Greater Dhaka

Dhaka not only grows because it is the capital and largest urban centre but also due to massive internal displacement from millions of people living in a perennially flood-prone river delta.

The history of Dhaka dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlements in the region as early as the 7th century CE.

The Mughal rulers constructed several significant architectural structures, including Lalbagh Fort, Chawkbazar Mosque, and Bara Katra, many of which still stand today.

However, tensions between East and West Pakistan grew due to linguistic, economic, and political discrimination, culminating in the Bengali Language Movement of 1952 and the eventual rise of nationalist sentiments.

The creation of satellite towns such as Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Savar contributed to the concept of Greater Dhaka, encompassing a wider metropolitan area.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Greater Dhaka witnessed significant economic growth, particularly in the ready-made garment industry, telecommunications, and information technology.

Today, Greater Dhaka is one of the world's most densely populated urban regions, serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Bangladesh.

Ongoing projects such as the Dhaka Metro Rail, elevated expressways, and urban redevelopment initiatives aim to modernize the city while addressing infrastructural challenges.