Dhaka

| Characteristic | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | Official Name | Dhaka Division | | Common Name | Dhaka | | Native Name(s) | ঢাকা (Bengali) | | Nicknames | City of Mosques, Rickshaw Capital of the World (City) | | Motto | _Data not readily available for this location._ | | Geographic Level | Division (State/Province equivalent) | | Country | Bangladesh | | State/Province | Dhaka | | Capital | Dhaka City | | Government Type | Division within a Parliamentary Republic | | Date Founded | 1829 (Division formed); 1608 (Mughal City) | | Time Zone | Bangladesh Standard Time (BST) (UTC +6) | | Latitude | 23.8103° N (City Center) | | Longitude | 90.4125° E (City Center) | | Elevation | ~4 meters (13 feet) | | Total Area | 20,593.74 km² (Division) | | Population | ~44,215,000 (Division, 2022 Census) | | Population Density | ~2,147/km² (Division) | | ZIP/Postal Codes | 1000, 1100, 1200 series | | Area Codes | +880 2 | | Official Languages | Bengali | | Currency | Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) | | Demonym | Dhakaiya |

Dhaka is the cultural, political, and economic heart of Bangladesh. As a division (analogous to a state or province), it encompasses the nation's megacity capital—also named Dhaka—as well as a vast surrounding hinterland of riverine plains, agricultural belts, and industrial satellite districts. Situated geographically in the center of the country, it acts as the primary anchor for national commerce, education, and governance.

Known globally for its extraordinary population density, rich history, and vibrant street life—epitomized by the hundreds of thousands of brightly painted cycle rickshaws that navigate its streets—Dhaka is a place of profound significance in South Asia. It served as the Mughal capital of Bengal in the 17th century, where it emerged as a critical center of the global muslin trade, renowned for producing the finest cotton fabrics in the world.

Today, the region is recognized as one of the fastest-growing urban agglomerations on Earth. Despite facing severe infrastructural hurdles, intense traffic congestion, and vulnerabilities to climate change, Dhaka remains a remarkably resilient and dynamic engine of growth. It is the absolute powerhouse of the global ready-made garment (RMG) industry, propelling Bangladesh's economic ascent over the last few decades and drawing millions of internal migrants seeking new opportunities.

The area encompassing modern-day Dhaka has been continuously inhabited since the first millennium, shifting hands among ancient empires including the Kamarupa, Pala, and Sena dynasties. However, its prominent history began in 1608 when the Mughal Empire established it as the provincial capital of Bengal. Renamed Jahangirnagar in honor of Emperor Jahangir, the city flourished as a cosmopolitan trading hub, dominating the worldwide trade in fine muslin and attracting merchants from Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Following the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company gained control of the region. During the British Raj, the modern administrative Division of Dhaka was formalized in 1829. The 19th century saw a decline in the traditional muslin trade due to British textile monopolies, but the region pivoted to become a major producer of jute. In 1905, Dhaka briefly became the capital of the short-lived province of Eastern Bengal and Assam, which spurred significant infrastructural and educational development, including the eventual founding of the University of Dhaka in 1921.

Upon the partition of India in 1947, Dhaka became the capital of East Pakistan. It was the epicenter of the Bengali Language Movement in 1952, a pivotal cultural awakening that laid the groundwork for Bengali nationalism. This culminated in the devastating 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Following a brutal nine-month conflict, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation with Dhaka as its capital. In the decades since, the division has experienced explosive population growth and rapid urbanization, transforming from a quiet provincial town into a bustling, modernized megacity and industrial powerhouse.

Dhaka Division is situated in the central region of Bangladesh, located entirely within the lower reaches of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. The geography is characterized by its extensive network of waterways. The division is bounded and intersected by several major rivers, including the Padma (Ganges), Meghna, Jamuna, Dhaleshwari, and Buriganga, the latter of which flows directly adjacent to the historic center of Dhaka City.

The terrain is overwhelmingly characterized by flat, alluvial plains formed by centuries of silt deposition from the surrounding rivers. This makes the soil highly fertile and ideal for agriculture but also highly susceptible to the annual monsoon floods.

Vegetation in the division is tropical, featuring bamboo, mango groves, and broadleaf evergreen trees. While natural forest cover has been heavily depleted by urban expansion and agriculture, the Bhawal National Park in the Gazipur district retains a significant patch of Sal (Shorea robusta) forest on a slightly elevated Pleistocene terrace known as the Madhupur Tract.

The topography of Dhaka Division is exceptionally flat, acting as a quintessential deltaic plain. The average elevation is merely 2 to 10 meters (6 to 33 feet) above sea level.

The lowest points are found in the extensive floodplains and marshy depressions (known locally as *beels* and *haors*) that border the major river systems. These areas remain inundated for several months during the monsoon season.

The highest topographic feature in the division is the Madhupur Tract, located in the northern districts like Gazipur and Tangail. This elevated Pleistocene terrace rises slightly above the surrounding floodplains—averaging heights of about 10 to 30 meters—providing a firmer soil structure of red clay that is more resistant to annual flooding.

