theater)|multiplex]]es, hotels and restaurants attracting Dhaka's growing middle-class and wealthy residents.<ref>{{cite book|title=World and Its Peoples|page=489|publisher=Marshall Cavendish Corporation|year=2008|isbn=0761476318}}</ref> Along with [[Cuisine of Bangladesh|Bangladeshi cuisine]] and [[South Asian cuisine|South Asian variants]], a large variety of [[Western cuisine|Western]] and [[Chinese cuisine]] is served at numerous restaurants and eateries.<ref name = "CiE"/> Dhakai [[Bakarkhani]] is the traditional food/snack of the people of old Dhaka. It is famous for its quality and taste and it was highly praised by the Royal court of the [[Mughal Empire]] in [[Delhi]].


Despite the growing popularity of music groups and rock bands, traditional [[Music of Bangladesh|folk music]] remains widely popular.<ref>Thomas Angotti & Lothar Beckel, ''Mega Cities'', page 730, GEOSPACE Beckel Satellitenb. GmbH, 2001, ISBN 3853130518</ref> The [[ghazal]] songs of artists like [[Runa Laila]] and the works of the national poet [[Kazi Nazrul Islam]] and national anthem writer [[Rabindranath Tagore]] have a widespread following across Dhaka.<ref>Alison Arnold, ''The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Indian Subcontinent'', pages 858-859, Routledge, 1999, ISBN 0824049462</ref> The Baily Road area is known as ''Natak Para'' (Theater Neighborhood) which is the center of Dhaka's thriving theater movement.<ref>Ian Herbert & Nicole Leclercq, ''The World of Theatre'', page 12, Taylor & Francis, 2000, ISBN 0415238668</ref> Indian and Pakistani music and films are popular with large segments of Dhaka's population.<ref>A. F. Salahuddin Ahmed & Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury, '' Bangladesh, National Culture, and Heritage: An Introductory Reader‎'', page 405, Independent University, 2004, ISBN 9848509003</ref> This area is also credited for the revival of the [[Jamdani]] due to the many local saree stores selling and promoting these locally hand-made age old traditional Bengali sarees. Jamdanis are 100% hand weaved and originate from the Persian and Mughal era. Jamdanis are produced by a traditional high quality cottage industry, which is slowly dying out due to the slow production process. A single medium range Jamdani saree may take as long as 3&nbsp;months to complete.
Despite the growing popularity of music groups and rock bands, traditional [[Music of Bangladesh|folk music]] remains widely popular.<ref>{{cite book|author=Thomas Angotti & Lothar Beckel|title=Mega Cities|page=730|publisher=GEOSPACE Beckel Satellitenb|year=2001|isbn=3853130518}}</ref> The [[ghazal]] songs of artists like [[Runa Laila]] and the works of the national poet [[Kazi Nazrul Islam]] and national anthem writer [[Rabindranath Tagore]] have a widespread following across Dhaka.<ref>{{cite book|author=Alison Arnold|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Indian Subcontinent|pages=858-859|publisher=Routledge|year=1999|isbn=0824049462}}</ref> The Baily Road area is known as ''Natak Para'' (Theater Neighborhood) which is the center of Dhaka's thriving theater movement.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ian Herbert & Nicole Leclercq|title=The World of Theatre|page=12|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2000|isbn=0415238668}}</ref> Indian and Pakistani music and films are popular with large segments of Dhaka's population.<ref>{{cite book|author=A. F. Salahuddin Ahmed & Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury|title=Bangladesh, National Culture, and Heritage: An Introductory Reader‎|page=405|publisher=Independent University|year=2004|isbn=9848509003}}</ref> This area is also credited for the revival of the [[Jamdani]] due to the many local saree stores selling and promoting these locally hand-made age old traditional Bengali sarees. Jamdanis are 100% hand weaved and originate from the Persian and Mughal era. Jamdanis are produced by a traditional high quality cottage industry, which is slowly dying out due to the slow production process. A single medium range Jamdani saree may take as long as 3&nbsp;months to complete.
[[Image:Pohela boishakh 2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Pohela Baishakh]] (Bangla New Year) celebration in Ramna park.]]
[[Image:Pohela boishakh 2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Pohela Baishakh]] (Bangla New Year) celebration in Ramna park.]]
[[Bangladesh Betar]] is the state-run primary provider of radio services, and broadcasts a variety of programming in Bangla and English. In recent years many private radio networks, especially FM radio services, have been established in the city such as Radio Foorti FM 88.0, Radio Today FM 89.6, Radio Amar FM 101.6 and ABC Radio FM 89.2. [[Bangladesh Television]] is the state-run broadcasting network that provides a wide variety of programmes in Bangla and English. Cable and satellite networks such as [[Ekushey Television]], [[Channel I]], [[ATN Bangla]], [[RTV (Bangladesh)|RTV]], [[NTV (Bangladesh)|NTV]] and [[STAR TV (Asia)|STAR TV]] are amongst the most popular channels. The main offices of most publishing houses in Bangladesh are based in Dhaka. The ''[[Prothom Alo]]'' and ''[[Ittefaq|The Daily Ittefaq]]'' are the most popular amongst the large number of Bangla language dailies, periodicals and other publications in the city. ''[[Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]'' and ''[[The Independent (Bangladesh)|The Independent]]'' are the largest English-language dailies published.<ref>John Simpson, ''The Traveler's Handbook'', page 195, Globe Pequot, 2006, ISBN 0762740906</ref> Although [[mobile phone|cellular phone]]s are gaining popularity, less than 10% of households have telephone access.<ref name="EDemo1">{{cite web
[[Bangladesh Betar]] is the state-run primary provider of radio services, and broadcasts a variety of programming in Bangla and English. In recent years many private radio networks, especially FM radio services, have been established in the city such as Radio Foorti FM 88.0, Radio Today FM 89.6, Radio Amar FM 101.6 and ABC Radio FM 89.2. [[Bangladesh Television]] is the state-run broadcasting network that provides a wide variety of programmes in Bangla and English. Cable and satellite networks such as [[Ekushey Television]], [[Channel I]], [[ATN Bangla]], [[RTV (Bangladesh)|RTV]], [[NTV (Bangladesh)|NTV]] and [[STAR TV (Asia)|STAR TV]] are amongst the most popular channels. The main offices of most publishing houses in Bangladesh are based in Dhaka. The ''[[Prothom Alo]]'' and ''[[The Daily Ittefaq]]'' are the most popular amongst the large number of Bangla language dailies, periodicals and other publications in the city. ''[[Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]'' and ''[[The Independent (Bangladesh)|The Independent]]'' are the largest English-language dailies published.<ref>{{cite book|author=John Simpson|title=The Traveler's Handbook|page=195|publisher=Globe Pequot|year=2006|isbn=0762740906}}</ref> Although [[mobile phone|cellular phone]]s are gaining popularity, less than 10% of households have telephone access.<ref name="EDemo1">{{cite web
|last=McGee
|last=McGee
|first=Terry
|first=Terry
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|url=http://www.prb.org/Articles/2001/UrbanizationTakesonNewDimensionsinAsiasPopulationGiants.aspx
|url=http://www.prb.org/Articles/2001/UrbanizationTakesonNewDimensionsinAsiasPopulationGiants.aspx
|title=Urbanization Takes on New Dimensions in Asia's Population Giants
|title=Urbanization Takes on New Dimensions in Asia's Population Giants
|publisher=Population Reference Bureau
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27}}</ref>
|accessdate=2006-09-27}}</ref>


