Dhaka
Dhaka is Bangladesh’s capital and its political, economic and cultural centre, sitting on the banks of the Buriganga River. Old Dhaka holds centuries of history including Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil and the narrow lanes around Shakhari Bazaar, while newer areas like Gulshan and Dhanmondi hold the city’s parks, restaurants and modern commercial districts.
Dhaka is known for having one of the highest concentrations of rickshaws of any city in the world, and its traffic is famously heavy, so travel times between neighbourhoods vary widely by time of day.
How to Reach
By air: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is Bangladesh's main international gateway, with domestic connections to every division. By rail and road: Dhaka is the country's rail and highway hub, with direct train and bus service from nearly every district.
Safety Notes
Traffic congestion is severe through most of the day; allow significantly more travel time between areas than distance alone suggests. Keep valuables secure in crowded markets, especially around Old Dhaka.