DHAKA
DIVISION
Dhaka division is located at center of the country
has an area of 31119 sq. km and a population of 38.678
million. It has 17 districts and 64 municipalities.
Main rivers of this division are padma, jamuna, meghna,
old brahmaputra, dhaleshwari, shitalakshya, brahmaputra,
buriganga, arial khan. Madhupur and Bhawal Garhs are
located to the northern parts of Dhaka, in Gazipur,
southern part of Mymensingh and eastern part of Tangail
districts; Garo hills are located in Mymensingh district.
Dhaka (Capital City) stands on the bank of the river
Buriganga.
DHAKA CITY
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh. The city is known
as the city of mosque, muslin and rickshaws. It has
attracted travellers from far and near through ages.
Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into
a busy city of about ten million people with an area
of about 1353 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old
and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing
fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities
in all spheres of life. It is the center of industrial,
commercial, cultural, educational and political activities
for Bangladesh.
Main Tourist Spots In Dhaka Division: |
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Ahsan Manjil |
Built
in 1872 and standing on the river Buriganga, this
stately building offers the visitors a feeling of
the life-style of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Sometimes known
as the Pink Palace, this building now houses a splendid
museum.
Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab
Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872
and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah. |
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On
the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the Pink
majestic, Ahsan Manjil has been renovated and
turned into a museum recently. It is an epitome
of the nation's rich cultural heritage. Todays
renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense
historical beauty. |
| Pic:
Ahsan Manjil |
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It
has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen
from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms
displaying of traits, furniture and household articles
and utensils used by the Nawab.
Open
9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on
Friday. Thursday is close.
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Lalbagh Fort |
The
fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh
Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of
Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor
Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure
with slender minarets at the South Gate. It has many
hidden passages and a mosque of massive structure.
Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort
are the Tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady) and Audience
room and Hummam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista
Khan, now housing a museum.
The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the
first war of independence (1857) when 260 spays stationed
here backed by the people revolted against British
forces. It is one of the great historical places of
Mughal era. A small museum is there in this fort where
you will find the clothes and weapons of the Mughols.
Lalbagh
fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is
open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is
closed.
The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of
the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule
successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled
the province, adorned it with many noble monuments
in the shape of magnificent places, mosques, tombs,
fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded with
beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among
these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive
tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man.
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But
the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad
Fort [commonly known as Lalbagh Fort], which
indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a
Mughal Prince. It occupies the southwestern
part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga
on whose northern bank it stands as a silent
sentinel of the old city. |
| Pic:
Lalbagh Fort |
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Rectangular
in plan, it encloses an area of 1082' by 800' and
in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on southeast
and northeast corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious
gateway on north, it also contains within its fortified
perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded
by attractive garden. These are a small 3-domed mosque,
the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of
Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall
of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort was
to provide a defensive enclosure of the palatial edifices
of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress
rather than a siege fort. |
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Central Shahid Minar |
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Symbol
of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built
to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language
movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of
people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather
on 21 February every year to pay respect in
a solemn atmosphere. |
| Pic:
Central Shahid Minar |
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Bangladesh
national museum |
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Bangladesh
national museum is situated in shahbag. Located at
the central point of the city. The museum contains
a large number of interesting collections including
sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and
Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy
Quran in Arabic and Persian letters and Bengali works
in the Arabic script. |
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The
museum also has a rich collection of old coins,
metal images, books on art, silver filigree
works etc. Though established in 1913 it was
refurbished and opened in the year 1983. Its
open from Friday to Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm.
Your mind must be going to the old era when
you visit this museum. |
| Pic:
Bangladesh National Museum |
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Bangabandhu
memorial museum |
Bangabandhu
memorial museum is situated at road no. 32 Dhanmondi
R/A. The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turn in to a museum.
It contains rare collection of personal effects and
photographs of his lifetime. This three- stored building
as known as Bangabandhu Bhaban. This building turned
in to a museum in year 1997. It’s open 10am
to 6pm from Thursday to Tuesday, Wednesday closed.
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Mukti
juddha museum |
This
is the museum on our liberation war which is well
known as mukti juddha. Mukti juddha museum situated
at Segun Bagicha of the city the museum contains rare
photographs of liberation war and items used by the
freedom fighters during the period. It’s open
9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, Sunday closed.