==Transport==
==Transport==
{{seealso|Transport in Bangladesh}}
{{seealso|Transport in Bangladesh}}
[[File:Rickshaws everywhere.jpg|thumb|Dhaka is known as the [[rickshaw]] capital of the world.
[[File:Rickshaws everywhere.jpg|thumb|Dhaka is known as the [[rickshaw]] capital of the world.<ref name="Rickshaws2">{{cite news
<ref name="Rickshaws2">{{cite news
|last=Lawson
|last=Lawson
|first=Alastair
|first=Alastair
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2300179.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2300179.stm
|title=Dhaka's beleaguered rickshaw wallahs
|title=Dhaka's beleaguered rickshaw wallahs
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2008-12-17
|accessdate=2008-12-17
}}</ref><ref name="Rickshaws1">{{cite news
}} </ref>

<ref name="Rickshaws1">{{cite news
|last=
|first=
|date=
|url=http://student.britannica.com/eb/art-72937/More-rickshaws-are-found-in-Dhaka-Bangladesh-than-in-any
|url=http://student.britannica.com/eb/art-72937/More-rickshaws-are-found-in-Dhaka-Bangladesh-than-in-any
|title=rickshaw: Dhaka
|title=rickshaw: Dhaka
|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2008-12-17
|accessdate=2008-12-17
}}</ref><ref name="Rickshaws">{{cite news
}} </ref>
|last=Menchetti

|first=Peter
<ref name="Rickshaws">{{cite news
|last=Menchetti, Hendrikkade
|first=Peter, Menchetti
|date=2005-03-24
|date=2005-03-24
|url=http://www.pedalinginbikecity.org/diary/text/Dhaka_Rickshaws.pdf
|url=http://www.pedalinginbikecity.org/diary/text/Dhaka_Rickshaws.pdf
|title=Cycle Rickshaws in Dhaka, Bangladesh
|title=Cycle Rickshaws in Dhaka, Bangladesh
|format=PDF
|format=PDF
|publisher=Thesis for Amsterdam University
|accessdate=2008-04-15
|accessdate=2008-04-15
}} </ref> Approximately 400,000 rickshaws run each day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2300179.stm|title=Dhaka|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref>]]
}}</ref> Approximately 400,000 rickshaws run each day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2300179.stm|title=Dhaka|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref>]]