Dhaka features a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification *Aw*), bordering on a tropical wet and dry climate. The region experiences distinct seasons characterized by a hot, humid summer, a wet monsoon season, and a mild, relatively dry winter.

The monsoon season typically runs from June to October, bringing heavy, torrential rainfall and high humidity. Approximately 80% of the division's annual rainfall (which averages around 2,123 mm or 83 inches) occurs during these months, frequently leading to localized and widespread flooding.

Summers (March to May) are hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures frequently exceeding 32°C (90°F) and occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F). Winters (December to February) are highly pleasant and dry, with average temperatures ranging between 12°C and 25°C (54°F to 77°F). The winter months are widely considered the best time to visit due to the comfortable weather and lack of rain.

Dhaka Division is one of the most densely populated administrative territories in the world. As of the 2022 census, the division's population was estimated at over 44 million people, with the Dhaka metropolitan area alone housing more than 20 million residents. The region has experienced relentless population growth over the past four decades, largely driven by rural-to-urban migration as people move to the capital region for employment and educational opportunities.

The population is overwhelmingly ethnic Bengali. The primary language spoken is Bengali (Bangla), though the historic neighborhoods of Old Dhaka are known for a distinct, localized dialect called Dhakaiya Kutti. English is widely understood and used in higher education, business, and legal proceedings.

Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 90% of the population. There is a significant Hindu minority (about 8-9%), along with smaller communities of Christians and Buddhists. The workforce is young, with a large demographic dividend, though urbanization has created sharp disparities in income, education, and living standards between affluent neighborhoods and informal urban settlements.

Dhaka Division is an administrative tier of the Government of Bangladesh, rather than a state with autonomous legislative powers. The division is overseen by a Divisional Commissioner, a high-ranking civil servant appointed by the central government.

The division is subdivided into 13 districts (Zilas), including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Tangail, and Faridpur, among others. Each district is further divided into Upazilas (sub-districts).

At the local government level, the urban core is managed by City Corporations. The capital is uniquely split into two distinct administrative bodies: the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Each is headed by an elected Mayor and a ward council. Adjacent metropolitan areas, such as Gazipur and Narayanganj, have their own independent City Corporations responsible for urban planning, waste management, and local infrastructure.

Dhaka Division is the economic powerhouse of Bangladesh, accounting for an estimated 35% to 40% of the nation's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is the center of national finance, trade, and manufacturing, drawing both domestic and foreign direct investment.

The regional economy is heavily industrialized compared to the rest of the country. The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector is the undisputed backbone of the economy, employing millions of workers—predominantly women—and driving the nation's export earnings. The central business district, Motijheel, and newer commercial hubs like Gulshan house the headquarters of almost all major Bangladeshi banks, financial institutions, and multinational corporate offices.

While the division boasts a growing middle class and the highest per capita income in the country, it also faces challenges related to economic inequality. The cost of living in Dhaka City is significantly higher than in other regions of Bangladesh, putting pressure on lower-income workers who often reside in informal settlements.

* Ready-Made Garments (RMG) & Textiles: The largest industry by far, making Bangladesh a global leader in apparel exports; heavily concentrated in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. * Pharmaceuticals: A rapidly expanding sector producing generic drugs for domestic consumption and international export to over 100 countries. * Information Technology & Services: A growing hub for software development, IT outsourcing, and tech startups, heavily supported by government initiatives. * Leather and Footwear: Traditional and modern tanneries (notably relocated to the Savar Leather Industrial Park) producing finished leather and shoes. * Jute Processing: A historic industry that continues to produce eco-friendly fibers, packaging, and textiles. * Food Processing: Large-scale manufacturing of consumer packaged goods, beverages, and agricultural value-added products. * Real Estate & Construction: A booming sector driven by the constant demand for commercial and residential infrastructure in the expanding megacity.

Despite rapid urbanization, agriculture remains a vital component of the economy in the outer districts of the Dhaka Division, such as Tangail, Faridpur, and Kishoreganj. The fertile alluvial soil left by the delta's rivers supports intensive, year-round farming.

Rice is the dominant crop, cultivated in three distinct seasons: Aus, Aman, and Boro, ensuring continuous food production. Other major crops include jute, wheat, oilseeds (like mustard), and sugarcane. The region is also known for producing a variety of tropical fruits, notably jackfruit, mangoes, bananas, and pineapples (especially in the Madhupur tract).

Fisheries play an essential role in both the diet and the economy. The extensive river networks and seasonal floodplains provide abundant freshwater fish (like Hilsa, Rohu, and Catla), while modern aquaculture and commercial poultry farming have seen massive growth in districts surrounding the capital to feed the urban population.

The housing market in Dhaka Division is characterized by immense demand, high density, and stark contrasts. In Dhaka City and major suburbs, vertical expansion is the norm. The market is dominated by mid-to-high-rise apartment buildings and condominiums, as land scarcity makes single-family homes exceedingly rare and expensive.