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Science
museum |
The
museum is modern learning center related to the latest
science discoveries. It is situated at Agargaon. |
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Shadhinota
Stambha |
Shadhinota
Stambha is the place where Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman Delivered his historical speech on 7th march
1971. With his speech, Bangladeshi Nation got the
enthusiasm for our great Liberation War in 1971. To
recognize the historical memory, this Stambha was
made. |
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National
Poet's Graveyard |
Revolutionary
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976
and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to
the Dhaka University Mosque. |
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Suhrawardy
Uddyan (Garden) |
A
Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh
was taken here and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence
on this occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place
is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes.
Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs
of our Liberation war has been blown here recently. |
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Mausoleum
of National Leaders |
Its
located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan,
it is the eternal resting place of great national
leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain
Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin. |
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Banga-Bhaban |
The
official residence of the President, located in the
city. One can have an outside view of this grand palace.
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Parliament
House |
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Jatiya
Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) located at
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar has distinctive architectural
features. Designed by the famous architect Louis
I. Kahn, it may be called an architectural wonder
of this region. |
| Pic:
Parliament House |
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Ramna
Park |
A
vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine
lake near the Sheraton Hotel. |
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Institute
of Arts and Crafts |
Situated
in the picturesque surroundings of Shahbagh. The Institute
of Arts and Crafts has a representative collection
of folk-art and paintings by artists of Bangladesh.
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Curzon
Hall |
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Beautiful
architectural building named after Lord Curzon.
It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. |
| Pic:
Curzon Hall |
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1857
Memorial |
(Bahadur
Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the
first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule.
It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil
compatriots were publicly hanged. |
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Old
High Court Building |
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Originally
built as the residence of the British Governor,
it illustrates a happy blend of European and
Mughal architecture. |
| Pic:
Old High Court Building |
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National
Zoo |
National
Zoo is in Mirpur, 20 km. from the center of Dhaka
besides the river Turag. Its open 10 am – 5
pm, 7 days a week, where you can see the animals of
Bangladesh and some animals from abroad. This Zoo
is also popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colorful and
attractive collections of different local and foreign
species of animals and birds including the majestic
Royal Bengal Tiger are available here. |
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Botanical
Garden |
Botanical
Garden is also situated in Mirpur just besides the
National Zoo, built on an area of 205 acres of land.
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Approximately
50,000 plants and trees are there of 1200 species.
Main attraction of this garden is rose garden.
Approximately 300 species of roses are there
in this garden. It is open 7 days a week. If
you go to this garden, it is advisable you visit
National Zoo at a same time. |
| Pic:
Botanical Garden |
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Baldha
Garden |
Baldha
Garden is established in old Dhaka named Wari, the
unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy,
the property owner of Baldha; the year of establishment
of this garden was on 1904. This garden has a rich
collection of indigenous and exotic plants, which
is one of the most exciting attractions for naturalists
and tourists. A number of varieties tree are there
in this garden. Near about 18,000 plants of 800 species
are there in the garden. It is open from 8:00 am-5:00
pm, 7 days a week. |
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Star
Mosque |
A
very beautiful mosque of the city is situated at Mahuttuly
on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt.
High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style)
is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small
twinkling stars as surface decorations. |
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The
stars have been created by setting pieces of
chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front
and from far it looks as if shining above the
surface of the earth. The inside of it is even
more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic
floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns
set on the walls, are all in complete harmony.
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| Pic:
Star Mosque |
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The
sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes
in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly
respectable Zamindar of Dhaka. |
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Baitul
Mukarram Mosque |
Baitul
Mukarram Mosque is situated at Purana Paltan east
of Bangladesh Secretariat and north of Dhaka Stadium.
Largest Mosque in the city, three storied and built
after the pattern of the Kaba Sharif. Very beautiful
and costly decorations in the interior. Long lawn,
garden and rows of fountains to the south and east.
The mosque is on a very high platform. Lovely flights
of stairs lead to it; from the south, east and north.
On the east is a vast veranda, which is also used
for prayer and Eid congregation. Below in the ground
floor is a shopping center.Dhaka is a city of mosques.
Other Prominent Mosques are the seven Domed Mosque
(17th century), Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar
Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque. |
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Dhakeshwari
Temple |
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Dhakeshwari
Temple (11th Century) situated at the place
where the old part of Dhaka meets the new part.
This is the oldest Hindu temple in Dhaka City.