[[Cycle rickshaw]]s and [[auto rickshaw]]s are the main mode of transport, with close to 400,000 rickshaws running each day &ndash; the largest number for any city in the world.<ref name="Rick">{{cite news
[[Cycle rickshaw]]s and [[auto rickshaw]]s are the main mode of transport, with close to 400,000 rickshaws running each day &ndash; the largest number for any city in the world.<ref name="Rick">{{cite news
|last=[[BBC]]
|first=World News
|date=1998-07-20
|date=1998-07-20
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/136074.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/136074.stm
|title=Does Dhaka need rickshaws?
|title=Does Dhaka need rickshaws?
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref><ref name="CiE">{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name="CiE">{{cite news
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2018535.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2018535.stm
|title=Good times for bourgeois Bangladeshis
|title=Good times for bourgeois Bangladeshis
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-10-02
|accessdate=2006-10-02
}}</ref> However, only about 85,000 rickshaws are licensed by the city government.<ref>Rizanuzzaman Laskar, "[http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/04/d703042503132.htm Rickshaw pullers get licences]", ''The Daily Star'' (Dhaka), 2007-03-04</ref><ref name="EDemo1">{{cite web
}}</ref> However, only about 85,000 rickshaws are licensed by the city government.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rizanuzzaman Laskar|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/04/d703042503132.htm|title=Rickshaw pullers get licences|publisher=The Daily Star|date=2007-03-04}}</ref><ref name="EDemo1"/> Relatively low-cost and non-polluting cycle rickshaws nevertheless cause [[traffic congestion]] and have been banned from many parts of the city. Public buses are operated by the state-run [[Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]] (BRTC) and by private companies and operators. Scooters, taxis and privately owned automobiles are increasingly becoming popular with the city's growing middle class. The government has overseen the replacement of two-stroke engine taxis with "Green taxis" locally called CNG, which run on [[compressed natural gas]].<ref>{{Cite book
|last=McGee
|first=Terry
|date=2006-09-27
|url=http://www.prb.org/Template.cfm?Section=PRB&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=3931
|title=Urbanization Takes on New Dimensions in Asia's Population Giants
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-27
}}</ref> Relatively low-cost and non-polluting cycle rickshaws nevertheless cause [[traffic congestion]] and have been banned from many parts of the city. Public buses are operated by the state-run [[Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]] (BRTC) and by private companies and operators. Scooters, taxis and privately owned automobiles are increasingly becoming popular with the city's growing middle class. The government has overseen the replacement of two-stroke engine taxis with "Green taxis" locally called CNG, which run on [[compressed natural gas]].<ref>{{Cite web
|last=Rahman
|last=Rahman
|first=Mushfiqur
|first=Mushfiqur
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|place = Dhaka
|place = Dhaka
|isbn=9843205766
|isbn=9843205766
|publication-date = 2003
|accessdate=2008-01-17
|accessdate=2008-01-17
|contribution-url =http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/C_0326.htm
|url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/C_0326.htm
|year=2003
|year=2003
|oclc=52727562
|oclc=52727562
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Dhaka has 1,868&nbsp;kilometres (1,161&nbsp;mi) of paved roads.<ref>Sharif Uddin Ahmed, ''Dacca: A Study in Urban History and Development‎'', page 108, Curzon Press, 1986, ISBN 0913215147</ref> It is connected by highways and railway links to [[Chittagong]], [[Khulna]], [[Mymensingh District|Mymensingh]], [[Rajshahi]], [[Faridpur, Bangladesh|Faridpur]] and [[Sylhet]]. Highway links to the Indian cities of [[Kolkata]] and [[Agartala]] have been established by the BRTC which also runs regular bus services to those cities from Dhaka.<ref name="BTRC">{{cite news
Dhaka has 1,868&nbsp;kilometres (1,161&nbsp;mi) of paved roads.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sharif Uddin Ahmed|title=Dacca: A Study in Urban History and Development‎|page=108|publisher=Curzon Press|year=1986|isbn=0913215147}}</ref> It is connected by highways and railway links to [[Chittagong]], [[Khulna]], [[Mymensingh District|Mymensingh]], [[Rajshahi]], [[Faridpur, Bangladesh|Faridpur]] and [[Sylhet]]. Highway links to the Indian cities of [[Kolkata]] and [[Agartala]] have been established by the BRTC which also runs regular bus services to those cities from Dhaka.<ref name="BTRC">{{cite news
|date=2003-10-13
|date=2003-10-13
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3162854.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3162854.stm
|title=Passengers shun Dhaka-India bus
|title=Passengers shun Dhaka-India bus
|work=BBC World News
|publisher=BBC News
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-07
|accessdate=2006-09-07
}}</ref> The [[Kamalapur Railway Station]] and the [[Airport (Biman Bandar) Railway Station]] are the main railway stations providing trains on suburban and national routes operated by the state-run [[Bangladesh Railway]].<ref>Marika McAdam, ''Bangladesh'', page 66, Lonely Planet, 2004, ISBN 1740592808</ref> The [[Sadarghat Port]] on the banks of the Buriganga River serves the transportation of goods and passengers upriver and to other ports in Bangladesh.<ref>Dhaka, ''Asian Highway Handbook'', page 28; United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Publications, 2005, ISBN 9211201705</ref> The [[Zia International Airport]] is the largest and busiest in the nation.<ref name="Air">{{Cite web |last=Alam|first=Jobair Bin| contribution =Air Transport | editor-last = Islam | editor-first = Sirajul | editor-link = Sirajul Islam |title=[[Banglapedia]]: National encyclopedia of Bangladesh |publisher=[[Asiatic Society]] of Bangladesh | place = Dhaka |isbn=9843205766 | publication-date = 2003 |accessdate=2008-01-17 | contribution-url =http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/A_0133.htm |year=2003 |oclc=52727562}}</ref>
}}</ref> The [[Kamalapur Railway Station]] and the [[Airport (Biman Bandar) Railway Station]] are the main railway stations providing trains on suburban and national routes operated by the state-run [[Bangladesh Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Marika McAdam|title=Bangladesh|page=66|publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2004|isbn=1740592808}}</ref> The [[Sadarghat Port]] on the banks of the Buriganga River serves the transportation of goods and passengers upriver and to other ports in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Dhaka|title=Asian Highway Handbook|page=28|publisher=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Publications|year=2005|isbn=9211201705}}</ref> The [[Zia International Airport]] is the largest and busiest in the nation.<ref name="Air">{{Cite book |last=Alam|first=Jobair Bin| contribution=Air Transport | editor-last=Islam | editor-first=Sirajul | editor-link=Sirajul Islam |title=[[Banglapedia]]: National encyclopedia of Bangladesh |publisher=[[Asiatic Society]] of Bangladesh | place=Dhaka |isbn=9843205766 |accessdate=2008-01-17 |url=http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/A_0133.htm |year=2003 |oclc=52727562}}</ref>


==Education==
==Education==
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[[File:Curzon hall front.jpg|thumb|Curzon Hall of the [[University of Dhaka]].]]
[[File:Curzon hall front.jpg|thumb|Curzon Hall of the [[University of Dhaka]].]]


Dhaka has the largest number of schools, colleges and universities of any Bangladeshi city. The education system is divided into 4 levels: Primary (from grades 1 to 5), Secondary (from grades 6 to 10), Higher Secondary (from grades 11 to 12) and tertiary.<ref name=CompEd>T. Neville Postlethwaite, ''The Encyclopedia of Comparative Education and National Systems of Education‎'', page 130, Pergamon Press, 1988, ISBN 0080308538</ref> The five years of lower secondary education concludes with a Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination. Students who pass this examination proceed to two years of Higher Secondary or intermediate training, which culminate in a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination.<ref name=CompEd/> Education is mainly offered in Bangla, but English is also commonly taught and used. A large number of Muslim families send their children to attend part-time courses or even to pursue full-time religious education, which is imparted in Bangla and [[Arabic language|Arabic]] in madrasahs.<ref name=CompEd/>
Dhaka has the largest number of schools, colleges and universities of any Bangladeshi city. The education system is divided into 4 levels: Primary (from grades 1 to 5), Secondary (from grades 6 to 10), Higher Secondary (from grades 11 to 12) and tertiary.<ref name=CompEd>{{cite book|author=T. Neville Postlethwaite|title=The Encyclopedia of Comparative Education and National Systems of Education‎|page=130|publisher=Pergamon Press|year=1988|isbn=0080308538}}</ref> The five years of lower secondary education concludes with a Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination. Students who pass this examination proceed to two years of Higher Secondary or intermediate training, which culminate in a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination.<ref name=CompEd/> Education is mainly offered in Bangla, but English is also commonly taught and used. A large number of Muslim families send their children to attend part-time courses or even to pursue full-time religious education, which is imparted in Bangla and [[Arabic language|Arabic]] in madrasahs.<ref name=CompEd/>


