Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and is a city with a long history, having begun as a significant settlement during the Gupta Empire and later under the Pala and Sena dynasties. In the 17th century, Dhaka rose to prominence as the capital of Mughal Bengal, becoming a regional centre of trade and culture. The Mughal era brought great prosperity to the city, and it became known for its muslin production and as a hub for international traders. After the Mughal era, Dhaka came under British control in 1765, and the city and the area became part of British India. The city experienced a period of decline, but regained its importance when it became the capital of East Bengal and Assam Province in 1905.

This new status marked the beginning of a new era of growth and modernisation. After the partition of India in 1947, Dhaka became the capital of East Pakistan, one of the two provinces of the newly formed Pakistan. This period was marked by political unrest and economic challenges, especially during the Language Movement of 1952, when many Bengalis fought for the recognition of Bengali as an official language. In 1971, Dhaka became the center of the Bangladesh War of Independence, and after a bloody conflict, Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan. Dhaka then became the capital of the new nation and has since experienced an almost explosive population growth and urbanization.

The center of Dhaka is known as Motijheel, which is the financial and commercial heart of the city. Here you will find the City Centre Dhaka, which opened in 2013 as the tallest building in Bangladesh, with a height of 171 meters. Motijheel is filled with office buildings, banks and shops, and is a busy area with constant activity. Motijheel is also located immediately next to the so-called Zero Point of Dhaka, and the neighborhood is a good place for a stroll in the center. A walk can be taken along the busy streets, where you can experience the vibrant life of the city and visit local markets and restaurants. There are also several parks here, and it is close to several of the city’s attractions.

For example, you can see Bangabhaban, which is the official residence and primary workplace of the President of Bangladesh. The building was originally built in beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture as a government house during British rule in 1905, when Dhaka had become the regional capital. After Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Bangabhaban was renamed from Governor’s House to Bangabhaban, which means House of Bengal, and the house is surrounded by the beautiful Bangabhaban Gardens. The garden, which extends over a large area, is known for its well-kept lawns, flower beds and shady trees, making it a peaceful retreat in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. Bangabhaban Gardens is also home to several historical monuments and statues that reflect the country’s history and cultural heritage.

If you walk a little west of the city center, you will come to Lalbagh Fort, one of the most iconic attractions in Dhaka. Lalbagh Fort is a complex built from 1678 by the Mughal prince Azam Shah. The fort was never completed, but already stands with several buildings as a beautiful example of Mughal architecture with an impressive mosque, the governor’s house, a beautiful garden and the tomb of Pari Bibi. It was intended that Lalbagh Fort should be the official residence of the governor of the provinces of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The fort was begun by Azam Shah, but was never completed due to his recall to Delhi by his father, Emperor Aurangzeb. Subsequently, the construction was taken over by Shaista Khan, who stopped work after the death of his daughter Pari Bibi, as he believed that the fort brought bad luck.

You can also see an interesting palace south of the city center along the Buriganga River running through Dhaka. It is Ahsan Manzil, which is also nicknamed the Pink Palace because of the color of the building. Ahsan Manzil was built in the 19th century, and historically it was the official residence of the rulers of Dhaka, who had the title of nawab. The building is known for its characteristic pink color and its magnificent architecture, which attracts many visitors every year. The palace is now a museum. where you can see an extensive collection from the 19th century, which reflects the life and luxury that prevailed here during this period. As a visitor, you can also explore the magnificent halls such as the Durbar Hall and the palace’s throne room.

There are also other interesting museums in the city center of Dhaka. The Bangladesh National Museum is a good place if you want to gain insight into many aspects of Bangladesh’s history and culture. The museum’s exhibitions display an extensive collection of objects ranging from archaeological finds to modern art. It is a wide range where you can choose what you want to delve into. Opposite the National Museum, you can take a walk in Shahid Zia Shishu Park and see the Museum of Independence. It is a museum located below ground level and conveys the history of the country’s independence struggle from the Mughal era to independence in 1971. The museum was built in Suhrawardy Udyan, an open urban space that previously housed an English military club and a racecourse. In 1971, it was also here that the Pakistani troops surrendered, ending Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.

If you want to know more about the Bangladeshi independence struggle, you can go to the Liberation War Museum, which provides an in-depth insight into Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. The museum’s exhibits depict many periods of the struggle, such as the Indian national movements against British rule, the struggle for a separate language in Pakistan, the differences between West Pakistan and East Pakistan, and other events that ended with the independent Bangladesh in 1971. From here, you can visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh. The museum is located in his former home and contains many personal items and documents that tell the story of his life and the Bangladesh independence movement.

There are also other places in the city such as the Hindu shrine, Dhakeshwari Temple, which is one of the oldest religious places in Dhaka and the place that is said to be the origin of the city’s name. If you want to visit a Muslim religious place, Tara Masjid is an option. It is a mosque, also called the Star Mosque due to its unique star motifs. The mosque was built in the 19th century and rebuilt in the 1920s. Finally, you can also visit the Shia Muslim Hussaini Dalan, which is a so-called imambara from the 17th century. It is beautifully located by a basin and stands in a mixture of British, Iranian and Islamic architecture.

Other attractions in the city include the National Parliament House, also known as the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The parliament is one of the most iconic buildings in Bangladesh and a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Louis Kahn. Construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1982. The architecture is monumental in its style, and the construction was carried out with innovative use of light and space. The building consists of eight main blocks that house the parliament hall, offices, libraries, meeting rooms, etc. The parliament hall is located as the heart of the complex, and outside the building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and water basins.

Finally, you can also explore some of Dhaka’s recreational areas such as the large Ramna Park, which was created as a city park during the British era. It was R.L. Proudlock from Kew Botanical Gardens in London, who designed it, while the current interior was created in the 1950s. You can also go to Sadar Ghat on the Buriganga River. It is a busy port area where you can experience Dhaka’s bustling maritime life and also take a boat ride, where you can experience the traffic on the river, while getting away from the city’s pulse on the calm surroundings of the water.