The name Dhakeshwari is also associated with
the origin of the name Dhaka. |
| Pic:
Dhakeshwari Temple |
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Churches |
Armenian
Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna,
Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church
(1677A.D.) at Tejgaon. |
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site Dhaka City: |
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Mosque
of Baba Adam |
Of
a slightly later date, the elegant 6-domed mosque
(43'x36') of Baba Adam in Rampal near Dhaka was erected
by one Malik Kafur during the reign of the last llyas
Shahi Sultan, Jalauddin Fateh Shah in 1483 A.D. It
displays the same characteristic features of the period
such as the faceted octagonal turrets at 4 corners,
the curved cornice, the facade and 3 mihrabs relieved
richly with beautiful terracotta floral and hanging
patterns. |
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Sonargaon |
On
the Dhaka-Chittagong highway about 29 km from Dhaka,
Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal.
It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century.
From that century onward till the advent of the Mughals,
Sonargaon was the subsidiary capital of the Sultanate
of Bengal. |
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Another
name of Sonargaon was "The City of Panam".
Now, the relies of uildings of the old dynasties,
Goaldia Mosque and the Folklore Museum that
houses artifacts from every cultural trait of
the country increase the attractions of this
place.At Jainal Abedin Museum in Sonargaon,
you will find some |
| Pic:
Sonargaon |
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historical
and archeological things. Among the ancient monuments
still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409
A. D), the shrines of Panjpirs and Shah Abdul Alia
and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi villaae. |
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National
Martyrs Memorial |
National
Martyrs Memorial is situated in Nabinagar, Savar approximately
35 km from Dhaka. The memorial designed by architect
Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the sacred memory of
the millions of unknown martyrs of the war of liberation.
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This
Martyrs Memorial is a symbol of Bengali nationalism.
It is really a scenic beauty of 108 acre of
land. The top of this monument is 150 ft. high,
which consists other 07 triangular monuments.
Its open 07 days a week besides this monument
you can enjoy your foods in Parjatan restaurant
opposite of memorial gate. |
| Pic:
National Martyrs Memorial |
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Bhawal
National Park |
Bhawal
National Park is in Gazipur district 45 km far from
Dhaka in the north side. It is a vast (1,600 acres)
national recreational forest with Picnic spots; jangles
of Gajari trees surrounded by a beautiful lake .you
can enjoy boats horse riding here. Especially in the
winter, season lots of picnic party enjoy their day
in this park. |
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Jamuna
Bridge |
Jamuna
Bridge is 110 km from Dhaka on the River Jamuna. This
bridge is 4.8 km long and it is the 11th largest bridge
in this world. It is a real beauty at nights when
sodium lights lighten the bridge. Some beautiful resorts
have already been established near the bridge to encourage
tourists in this area. |
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Tungipara,
Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex |
It
is 144 km far from Dhaka. Here is the graveyard of
great Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the father of our national
who was killed in the year 1975, 15th August. |
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Modhupur
Picnic Spot |
Modhupur
picnic spot is 155 km from Dhaka and is of great historical
importance. It is a forest park where lots of picnic
party comes in winter season. |
Other
Picnic Spots: There are good picnic spots
in the area around Savar and Mirzapur. Other beauty
spots connected by road with Dhaka include Joydevpur,
Sripur, Madhupur, Rajendrapur National Park, Chandra
and Salna, all of which have rest houses that can
be used by tourists on request to the Forest Department.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation owns two picnic spots
with Bunglows at Chandra and Salna, which can also
be hired by tourists. |
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Susang
Durgapur |
Susang
Durgapur is 182 km from Dhaka, a real natural beauty
of forest river & hills area where the Garos and
other tribal live. You can also enjoy boating in the
river. Wild Elephant some times comes from forest.
But going to Susang Durgapur is a real troublesome
for the tourists due to the location and communication
problem in this area. It is advisable only to go there
in winter season. |
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Gajni
Parjatan Center |
Gajni
Parjatan Center is 220 km far from Dhaka. Where you
will find the natural beauty of hills, lakes, forest
& lots of birds here, it is a natural tourist
spot where you can see the tribal life of our tribes.
You can enjoy boating in the lake and also there is
a natural waterfall what you will like to watch. If
you are lucky, enough you can see the wild elephants
in the forest.
Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the
Institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative
collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops.
Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra
and Salna, cruising by country boat in the nearby
river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation,
weaving and pottery making.
Travel
by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka
streets is also a rewarding experience.
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Dhaka
Division
Dhaka
Division 