The [[Dhaka College]] is the oldest institution of higher education in the city and amongst the earliest established in [[British Raj|British India]], founded in 1840. Since independence, Dhaka has seen the establishment of a large number of public and private colleges and universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as a variety of doctoral programmes.<ref>Growth of academic institutions: Kamal Siddiqui, ''Social Formation in Dhaka City: A Study in Third World Urban Sociology'', page 42, University Press Limited, Dhaka 1990</ref> The [[University of Dhaka]] is the largest public university<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |author= |coauthors= |title=Dhaka teachers on violence charge |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7138123.stm |publisher=[[BBC]] |id= |date=2007-12-11|accessdate=2008-05-15|quote=}}</ref> in the nation with more than 30,000 students and 1,300 faculty staff. The university has 18 research centres and 70 departments, faculties and institutes.<ref name="DhakaU">{{cite web
The [[Dhaka College]] is the oldest institution of higher education in the city and amongst the earliest established in [[British Raj|British India]], founded in 1840. Since independence, Dhaka has seen the establishment of a large number of public and private colleges and universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as a variety of doctoral programmes.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Growth of academic institutions|author=Kamal Siddiqui|title=Social Formation in Dhaka City: A Study in Third World Urban Sociology|page=42|publisher=University Press Limited|location=Dhaka|year=1990}}</ref> The [[University of Dhaka]] is the largest public university<ref>{{cite news|title=Dhaka teachers on violence charge|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7138123.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=2007-12-11|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref> in the nation with more than 30,000 students and 1,300 faculty staff. The university has 18 research centres and 70 departments, faculties and institutes.<ref name="DhakaU">{{cite web
|author=University of Dhaka
|last=
|first=University of Dhaka
|date=2006-09-10
|date=2006-09-10
|url=http://www.univdhaka.edu/fastFacts.php
|url=http://www.univdhaka.edu/fastFacts.php
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|format=PHP
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-09-10
|accessdate=2006-09-10
}}</ref> Eminent seats of higher education include the [[Jahangirnagar University]] and the [[Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology]] (BUET). The [[Dhaka Medical College and Hospital|Dhaka Medical College]] and the [[Sir Salimullah Medical College]] are amongst the largest and most respected medical schools in the nation.<ref>Muhammad Shamsul Huq, ''Higher Education and Employment in Bangladesh'', page 181, UNESCO, 1983</ref> Dhaka's college campuses are often hotbeds of political conflicts.<ref name="DhakaU4">{{cite news
}}</ref> Eminent seats of higher education include the [[Jahangirnagar University]] and the [[Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology]] (BUET). The [[Dhaka Medical College and Hospital|Dhaka Medical College]] and the [[Sir Salimullah Medical College]] are amongst the largest and most respected medical schools in the nation.<ref>{{cite book|author=Muhammad Shamsul Huq|title=Higher Education and Employment in Bangladesh|page=181|publisher=UNESCO|year=1983}}</ref> Dhaka's college campuses are often hotbeds of political conflicts.<ref name="DhakaU4">{{cite news
|last=Alistair
|last=Alistair
|first=Lawson
|first=Lawson
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2148693.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2148693.stm
|title=Uneasy calm after Bangladesh riot
|title=Uneasy calm after Bangladesh riot
|publisher=[[BBC]]
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-10-03
|accessdate=2006-10-03
}}</ref> Protests and strikes, and violence amongst police, students and political groups frequently disrupt public university campuses.<ref name="DhakaU2">{{cite news
}}</ref> Protests and strikes, and violence amongst police, students and political groups frequently disrupt public university campuses.<ref name="DhakaU2">{{cite news
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2246563.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2246563.stm
|title=Bangladesh students call strike
|title=Bangladesh students call strike
|publisher=BBC News
|format=HTML
|publisher=[[BBC]]
|accessdate=2006-10-03
|accessdate=2006-10-03
}}</ref><ref name="DhakaU3">{{cite news
}}</ref><ref name="DhakaU3">{{cite news
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|first=Moazzem
|first=Moazzem
|date=2002-09-02
|date=2002-09-02
|publisher=[[BBC]]
|publisher=BBC News
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2244628.stm
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2244628.stm
|title=Protests shut Bangladeshi university
|title=Protests shut Bangladeshi university
|format=HTML
|accessdate=2006-10-03
|accessdate=2006-10-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
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==Sports==
==Sports==
{{more|Sports in Bangladesh}}
{{more|Sports in Bangladesh}}
[[Cricket]] and [[football (soccer)|football]] are the two most popular sports in Dhaka and across the nation.<ref>Bangladesh, ''The New Encyclopaedia Britannica'' (ed. Robert MacHenry), page 717, Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 1993, ISBN 0852295715</ref> Teams are fielded in intra-city and national competitions by a large number of schools, colleges and private entities. The [[Mohammedan Sporting Club (Bangladesh)|Mohammedan Sports Club]] and [[Abahani Krira Chakra|Abahani]] are two of the most famous football and cricket teams, maintaining a fierce rivalry.<ref name="starsport">[http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/06/17/d70617040133.htm Tasty derby drawn], Al Musabbir Sadi, The Daily Star, June 17, 2007.</ref>
[[Cricket]] and [[football (soccer)|football]] are the two most popular sports in Dhaka and across the nation.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Bangladesh|title=The New Encyclopaedia Britannica|editor=Robert MacHenry|page= 717|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica|year=1993|isbn=0852295715}}</ref> Teams are fielded in intra-city and national competitions by a large number of schools, colleges and private entities. The [[Mohammedan Sporting Club (Bangladesh)|Mohammedan Sports Club]] and [[Abahani Krira Chakra|Abahani]] are two of the most famous football and cricket teams, maintaining a fierce rivalry.<ref name="starsport">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/06/17/d70617040133.htm|title=Tasty derby drawn|author=Al Musabbir Sadi|publisher=The Daily Star|date=2007-06-17}}</ref>


