What Is The Capital Of Bangladesh?

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what is the capital of Bangladesh

The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka. Before it was known as Dacca, the city served as the main capital city of Bangladesh. Situated directly north of the Buriganga River, a tributary of the Dhaleswari River, in the nation’s south-central area. Dhaka stands as one of the largest urban centres in South Asia and the nation’s capital. Read More about what is the capital of Bangladesh and more details about it.

Dhaka: An Overview

The name Dhaka is believed to come from either the dhak tree, which was once a very common tree in the region, or from Dhakeshwari (also known as “The Hidden Goddess”), whose temple is located in the city’s western area. 

Dhaka’s History
1608 to 1639 and 1660–1704
Dhaka’s history dates back to the 1st millennium CE, but it received recognition until the 17th century when it became the capital of the Mughal Empire of Bengal province.
The city became the main centre of maritime trade, drawing in traders from countries like France, England, Armenia, Portugal and the Netherlands. 
1704 After the provincial capital was moved to Murshidabad and with the trade of the muslin industry weakened, Dhaka went into a period of decline. 
1765
It came under British rule and was established as a municipality in 1864.
1905–12It became the capital of the Eastern side of Bengal and Assam province.
1956 – 1947After the conclusion of British rule, with the region becoming a part of Pakistan, it was named the capital of East Bengal province (1947) and East Pakistan (1956)
1971In the Independence War of 1971, Dhaka was heavily damaged but managed to become the capital of Bangladesh.

Also Read – What is the Capital City of Assam?

Geography, Demography and Economy

Since it became the capital, the city of Dhaka has seen a significant increase in its population, size, and variety in social and economic aspects. Alongside its river port in Narayanganj, which is about 10 miles (16 km) south, Dhaka has become one of the most densely industrialized areas in the nation.

  • During the early 20th century, Dhaka functioned as a commercial hub and educational centre.  
  • The city is known for its traditional crafts such as jamdani (high-quality muslin), embroidery, silk, and jewellery. Major industries in the city include jute processing, chemical production, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather products, ceramics, and electronics. 
  • The Dhaka region is situated on a flat plain surrounded by the Meghna, Padma (Ganges [Ganga]), and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers. This area is also home to numerous streams and rivers, with the Dhaleswari, Buriganga, and Sitalakhya being the most significant. 
  • The primary agricultural products here include rice, jute, sugarcane, and oilseeds, alongside some cattle rearing. 
  • The city is home to several universities, such as the University of Dhaka (1921), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (1962), and Jahangirnagar University (1970), as well as numerous government colleges, a nuclear-science training and research centre, the national library, a museum, and the national art gallery.
  • Additionally, the region contains the ruins of the ancient city of Vikramapura, which was the capital of the Pala dynasty of Bengal (8th–12th century).
  • Bangladesh has its economy largely based on farming and agricultural activities.
  • In 1973, the government also initiated a five-year plan to boost the economy.
  • The majority of the population in Bangladesh practices Islam, which gained official recognition through a constitutional amendment in 1988. 

Also Read – What is the Capital City of Uttrakhand?

Culture of Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh

The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali (Bangla), however various Indigenous and other ethnicities have dialects like Tibeto-Burman Languages, Indo-European languages, Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi, etc.

  • Historical structures from the Muslim era are – the Lal Bagh fort (1678) and its mausoleum of Bibi Pari (wife of a Bengal governor who died in 1684); the Bara Katra (a large caravanserai, traditionally used for the accommodation of caravans and travellers; 1664); the Chhota Katra (a smaller caravanserai; 1663); and Husayni Dalan (a religious site for the Shīʿite sect of Islam; 1642). 
  • Other structures from the 17th century are the Hindu Dhakeshwari temple and Tejgaon church, constructed by the Portuguese.
  • Eid, Pohela Boishakh, Pohela Falgun, etc are some famous festivals of Bangladesh.  

About Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a nation in South Asia, is situated at the confluence of the Padma (Ganges [Ganga]) and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers in the northeastern corner of the Indian subcontinent.

  • The country of Bangladesh, also referred to as the “Land of the Bengals,” is among the most densely populated nations globally, with a Muslim majority among its population. 
  • As the eastern part of the historical Bengal region, it was once part of what is now the Indian state of West Bengal and the Bengal province in British India. 
  • Following India’s partition in 1947, it became the East Bengal province of Pakistan (later renamed East Pakistan, one of the five provinces of Pakistan, bordered by the other four by 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of Indian territory). 
  • In 1971, it gained independence as Bangladesh, with its capital in Dhaka.

FAQs

Why is Dhaka so famous?

The city’s distinct character is marked by its rickshaws, Kachi Biryani, cultural festivals, street food, and assortment of faiths. The city’s premier landmark is the modern Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban; it features over 2000 architectural pieces from the Mughal and British periods.

What is the old name of Dhaka?

The phrase “Old Dhaka” (Bengali: পুরান ঢাকা, romanized: Puran Dhaka) refers to the historic heart of Dhaka, which acts as the capital of Bangladesh. It was founded in 1608, known then as Jahangirabad or Jahangirnagar (Bengali: জাহাঙ্গীরনগর, romanized: Jahangirnogor, translating to “Jahangir’s city”).

Is Bangladesh a part of India?

Bangladesh was previously a region under British India and after India was split in 1947, it became part of Pakistan. It was previously known as East Pakistan but is now acknowledged as Bangladesh after it achieved independence in 1971.

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