ABOUT DHAKA

GENERAL INFO

  • Country: Bangladesh is a sovereign nation in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar.
  • Capital: Dhaka — a vibrant megacity and cultural hub of South Asia.
  • Language: Bengali (Bangla) is the official language; English is widely spoken in hotels, hospitals, and business districts.
  • Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). ATMs are widely available in Dhaka.
  • Time Zone: BST — Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC +6).
  • Electricity: 220–240 V, 50 Hz. Type C and Type D plugs are common.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

BANGLADESH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (BMU)

Bangladesh Medical University – is Dhaka’s premier postgraduate medical institution. Founded in 1965 as the Institute of Post-Graduate Medicine and Research (IPGMR). Its Shahbagh campus features modern hospital-university facilities; it is significant as the country’s first public medical university and a center for advanced healthcare and research. Visiting Hours: The campus functions 24/7 for patients and students Address: Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Shahbagh, Dhaka 1000. Nearest MRT Station: Shahbagh (Line 6). From the station head ~400 m south via Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave (5–7 min walk) to reach the main campus on the east side of Shahbagh Park.

NATIONAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The iconic Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is Bangladesh’s parliament building. This monumental concrete complex (completed 1982) was designed by American architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the world’s largest legislative complexes (210 acres). Its bold geometric forms, reflecting pools and Bengali motifs symbolize the nation’s democratic spirit. The Kahn-designed Assembly Hall (flanked by two broad plazas) is internationally celebrated for blending modernism with local culture. Visiting Hours: Official tours require advance permission (apply via Parliament Secretariat). The grounds and exterior are open daily, but the building interior is restricted. (A travel guide notes it’s generally open to visitors Sunday–Thursday, closed Fri–Sat, typical Dhaka govt hours.) Address: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207. Nearest MRT Station: Bijoy Sarani (Line 6). Bijoy Sarani Station (opened Dec 2023) is adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue.

CURZON HALL (UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA)

Curzon Hall (University of Dhaka) is a grand Indo-Saracenic building dating from 1904–1908. Named for Lord Curzon (Viceroy of India, who laid its foundation stone), it was originally intended as Dhaka’s Town Hall. After 1921 it became the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. This two-story brick landmark stands amidst well-kept gardens. Architecturally, Curzon Hall blends European and Mughal elements – its arched verandas, domes and colonnades are cited as one of Dhaka’s finest colonial-era designs. It is also historically significant: DU students famously declared opposition to the 1948 Urdu-only language policy here during the Bengali language movement. Visiting Hours: Unrestricted; the building and campus are open daily (as a working university) Address: Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Shahbagh, Dhaka-1000. Nearest MRT Station: Shahbagh (Line 6). Exit Shahbagh Station onto Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave and walk ~600 m south (10 min) to the University campus on your left. Curzon Hall is directly west of the Teachers-Student Centre.

AHSAN MANZIL (PINK PALACE)

Ahsan Manzil (Ahsan Monjil) was the official residential palace and seat of the Nawab of Dhaka. The building is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Construction was started in 1859 and was completed in 1872. It was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. It has been designated as a national museum.

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BANGLADESH NATIONAL MUSEUM (DNM)

The Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh is the country’s main historical and cultural museum. Established in 1913 as Dhaka Museum, it was renamed after independence and reopened in a modern Shahbagh complex in 1983. The museum’s collection (50,000+ items) spans prehistoric artefacts through medieval history to modern times. The landmark building (designed by Syed Mainul Hossain) houses departments of ethnography, history, natural science, etc. As a national repository, it provides an authoritative overview of Bangladesh’s heritage Visiting Hours: Saturday–Wednesday 09:30–15:00 (last entry 15:00). Closed on Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays Address: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Road (near Curzon Hall), Shahbagh, Dhaka 1000. Nearest MRT Station: Shahbagh (Line 6). Exit toward Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave and walk ~400 m southwest to the museum entrance beside Curzon Hall Park (about 5–7 min).

SHAHEED MINAR (CENTRAL LANGUAGE MONUMENT)

The Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) in front of Dhaka Medical College (University area) commemorates the 1952 Bengali Language Movement. Originally erected by students on 23 Feb 1952, it was demolished by police; the present memorial (completed 1963) was designed by sculptors Hamidur Rahman and Novera Ahmed. It has become the focal point of International Mother Language Day (21 Feb) celebrations. It stands 14 m tall and is a protected national cultural monument. Visiting Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk Address: Dhaka University Campus (Shahbagh), Dhaka 1000 (next to Dhaka Medical College). Nearest MRT Station: Dhaka University (Line 6). Exit DU Station at Shahbagh; Shaheed Minar is about 500 m south-west (walk ~5 minutes past Curzon Hall toward the large circular plaza).

JAMUNA FUTURE PARK (ASIA’S LARGEST MALL)

Jamuna Future Park in Uttara (Dhaka North) is a modern mega-mall opened in 2013. At 4.1 million sq ft it is the largest shopping/entertainment complex in South Asia. It houses 510+ shops, multiple-theme restaurants, an indoor amusement park (Future World) & cinema complex (Blockbuster Cinemas). The development was built by Jamuna Group to provide world-class shopping and recreation under one roof. It spans 33 acres near the Bangabandhu International Airport and now draws huge crowds for retail and family entertainment. Visiting Hours: Approx 10:00–22:00 daily (typical mall hours). Address: KA-244, Pragati Sarani, Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka (near Kuril Flyover). Nearest MRT Station: Uttara North (Line 6). From Uttara North Station, the mall is ~6 km southwest. (There is no closer station.)

BASHUNDHARA CITY SHOPPING MALL

Bashundhara City (Panthapath, Dhaka) is one of the country’s largest malls. Opened in 2004, its 19-story complex (8-story retail plus office tower) covers 17,763 m². With over 2,325 shops and 100+ food stalls, the mall offers fashion, electronics, groceries, and recreational facilities. Notable features include a 19th-floor rooftop food court, an indoor ice-skating rink, a theme park on the top level, a gym, and the Star Cineplex cinema. It regularly hosts ~50,000 visitors per day at peak times. Its design (by Mustapha Palash) and glass-clad atrium make it a modern landmark in Dhaka. Visiting Hours: Typically 10:00–22:00 daily Address: 13/3 KA, Panthapath, Dhaka 1215. (Near Mohakhali flyover.) Nearest MRT Station: Kawran Bazar (Line 6). Kawran Bazar Station is ~450 m (6-min walk) from the mall’s Panthapath entrance. Exit Kawran Bazar Station, walk south along Panthapath (~400 m) to reach Bashundhara City.

DHAKESHWARI TEMPLE

Dhakeshwari (“Goddess of Dhaka”) Temple is Dhaka’s national Hindu temple, believed founded in the 12th century by King Ballal Sen. Declared the national temple of Bangladesh, it has been reconstructed several times (most recently after 1971). The peaceful shrine complex (with inner Shiva shrines) remains an important pilgrimage site, especially during Durga Puja and other festivals. Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 Address: Bakshi Bazar, Dhakeshwari Road, Dhaka Metro: Dhaka University Station

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