Dhaka has the distinction of having hosted the first official [[test cricket]] match of the Pakistan cricket team in 1954 against India.<ref name="First test">{{cite news
Dhaka has the distinction of having hosted the first official [[test cricket]] match of the Pakistan cricket team in 1954 against India.<ref name="First test">{{cite news
|author=Cricinfo
|last=
|first=Cricinfo
|date=2006-09-07
|date=2006-09-07
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/ground/56661.html
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/ground/56661.html
|title=Stadium
|title=Stadium
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-05-26
|accessdate=2006-05-26
}}</ref> The [[Bangabandhu National Stadium]] was formerly the main venue for domestic and international cricket matches, but now exclusively hosts football matches.<ref name="First test">{{cite web
}}</ref> The [[Bangabandhu National Stadium]] was formerly the main venue for domestic and international cricket matches, but now exclusively hosts football matches.<ref name="First test">{{cite web
|author=Cricinfo
|last=
|first=Cricinfo
|date=2006-09-07
|date=2006-09-07
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/ground/56661.html
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/ground/56661.html
|title=First test
|title=First test
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2006-05-26
|accessdate=2006-05-26
}}</ref> It is a potential host for the opening ceremony of the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]] as well as host to 6 matches to be played in Bangladesh.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/5160396.stm India lands 2011 World Cup final], from BBC, retrieved July 9, 2006.</ref> The [[Bangladesh Sports Control Board]], responsible for promoting sports activities across the nation is based in Dhaka. Dhaka also has stadiums largely used for domestic events such as the [[Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium]] (in Mirpur), the [[Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium]] and the [[Outer Stadium Ground]].<ref>{{cite web
}}</ref> It is a potential host for the opening ceremony of the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]] as well as host to 6 matches to be played in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/5160396.stm|title=India lands 2011 World Cup final|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2006-07-09}}</ref> The [[Bangladesh Sports Control Board]], responsible for promoting sports activities across the nation is based in Dhaka. Dhaka also has stadiums largely used for domestic events such as the [[Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium]] (in Mirpur), the [[Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium]] and the [[Outer Stadium Ground]].<ref>{{cite web
|author=Cricinfo
|last=
|first=
|work=Cricinfo
|date=
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/town/56660.html
|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/town/56660.html
|title=Grounds - Bangladesh: Dhaka
|title=Grounds - Bangladesh: Dhaka
|format=PHP
|accessdate=2008-03-13
|accessdate=2008-03-13
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka University Ground]] hosts many intercollegiate tournaments.<ref>Muhammad Abdur Rahim, ''The History of the University of Dacca'',‎ page 161, University of Dacca, 1981</ref>
}}</ref> The [[Dhaka University Ground]] hosts many intercollegiate tournaments.<ref>{{cite book|author=Muhammad Abdur Rahim|title=The History of the University of Dacca|page=161|publisher=University of Dacca|year=1981}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


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|oclc= 123337526 243482310 50334244 50939515
}}
}}
* {{Harvard reference
* {{cite book
|Surname1 = Rabbani
|last = Rabbani
|Given1 = Golam
|first = Golam
|year=1997
|year=1997
|title=Dhaka, from Mughal outpost to metropolis
|title=Dhaka, from Mughal outpost to metropolis
|publisher=University Press,Dhaka
|publisher=University Press, Dhaka
|isbn=9840513745
|isbn=9840513745
}}
}}
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|last= Ahmed |first=Sharifuddin
|last= Ahmed |first=Sharifuddin
|title=Dhaka: Past, Present and Future
|title=Dhaka: Past, Present and Future
|publisher=The Asiatic Society,Dhaka, 1991
|publisher=The Asiatic Society, Dhaka
|year=1991
|isbn=984-512-335-0
|isbn=984-512-335-0
}}
|unused_data= |ISBN status= May be invalid - please double check
}}
* {{cite book
* {{cite book
|last= Sarkar |first=Sir Jadunath
|last= Sarkar |first=Sir Jadunath
|title=History of Bengal (II)
|title=History of Bengal (II)
|publisher=Dhaka, 1948
|location=Dhaka
|year=1948
}}
}}
* {{cite book
* {{cite book
|last= Taifoor |first=S.M
|last= Taifoor |first=S.M
|title=Glimpses of Old Dacca
|title=Glimpses of Old Dacca
|publisher=Dhaka, 1956
|location=Dhaka
|year=1956
}}
}}
* {{cite book
* {{cite book
|last= Karim |first=Abdul
|last= Karim |first=Abdul
|title=History of Bengal, Mughal Period (I)
|title=History of Bengal, Mughal Period (I)
|publisher=Rajshahi, 1992
|location=Rajshahi
|year=1992
}}
}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


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Revision as of 09:03, 9 March 2009

Dhaka
Dhaka skyline
Dhaka skyline
Nickname: 
City of Mosques
CountryBangladesh
Administrative DistrictDhaka District
Government
 • MayorSadeque Hossain Khoka
Area
 • City153.84 km2 (59.40 sq mi)
Population
 (2007)[1]
 • City6,737,774
 • Density43,797.3/km2 (113,434/sq mi)
 • Metro
12,295,728
Time zoneUTC+6 (BST)

Template:IndicText

Dhaka (Bangla: ঢাকা, IPA: [ɖʱaka])— formerly Dacca and Jahangir Nagar, is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, has a population of over 12 million, making it the largest city in Bangladesh.[1] Dhaka is known as the City of Mosques and renowned for producing the world's finest muslin. As a cosmopolitan city, Dhaka has been the center of Persio-Arabic and Western cultural influences in eastern Indian Subcontinent. Today it serves as one of the prime centers for culture, education and business in the region.

Under Mughal rule in the 17th century, the city was known as Jahangir Nagar. It was a provincial capital and a centre of the worldwide muslin trade. The modern city, however, was developed chiefly under British rule in the 19th century, and became the second-largest city in Bengal after Calcutta (presently Kolkata). After the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Dhaka became the capital of the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam but lost its status as a provincial capital again after the partition was annulled in 1911. After the partition of India in 1947, Dhaka became the administrative capital of East Pakistan, and later, in 1972, the capital of an independent Bangladesh. During the intervening period, the city witnessed widespread turmoil; this included many impositions of martial law, the declaration of Bangladesh's independence, military suppression, devastation during war, and natural calamities.

Modern Dhaka is the center of political, cultural and economic life in Bangladesh.[2] Although its urban infrastructure is the most developed in the country, Dhaka suffers from urban problems such as pollution, congestion, and lack of adequate services due to the rising population. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen modernization of transport, communications and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation. Dhaka is consistently ranked as one of the least livable cities in the world.[3][4]

History

Lalbagh Fort, constructed in the mid 17th century by Shaista Khan

The existence of urbanized settlements in the area that is now Dhaka dates from the 7th century. The city area was ruled by the Buddhist kingdom of Kamarupa and the Pala Empire before passing to the control of the Hindu Sena dynasty in the 9th century.[5] Many believe that the name of the city was derived after the establishment of the Goddess Dhakeshwari's temple by Ballal Sena in the 12th century. Dhaka and its surrounding area was identified as Bengalla around that period. The town itself consisted of a few market centers like Lakshmi Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Patuatuli, Kumartuli, Bania Nagar and Goal Nagar. After the Sena dynasty, Dhaka was successively ruled by the Turkic and Pashtun governors descending from the Delhi Sultanate before the arrival of the Mughals in 1608.[6]

The development of townships and a significant growth in population came as the city was proclaimed the capital of Bengal under Mughal rule in 1608. Mughal subahdar Islam Khan was the first administrator of the city.[7] Khan named the town "Jahangir Nagar" (City of Jahangir) in honor of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, although this name was dropped soon after Jahangir's death. The main expansion of the city took place under Mughal general Shaista Khan. The city then measured 19 by 13 kilometres (12 by 8 mi), with a population of nearly a million people.[8] The city passed to the control of the British East India Company in 1765 after the Battle of Plassey. The city's population shrank dramatically during this period as the prominence of Kolkata rose,[9] but substantive development and modernisation eventually followed. A modern civic water supply system was introduced in 1874 and electricity supply launched in 1878.[10][11] The Dhaka Cantonment was established near the city, serving as a base for British and Bengali soldiers.[12]

Ahsan Manzil was once the palace of the Dhaka Nawab Family; it is now a museum.

