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Dhaka

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, and the principal city of Dhaka Division.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, and the principal city of Dhaka Division. It is a major political, economic, and cultural centre in South Asia, located on the banks of the Buriganga River in the Ganges Delta.

Geography

Dhaka lies in the Ganges Delta, bounded by several rivers including the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, and Shitalakshya. Its low-lying riverine setting has shaped the city’s development and urban density.

History

The area has been inhabited for centuries, and Dhaka rose to prominence as a Mughal provincial capital and commercial centre. It later became the administrative capital of East Pakistan and then the capital of independent Bangladesh in 1971.

Demographics

Dhaka is Bangladesh’s most populous city and one of the largest metropolitan areas in South Asia. Population figures vary by source and year, but recent estimates place the city at around 10 million and the wider urban area at over 20 million.

Economy and culture

Dhaka is the country’s main centre for administration, business, and cultural life. It is also a major hub for education, transport, and industry, and is often described as the cultural heart of Bangladesh.

Key facts

  • Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh.
  • It is located in the south-central part of the country on the Buriganga River.
  • The city is a major centre of government, commerce, and culture in Bangladesh.
  • Dhaka is widely described as one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas.
  • The wider metropolitan area is among the largest in South Asia.
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Canadian context

Dhaka is relevant to Canadian readers through Bangladesh-Canada migration, trade, development cooperation, and the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada, particularly in major urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dhaka?
Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, and the main political, economic, and cultural centre of the country.
Where is Dhaka located?
Dhaka is in south-central Bangladesh, on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River in the Ganges Delta.
What was Dhaka formerly called?
Dhaka was formerly anglicised as Dacca.
How large is Dhaka’s population?
Recent sources give different figures, but the city is around 10 million people and the wider metropolitan area is well over 20 million.
Is Dhaka a densely populated city?
Yes. It is widely described as one of the most densely populated large urban areas in the world.
Why is Dhaka important?
Dhaka is Bangladesh’s seat of government and a leading centre for commerce, education, and culture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka
    Supports: Location, status as capital and largest city, geographic setting, and population estimates.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Dhaka
    Supports: Dhaka as capital of Bangladesh, location near the Buriganga River, and city importance.
  3. University of Tokyo — https://www.urban.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/asianmetropolis/Dhaka.pdf
    Supports: Historical development, administrative role after 1947 and 1971, and metropolitan context.
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Dhaka/273984
    Supports: Dhaka as capital, largest city, commercial center, and population growth context.