What to See in Dhaka

A racecourse of the British times, it has now been converted into a park. It was the place where independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Raman delivered a historic oath of independence speech before the 1971 War, and where the Pakistani army surrendered a few months later. The Shadhinota Stambha monument, a 50 meter high tower of light composed of stacked glass panel, has been erected here.…

A statue dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 1971 Liberation War. Designed by sculptor Abdullah Khaled it is built of reinforced concrete and reaches a height of 11 feet. It was inaugurated on 16 December 1979. The sculpture consists of three humans with the central figure of a farmer carrying a gun on his shoulder and a grenade in one hand.…

The Museum of Independence is located at the very spot where Sheikh Mujibur Raman delivered a historic oath of independence speech before the 1971 War, and where the Pakistani army surrendered a few months later. The museum consists of a 50-meter-high glass tower of light. The museum is underground and is centered round a fountain of falling water.…

Built in 1678 AD by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of many bloody battles, including those during the Mughal era, a revolt against the British during the time of the Raj and protection for the revolutionary forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War.…

A symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquets gather on 21 February annually, paying respect to the departed in a solemn atmosphere. The date was designated by the UN as International Mother Language Day due to the event.…

Designed by the famous American architect, Louis I. Kahn, it is renowned as a modern architectural wonder of the region. The Parliament is surrounded by gardens that form a peaceful getaway from the chaos of the city. The building is also surrounded by heavy security. Foreigners have to fill out a form and provide passport photocopies to visit the building.…

A British Raj-era building that served as a residence for the Nawab of Dhaka. It lies on the banks of the Buriganga River, and is famous for its pink stonework. There are 31 rooms within, and the huge dome on top can be seen from miles around.…

Built in 1640 the Dhanmondi Eidgah, is the oldest surviving Mughal monument in Dhaka It was used for Eid prayers for both Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Zoha. The Eidgah consists of an open courtyard measuring 148 ft X 137 ft and is surrounded by a 15 feet high wall. Entrance is through a arched gateway in the East.…

Former residence of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It has been transformed into a museum and contains a rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his life and times. He was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family members.

Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first Liberation War (1857-1859) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. A large park surrounds the memorial, with various other monuments.

Located west of Shahidullah Hall at Dhaka University, this historical mosque was built to honour the former ruler of the region. The inscriptions on the mosque seem to state that it was originally built 1484 CE, but was repaired heavily in 1700 CE.

A unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Established in 1904, the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attractions for botanists, naturalists and tourists.

A small, cosy church built in 1781 by Armenian missionaries. Mass is conducted only a few times throughout the year, usually during Christmas and Good Friday. Tours are informal, and could be organised by the caretaker 'Mr Martin'.

Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Elephant and horse riding is available for a very cheap Tk 5 and Tk 3 respectively.

A leading private museum which documents the liberation struggle of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971, including the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and the political and armed resistance movement of the Bangladeshi people

Eternal resting place of great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin. All the three men served as Prime Minister of Bengal in British India.

Originally built as the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture. Now houses the Supreme Court. It is unknown whether tours are conducted.

An old Portuguese-influenced church built in 1677. The façade was recently repainted into heavy Indian-style colours. A large, new building has been built next door to allow a larger congregation.

The eternal flame was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheik Hasina on 7 Mrach 1997. The flame burns eternally at the Northern end of Suhrawardi Uddyan, beneath the Bangladesh National flag.

Covering a total of 205 acres of land at Mirpur, the Gardens are a haven of peace in the chaos of the city. It is situated right next to the zoo, so both can be visited in one trip.

A Buddhist temple and monastery established in 1960, with a number of other facilities on site. There are various mosaics, murals, statues and artefacts at the monastery.

Contains a large number of interesting collections, including sculptures and paintings from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. Next door is a popular public library.

A Buddhist monastery that was founded in 1981, and has been at its current site since 1989. It is popular with visiting Buddhist businessmen and foreign dignitaries.

Built during the 17th century by the Mughals as a house for the imam, a religious leader. It's architecture possesses a mix of both Mughal and British influences.

Built in the early 18th century, it has since been redecorated with hundreds of tiles with star patterns. Tourists are welcome to visit outside of prayer times.

A huge river port on the banks of the Buriganga River. Catch a ride on a boat here and cruise along the river, soaking in the surrounding chaos and sites.

An architecturally beautiful building named after Lord Curzon. Once intended as a town hall, it now houses the Science Faculty of the University of Dhaka.

A thousand-year-old temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple was vandalized during the Pakistan war of 1971 and later reconstructed.

A museum and modern learning centre displaying the latest scientific discoveries. Each weekend, a starwatching evening is held for Tk 10.

Official residence of the President, located in the city. This grand palace of the British India era is only visible from the outside.

A mosque built during the 15th century; it is characterised by its seven white domes that peek upwards from the structure.

Houses a representative collection of folk-art, modern art and paintings by numerous artists of Bangladesh.

The national mosque of Bangladesh. It was built in 1968, and is the 10th largest mosque in the world.

A Hindu temple and complex that was first founded in 1916. The architecture is Indian-influenced.

This mosque and tomb, constructed in 1679 by Haji khwaja Shahbaz, a rich merchant of Dhaka.

A mosque in Old Dhaka that dates from the 17th century, most likely built by the Mughals.

Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here.

A memorial of the Greeks of Dhaka built somewhere in the early 1900s.

National Temple of Bangladesh, built in the 12th century.

A vast stretch of green surrounded by a serpentine lake.