During the abortive Partition of Bengal in 1905, Dhaka was declared to be the capital of the newly established state of East Bengal and Assam, but Bengal was reunited in 1911. Following the Partition of India in 1947, Dhaka became the capital of East Pakistan. The city witnessed minimal communal violence. A large proportion of the city's Hindu population departed for India, while the city received a large influx of Muslims. As the center of regional politics, however, Dhaka saw an increasing number of political strikes and incidents of violence. The adoption of Urdu as the sole official language of Pakistan led to protest marches involving large crowds. Known as the Bengali Language Movement, the protests resulted in police firing which killed students who were demonstrating peacefully.[13] Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Dhaka remained a hotbed of political activity, and the demands for autonomy for the Bengali population gradually gained momentum.

Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the national parliament.

The 1970 Bhola cyclone devastated much of the region, killing an estimated 500,000 people. More than half the city of Dhaka was flooded and millions of people marooned.[citation needed] With public anger growing against ethnic discrimination and poor cyclone relief efforts from the central government, Bengali politician Sheikh Mujibur Rahman held a nationalist gathering on March 7, 1971 at the Race Course Ground. An estimated one million people attended the gathering, leading to the March 26 declaration of Bangladesh's independence.[13] In response, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, which led to the arrests, torture and killing of thousands of people: Muslims, Hindus, Bengalis, and intellectuals.[14] After nine months of bloody battle with Bangladeshi Forces, the Pakistani Army surrendered to the Mitra Bahini on December 16 marking the end of the independence war of Bangladesh. As the nation's capital, Dhaka saw a rapid and massive growth of the city population in the post-independence period, as migrant workers from rural areas across Bangladesh moved to the city. The growth of commerce and industry along with the city's population has created further challenges to services and infrastructure.[15] A real estate boom has followed the expansion of city limits and the development of new settlements such as Bashundhara, Mirpur and Motijheel.

Geography and climate

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh at 23°42′0″N 90°22′30″E / 23.70000°N 90.37500°E / 23.70000; 90.37500, on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River. The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta and covers a total area of 153.84 square kilometres (59.40 sq mi).[16] It consists of seven principal thanasDhanmondi, Kotwali, Motijheel, Paltan, Ramna, Mohammadpur, Sutrapur, Tejgaon – and 16 auxiliary thanas – Gulshan, Lalbagh, Mirpur, Pallabi, Shah Ali, Turaag, Sabujbagh, Dhaka Cantonment, Demra, Hazaribagh, Shyampur, Badda, Kafrul, Kamrangir char, Khilgaon and Uttara. In total the city has 130 wards and 725 mohallas.[17] Dhaka district has an area of 1463.60 square kilometres (565 sq mi); and is bounded by the districts of Gazipur, Tangail, Munshiganj, Rajbari, Narayanganj, Manikganj.[17] Tropical vegetation and moist soils characterise the land, which is flat and close to sea level. This leaves Dhaka susceptible to flooding during the monsoon seasons owing to heavy rainfall and cyclones.

Dhaka experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) and monthly means varying between 18 °C (64 °F) in January and 29 °C (84 °F) in August.[18] Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854 millimetres (73 in) occurs between May and September.[18] Increasing air and water pollution emanating from traffic congestion and industrial waste are serious problems affecting public health and the quality of life in the city.[19] Water bodies and wetlands around Dhaka are facing extinction as these are being filled up to construct multi-storied buildings and other real estate developments. Coupled with pollution, such erosion of natural habitats threatens to destroy much of the regional biodiversity.[19]

Climate data for Dhaka
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Source: weatherbase.com [20]

Civic administration

The Dhaka City Corporation building

The Dhaka municipality was founded on August 1, 1864 and upgraded to "corporation" status in 1978.[21] The Dhaka City Corporation is a self-governing corporation which runs the affairs of the city. The incorporated area is divided into several wards, which have elected commissioners. The mayor of the city is elected by popular vote every five years, and the post is presently held by Sadeque Hossain Khoka.[22] The Dhaka Education Board is responsible for administering all public schools and most private schools with the exception of English-medium schools and madrassahs. All madrassahs in Bangladesh are governed by a central board while English-medium schools are under separate educational and governance structures.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was established in 1976 and has 6,000 personnel in 12 police stations.[23] With the rapid population growth of the city, the force has been raised to 23,000 personnel and the establishment of 33 police stations has been completed and the creation of another 18 police stations is underway.[23][24] However, Dhaka suffers from a chronically high crime rate and frequent incidents of political and religious violence.[25] The DMP suffers from lack of equipment and personnel, causing governments to occasionally deploy the Bangladesh Army and paramilitary forces in major efforts to curb crime.[26][27]

The city is divided into 10 parliamentary constituencies. The two main political parties are the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Ramna contains the Secretariat, which houses most of the government ministries. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the Dhaka High Court are located in the city. The Bangabhaban palace has served as the official residence of the Viceroy of India, the governor of East Pakistan and presently the President of Bangladesh.[28] The Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn,[13] houses the unicameral national parliament. The Baitul Mukarram, developed with a design resembling the Kaaba of Mecca, is the national mosque. Other historical monuments in the city include the Bara Katra palace, the Lalbagh Fort, the Hoseni Dalan and the Ahsan Manzil.

