Dhanmondi (Bengali: ধানমন্ডি) is an upscale residential and commercial neighbourhood and a thana in Dhaka, Bangladesh, known for its central location, cultural vibrancy and being home to the country's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.[4] The origins of Dhanmondi can be traced back to the late 1950s, when the Government of East Pakistan developed it as a centrally planned and residential area to house the city's top bureaucrats.
Dhanmondi
ধানমন্ডি | |
|---|---|
Neighbourhood and Thana | |
 Skyline of Dhanmondi, Bangladesh | |
 Expandable map of Dhanmondi Thana | |
  Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Dhaka  Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Dhaka Division  Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Bangladesh | |
| Coordinates: 23°44.7′N 90°22.6′E / 23.7450°N 90.3767°E | |
| Country |  Bangladesh |
| Division | Dhaka Division |
| District | Dhaka District |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| • Total | 147,643 |
| • Density | 34,019/km2 (88,110/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+6 (BST) |
| Area code | 1209[3] |
| Notable sport teams | Sheikh Jamal |
History edit
Dhanmondi's origins can be traced back to the 1952, beginning as a residential area for the city,[5] and over the decades evolving into a chic, miniature city, with hospitals to malls, schools, banks, offices and universities. After the liberation war, its neighbourhoods primarily consisted of two-story houses. About 8 years before the establishment of DIT in 1956, the Dhanmondi residential area was planned.[6]
Dhanmondi once had a canal next to it, but it dried up by the 19th century, making the market there less significant. Dhanmondi subsequently became forested and remained that way until the mid-twentieth century. Later, at the end of the Pakistan period, Dhanmondi became one of several residential areas for the elite and the wealthy. Many commercial establishments have since rapidly developed in some areas of Dhanmondi. [7]
The founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, once lived here. He was assassinated along with most of his family at his residence in Dhanmondi road no. 32 on 15 August 1975. His residence has since become a memorial museum. Many other notable people also live here.
Geography edit
Dhanmondi is located in the heart of Dhaka District of Bangladesh. It has 33,451 houses[citation needed] and a total area of 4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi).[8]
Features edit
The most important roads in Dhanmondi are Road no. 27, Satmasjid Road and Mirpur Road.
Dhanmondi lake edit
The lakeside walkway at Dhanmondi Lake is overlooked by the Rabindra Sharabar, an open-air amphitheater near the Road 8 bridge, where dramas, concerts, and various cultural programs are held from time to time by both amateur and professional artistes, especially during major festivals and holidays.
Exotic and delicious snack stalls along the lakeside, particularly on Road 2 (opposite the entrance to Bangladesh Rifles), Road 5 (on an island accessible only by foot bridges from two sides), Road 8 (near the amphitheater) and Road 32 (opposite the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman), offer a variety of snacks and beverages, aimed at city dwellers during the day. These places are gathered by a lot of people, mostly around late afternoon, due to its popularity.
During festivals such as Pohela Baishakh, Independence Day and Eid, moving around Dhanmondi can be difficult due to crowding.
Banks edit
Almost every bank operating in the country has an outlet in Dhanmondi. Foreign banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered also have branches there, with HSBC and Standard Chartered having multiple ATM booths within the area.
Restaurants edit
Dhanmondi is known for its wide range of expensive restaurants and cafes that mostly cluster around Satmasjid Road. Several local and international fast food chains in the country have outlets in this area. Most of these restaurants were opened in 2010s.
Dhanmondi is home to many renowned food chains, especially fast food.
Etymology edit
Dhanmondi, today's residential area, was cultivated during the British period. But at that time there were some settlements in Dhanmondi. It was named Dhanmandi because paddy was produced in that area. The area used to house rice and other grain seed markets. Bazaar is called Mandi in Persian and Urdu. From there the area was named Dhanmondi.[9]
Education edit
This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2015) |
Over the last fifteen years, a large number of outstanding schools, colleges and private universities have been developed around the area.
Government Laboratory High School, BCSIR School, Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Public School, Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public School, Viqarunnisa Noon School, YWCA Higher Secondary School etc are some of the renowned schools in this area. Many well-known English medium schools in the country, such as Scholastica (Junior Section), South Breeze, Sunbeams,[citation needed] Oxford International School Main Campus and Junior Dhanmondi Campus,[10] Mastermind, Maple Leaf International school, Marie Curie School, Dhanmondi Tutorial, Sunnydale, European Standard School (ESS), Scholars School and College are located here.
Colleges like Dhaka College, Hamdard Public College, Ideal College and Dhaka City College are located here. Among the universities, University Of Development Alternative (UODA), International Islamic University Chittagong, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, United International University, Daffodil International University, Eastern University, People's University of Bangladesh, World University of Bangladesh, Stamford University, University of Asia Pacific are the most well-known and can be quite luxurious and expensive.
Real estate edit
Real estate in Dhanmondi has seen prices rise over the last 20 years.
There are new houses that are getting built every year. Companies like BTI, Shanta, Rangs, Concord and others are coming up with new ventures every year.
The prices of these apartments are on average Tk 15000 per sqft. Although sometimes it can be higher or lower depending on the area. [11]
Houses are going for rent at quite an expensive rate. This is mainly because Dhanmondi is surrounded by decent schools, hospitals and offices.
Gallery edit
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A Nando's outlet on Road 27 -
A TEKIYA Japanese Cuisine outlet at Shimanto(Rifles) Square on Road no 2 -
Dhanmondi Lake. -
A co-branded Coffee World Pizza Corner outlet on Road 4A -
Pizza Hut on Road 15 (opposite of Abahani field).
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Geographic coordinates of Dhaka, Bangladesh". DATEANDTIME.INFO. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- ^ Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2011). "Population & Housing Census" (PDF). Bangladesh Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2015. p. xxiii:
Population By Religion (%) Muslim 90.39 Hindu 8.54 Buddhist 0.60 Christian 0.37 Others 0.14
- ^ "ঢাকা পোস্টকোড". ডাক অধিদপ্তর. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Allchin, Joseph (14 March 2014). "Bangladesh property: Dhaka's growing high-end market". Financial Times. Financial Times. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ "আবাসিকের ঐতিহ্য হারাচ্ছে ধানমন্ডি". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 6 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ Salah Uddin Nagori (8 January 2018). "হোক না ঢাকা একটু বড়" [Whether Dhaka is a big one]. Jugantor (in Bengali).
- ^ Mamun, Muntasir (2008). ঢাকা: স্মৃতি বিস্মৃতির নগরী (in Bengali). Dhaka: Ananya Prakashani. p. 137. ISBN 984-412-104-3.
- ^ Ahmed, Syed Shabbir (2012). "Dhanmondi Thana". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ Hossain, Nazir (1995). কিংবদন্তির ঢাকা (in Bengali) (Third ed.). Dhaka: Three Star Co-operative society ltd. p. 106.
- ^ "Contact Details." Oxford International School. Retrieved 20 September 2015. "Main Campus (Attached Centre of Cambridge International Examination for CIPP, CLSP, Check Point, O Level and A Level examinations) House # 34, Road # 27 (old), New 16, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1209, "
- ^ "Chisty's Yacht | Shanta Holdings Ltd".
