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The
capital city of Bangladesh sits on the north bank of
the  bustling
Buriganga River, roughly in the centre of the country.
If you've arrived in Dhaka from South-East Asia, you'll
probably be struck by the lack of hype and commercial
activity. If you arrive from Delhi or Kathmandu, you're
sure to notice the relatively clean air. If you've flown
from Calcutta you might find it clean and orderly and
if you've come overland through rural Bangladesh, it
will seem like Babylon. Here the lights are as bright
as they get in Bangladesh, and there's a range of goods
and services lacking elsewhere in the country.
Lalbagh
Fort
It was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son
of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene
of bloody battle during the first war of independence
(1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the
people revolted against British forces. Outstanding
among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari
Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and
Hammam of Nawab Shiasta Khan now housing a museum.
Tomb
of Pari Bibi
Today’s
renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical
beauty. 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 portraits, furniture and household
articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Central Shahid Minar
This Monument is the symbol of Bangladesh Nationalism.
It was built to commemorate the martyrs of historic
Language Movement of 1952. Although this movement was
apparently for the recognition of Bangla as one of the
state languages of the then Pakistan, it was in fact,
the first outburst of popular feelings against unpopular
and autocratic government. All subsequent movements
in Bangladesh leading to its independence in 1971, owe
their origin to this movement and, therefore, this monument
has become a place of pilgrimage for 120 million Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu
Memorial Museum
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Residential Area
has been turned into a museum. It contains rare collection
of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.
National
Memorial
Located at Saver, in the suburb of Dhaka City is the
National Memorial. It was built to commemorate the martyrs
of the war of independence. Jahangirnagar University
and its sprawling campus are also located nearby. An
attractive village bazar (hat) is held at Saver every
Saturday and Tuesday where typical Bangladeshi sweets,
vegetables, fish, seasonal fruits and handicrafts are
available.
Sonargaon
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 then onward till the advent
of the Mughals, Sanargaon was a subsidiary capital of
the Sultanate of Bangal. Among the ancient monuments
still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409
A.D.), the shrines of Panjpirs and a beautiful mosque
in Goaldi Village. A folk-art Museum has been established
at Sonargaon.
Bangabandhu
Memorial Museum
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Residential Area
has been turned into a museum. It contains rare collection
of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.
Mukti
Judda Museum
Situated at Segunbagicha area of the city contains rare
photographs of Liberation war and items used by the
freedom fighters during the period.
National
Park
Situated at Rajendrapur, 40 km due north of Dhaka, within
Joydevpur Police Station in the magnificent Bhawal region
of Dhaka-Trishal- Mymensingh highway, this is a vast
(1,600 acres) national recreational forest, ideal for
those who love nature.
Botanical
Garden
Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur just
east of the Zoo. Objective of garden – botanical
education researches preservation of plants and some
recreation.
National
Assembly Complex
Sangsad bhaban, the National Assembly complex at Sher-e-Bangla
Nagar designed by the famous architect Luis I. Khan
has distinctive architectural features.
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