To fight rising traffic congestion and population, the national government has recently implemented a policy for rapid urbanisation of surrounding areas and beyond by the introduction of a ten year holiday on income tax for new construction of facilities and buildings outside Dhaka.[29] Aside from Chittagong, Dhaka is the only city in the country with a water-borne sewage system, but this serves only 25% of the population while another 30% are served with septic tanks.[30] Only two-thirds of households in Dhaka are served by the city water supply system. More than 9.7 million tonnes of solid wastes are produced in Dhaka city each year. While private and government efforts have succeeded in collecting garbage city-wide and using it as manure, most solid wastes are often dumped untreated in nearby low-lying areas and water bodies.[19][30] Dhaka has one of the highest rates of death from infectious disease of any city in Asia.[31]

Economy

Bashundhara City, South Asia's largest shopping mall.

Dhaka is the commercial heart of Bangladesh.[32] The city has a moderate-sized middle class population, driving the market for modern consumer and luxury goods.[33][34] The city has historically attracted a large number of migrant workers.[31] Hawkers, peddlers, small shops, rickshaw transport, roadside vendors and stalls employ a large segment of the population[31][35] – rickshaw-drivers alone number as many as 400,000.[36] Half the workforce is employed in household and unorganised labour, while about 800,000 work in the textile industry. Even so, unemployment remains high at 23%.[37] According to CityMayors Statistics, Dhaka's GDP registered at $92 billion in 2008 with an annual growth rate of 7.6%. Its estimated GDP in the year 2020 is $160 billion. The annual per capita income of Dhaka is estimated at $500, with 48% of households living below the poverty line,[38] including a large segment of the population coming from the villages in search of employment,[34] with many surviving on less than $10 a day.

The main commercial areas of the city include Farmgate, New Market, Gulshan and Motijheel, while Tejgaon and Hazaribagh are the major industrial areas.[39] Bashundhara City is a developing economic area that will include high-tech industries, corporations and a large shopping mall in about 5 years.[34] The Export Processing Zone in Dhaka was set up to encourage the export of garments, textiles and other goods. Dhaka has two EPZ's. They are home to 413 industries, which employ mostly women.[40] The Dhaka Stock Exchange is based in the city, as are most of the large multinationals including Citigroup, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever, Nestle and British American Tobacco. Large local conglomerates such as Navana Group and Rahimafrooz also have their corporate offices located in Dhaka. Microcredit also began here and the offices of the Nobel Prize winning Grameen Bank[41] and BRAC are based in Dhaka.[42] Urban developments have sparked a widespread construction boom; new high-rise buildings and skyscrapers have changed the city landscape.[34] Growth has been especially strong in the finance, banking, manufacturing, telecommunications and services sectors, while tourism, hotels and restaurants continue as important elements of the Dhaka economy.[31]

Demographics

File:Dhaka.ogg
Animation showing urban growth in Dhaka, Blangladesh from 1972 to 2001. The animation starts with a global view over India using Terra-MODIS 30 km. true color data. The animation then zooms down to Terra-MODIS 1 km. data over Bangladesh, and dissolves into the December 28, 1972, Landsat-1-MSS data of Dhaka. Dhaka can then be seen growing to its present day size by first showing the February 13, 1989 Landsat-5-TM image which then dissolves into the final January 29, 2001 Landsat-7-ETM+ image.[43]

The population of Dhaka city (areas under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka city corporation) stands at approximately 6.7 million. The city, in combination with localities forming the wider metropolitan area, is home to an estimated 12.3 million as of 2007.[1] The population is growing by an estimated 4.2% per annum, one of the highest rates amongst Asian cities.[31] The continuing growth reflects ongoing migration from rural areas to the Dhaka urban region, which accounted for 60% of the city's growth in the 1960s and 1970s. More recently, the city's population has also grown with the expansion of city boundaries, a process that added more than a million people to the city in the 1980s.[31]

The literacy rate is estimated at 62.3%.[17] The city population is composed of peoples from virtually every region of Bangladesh. The long-standing inhabitants of the old city are known as Dhakaia and have a distinctive dialect and culture. Between 15,000 to 20,000 of the Rohingya, Santal, Khasi, Garo, Chakma and Mandi tribal peoples reside in the city.[44]

Most residents of Dhaka speak Bengali, the national language. Many distinctive Bengali dialects and regional languages such as Chittagonian and Sylheti are also spoken by segments of the population. English is spoken by a large segment of the population, especially for business purposes. Urdu is spoken by members of several non-Bengali communities, including the Biharis.

Islam is the predominant religion, with a majority belonging to the Sunni sect. There are also significant Shia and Ahmadiya communities. Hinduism is the second-largest religion and smaller communities practice Buddhism and Christianity. In recent years there have been rising levels of religious violence, especially from radical Islamic groups.[25][45] Islamic groups have been blamed for targeting Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas as well as police and state authorities.[46][47]

Culture

The Tara Masjid (Star Mosque) is noted for its star-studded design

As the most populous city of Bangladesh, Dhaka has a vibrant cultural life. Annual celebrations for Independence Day (March 26), Language Martyrs' Day (February 21) and Victory Day (December 16) are prominently celebrated across the city. Dhaka's people congregate at the Shaheed Minar and the Jatiyo Smriti Soudho to remember the national heroes of the liberation war. These occasions are observed with public ceremonies and rallies in public grounds. Many schools and colleges organise fairs, festivals and concerts in which citizens from all levels of society participate.[48]

Durga Puja at the Dhakeshwari Temple.

Pohela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, falls annually on April 14 and is popularly celebrated across the city.[48] Large crowds of people gather on the streets of Shahbag, Ramna Park and the campus of the University of Dhaka for celebrations. The most popular dressing style for women are sarees or salwar kameez, while men usually prefer western clothing to the traditional lungi.[49] The Durga Puja is the most important Hindu festival of the year. Large processions of Hindus perform devotional songs, dances, prayers and ceremonies for Goddess Durga.[50] The Muslim festivals of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha witnesses widespread celebrations, with large numbers of Muslims attending prayers in mosques across the city; Dhaka being known as the 'City of Mosques'.[33]

For much of recent history, Dhaka was characterised by roadside markets and small shops that sold a wide variety of goods.[51] Recent years have seen the widespread construction of shopping malls, multiplexes, hotels and restaurants attracting Dhaka's growing middle-class and wealthy residents.[52] Along with Bangladeshi cuisine and South Asian variants, a large variety of Western and Chinese cuisine is served at numerous restaurants and eateries.[34] Dhakai Bakarkhani is the traditional food/snack of the people of old Dhaka. It is famous for its quality and taste and it was highly praised by the Royal court of the Mughal Empire in Delhi.

Despite the growing popularity of music groups and rock bands, traditional folk music remains widely popular.[53] The ghazal songs of artists like Runa Laila and the works of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and national anthem writer Rabindranath Tagore have a widespread following across Dhaka.[54] The Baily Road area is known as Natak Para (Theater Neighborhood) which is the center of Dhaka's thriving theater movement.[55] Indian and Pakistani music and films are popular with large segments of Dhaka's population.[56] This area is also credited for the revival of the Jamdani due to the many local saree stores selling and promoting these locally hand-made age old traditional Bengali sarees. Jamdanis are 100% hand weaved and originate from the Persian and Mughal era. Jamdanis are produced by a traditional high quality cottage industry, which is slowly dying out due to the slow production process. A single medium range Jamdani saree may take as long as 3 months to complete.

Pohela Baishakh (Bangla New Year) celebration in Ramna park.

Bangladesh Betar is the state-run primary provider of radio services, and broadcasts a variety of programming in Bangla and English. In recent years many private radio networks, especially FM radio services, have been established in the city such as Radio Foorti FM 88.0, Radio Today FM 89.6, Radio Amar FM 101.6 and ABC Radio FM 89.2. Bangladesh Television is the state-run broadcasting network that provides a wide variety of programmes in Bangla and English. Cable and satellite networks such as Ekushey Television, Channel I, ATN Bangla, RTV, NTV and STAR TV are amongst the most popular channels. The main offices of most publishing houses in Bangladesh are based in Dhaka. The Prothom Alo and The Daily Ittefaq are the most popular amongst the large number of Bangla language dailies, periodicals and other publications in the city. The Daily Star and The Independent are the largest English-language dailies published.[57] Although cellular phones are gaining popularity, less than 10% of households have telephone access.[31]

Transport

Dhaka is known as the rickshaw capital of the world.[58][59][60] Approximately 400,000 rickshaws run each day.[61]

Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are the main mode of transport, with close to 400,000 rickshaws running each day – the largest number for any city in the world.[35][34] However, only about 85,000 rickshaws are licensed by the city government.[62][31] Relatively low-cost and non-polluting cycle rickshaws nevertheless cause traffic congestion and have been banned from many parts of the city. Public buses are operated by the state-run Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and by private companies and operators. Scooters, taxis and privately owned automobiles are increasingly becoming popular with the city's growing middle class. The government has overseen the replacement of two-stroke engine taxis with "Green taxis" locally called CNG, which run on compressed natural gas.[63]

Dhaka has 1,868 kilometres (1,161 mi) of paved roads.[64] It is connected by highways and railway links to Chittagong, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Faridpur and Sylhet. Highway links to the Indian cities of Kolkata and Agartala have been established by the BRTC which also runs regular bus services to those cities from Dhaka.[65] The Kamalapur Railway Station and the Airport (Biman Bandar) Railway Station are the main railway stations providing trains on suburban and national routes operated by the state-run Bangladesh Railway.[66] The Sadarghat Port on the banks of the Buriganga River serves the transportation of goods and passengers upriver and to other ports in Bangladesh.[67] The Zia International Airport is the largest and busiest in the nation.[68]

Education

Curzon Hall of the University of Dhaka.

Dhaka has the largest number of schools, colleges and universities of any Bangladeshi city. The education system is divided into 4 levels: Primary (from grades 1 to 5), Secondary (from grades 6 to 10), Higher Secondary (from grades 11 to 12) and tertiary.[69] The five years of lower secondary education concludes with a Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination. Students who pass this examination proceed to two years of Higher Secondary or intermediate training, which culminate in a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination.[69] Education is mainly offered in Bangla, but English is also commonly taught and used. A large number of Muslim families send their children to attend part-time courses or even to pursue full-time religious education, which is imparted in Bangla and Arabic in madrasahs.[69]

The Dhaka College is the oldest institution of higher education in the city and amongst the earliest established in British India, founded in 1840. Since independence, Dhaka has seen the establishment of a large number of public and private colleges and universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as a variety of doctoral programmes.[70] The University of Dhaka is the largest public university[71] in the nation with more than 30,000 students and 1,300 faculty staff. The university has 18 research centres and 70 departments, faculties and institutes.[72] Eminent seats of higher education include the Jahangirnagar University and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The Dhaka Medical College and the Sir Salimullah Medical College are amongst the largest and most respected medical schools in the nation.[73] Dhaka's college campuses are often hotbeds of political conflicts.[74] Protests and strikes, and violence amongst police, students and political groups frequently disrupt public university campuses.[75][76]

Sports

Cricket and football are the two most popular sports in Dhaka and across the nation.[77] Teams are fielded in intra-city and national competitions by a large number of schools, colleges and private entities. The Mohammedan Sports Club and Abahani are two of the most famous football and cricket teams, maintaining a fierce rivalry.[78]

Dhaka has the distinction of having hosted the first official test cricket match of the Pakistan cricket team in 1954 against India.[79] The Bangabandhu National Stadium was formerly the main venue for domestic and international cricket matches, but now exclusively hosts football matches.[79] It is a potential host for the opening ceremony of the 2011 Cricket World Cup as well as host to 6 matches to be played in Bangladesh.[80] The Bangladesh Sports Control Board, responsible for promoting sports activities across the nation is based in Dhaka. Dhaka also has stadiums largely used for domestic events such as the Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium (in Mirpur), the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium and the Outer Stadium Ground.[81] The Dhaka University Ground hosts many intercollegiate tournaments.[82]

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Further reading

  • Pryer, Jane (2003). Poverty and Vulnerability in Dhaka Slums: The Urban Livelihood Study. Ashgate Publishing. ISBN 0-7546-1864-1. OCLC 123337526 243482310 50334244 50939515. {{cite book}}: Check |oclc= value (help)
  • Rabbani, Golam (1997). Dhaka, from Mughal outpost to metropolis. University Press, Dhaka. ISBN 9840513745.
  • Ahmed, Sharifuddin (1991). Dhaka: Past, Present and Future. The Asiatic Society, Dhaka. ISBN 984-512-335-0. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  • Sarkar, Sir Jadunath (1948). History of Bengal (II). Dhaka.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Taifoor, S.M (1956). Glimpses of Old Dacca. Dhaka.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Karim, Abdul (1992). History of Bengal, Mughal Period (I). Rajshahi.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)


23°42′07″N 90°22′12″E / 23.702°N 90.37°E / 23.702; 90.37