In affluent neighborhoods like Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara, luxury real estate commands prices comparable to major Western cities. Middle-class housing is largely concentrated in areas like Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Uttara, and Mohammadpur, where large-scale apartment complexes are ubiquitous.

Conversely, a significant portion of the urban population lives in informal settlements or slums (such as Korail or Bauniabadh) due to a severe shortage of affordable, formalized low-income housing. To escape the high costs of the central city, intense residential development is pushing into suburban and satellite areas like Purbachal, Savar, and Keraniganj.

* Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka): The historic, densely packed heart of the city, famous for Mughal architecture, vibrant bazaars, and traditional food. * Gulshan & Banani: The affluent, modern commercial and diplomatic hubs, featuring upscale dining, luxury housing, and multinational headquarters. * Dhanmondi: A prominent residential and cultural neighborhood known for its lake, art galleries, schools, and hospitals. * Motijheel: The traditional central business district, home to the Bangladesh Bank and major corporate headquarters. * Uttara: A massive, planned northern suburb near the airport, serving as a major residential and commercial center. * Mirpur: One of the most populous neighborhoods, known for its mix of middle-class housing, the national cricket stadium, and the National Zoo. * Gazipur (District): An industrial powerhouse just north of the city, dominated by garment factories and thousands of industrial workers. * Narayanganj (District): A historic river port and major center for the knitwear and textile industries, situated south of the capital.

Transportation in Dhaka is characterized by a mix of historic, informal transit and massive modern infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating legendary traffic congestion.

Roadways are the primary mode of transit, utilizing a massive network of public and private buses, microbuses, and ride-sharing services (like Uber and Pathao). The city is famously home to hundreds of thousands of cycle rickshaws, which serve as crucial last-mile transport, alongside compressed natural gas (CNG) auto-rickshaws.

To combat gridlock, the government recently inaugurated the Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line-6) and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, marking a new era of rapid transit. For intercity travel, Kamalapur Railway Station serves as the central hub for the Bangladesh Railway, connecting Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the primary gateway for international and domestic flights. Additionally, the Sadarghat River Port remains one of the busiest inland ports in the world, facilitating passenger launch services across the country's river networks.

Infrastructure in the Dhaka Division has seen rapid modernization, though it struggles to keep pace with population growth. Electricity is managed by DPDC and DESCO within the city, and the Rural Electrification Board (REB) outside it. While power generation has vastly improved and widespread load-shedding is less common, peak summer demand can still strain the grid.

Water supply and sewerage in the capital are managed by Dhaka WASA. A critical environmental challenge is the heavy reliance on deep tube wells, which has led to severe depletion of the groundwater table, prompting shifts toward surface water treatment plants.

Telecommunications infrastructure is robust. Mobile penetration is nearly universal, supported by major operators like Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, with 4G and localized 5G networks in place. Broadband internet is widely available and affordable in urban centers, facilitated by a vast network of local ISPs.

Dhaka Division is the educational epicenter of Bangladesh, hosting the nation's most prestigious institutions.

Key public universities include the University of Dhaka, the oldest and most prominent university in the country, and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the premier institution for engineering and architecture. Jahangirnagar University, located in Savar, is renowned for its sprawling campus and research programs.

The division also leads in private higher education, housing top-tier private universities such as BRAC University and North South University. Medical education is anchored by the historic Dhaka Medical College.

At the secondary level, institutions like Notre Dame College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, and Rajuk Uttara Model College are highly competitive. The Sufia Kamal National Public Library serves as the central reference library for students and researchers in the capital.

Dhaka serves as the central hub for healthcare in Bangladesh, offering both public and private medical facilities. Major public institutions include Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), which are the largest tertiary care and research centers in the country. The city is also home to the icddr,b (International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), globally renowned for its pioneering work on cholera and oral rehydration therapy. Upscale private healthcare is widely utilized by residents and expats, with notable facilities including Evercare Hospital, Square Hospital, and United Hospital, which offer advanced diagnostics, specialized surgeries, and 24-hour emergency care. The city also hosts numerous specialized institutes, such as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Emergency services in Dhaka can be accessed via the national toll-free emergency number, 999, which connects callers to the police, fire service, and ambulance services.

* Police: Law enforcement and public safety are overseen by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), which operates numerous stations across the city. * Fire & Rescue: The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense handles fire emergencies, building collapses, and natural disaster responses. * Ambulance: While government ambulances are dispatched via 999, many private hospitals and non-profit organizations (such as the Anjuman Mufidul Islam) run their own ambulance fleets.

Dhaka is the financial and commercial heart of Bangladesh. The economy is heavily driven by the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for the vast majority of the country's export earnings.

* Business Districts: Motijheel serves as the traditional central business district, housing the Bangladesh Bank (the central bank) and numerous financial institutions. Gulshan and Banani have emerged as modern, upscale commercial hubs hosting multinational corporations, embassies, and private banks. * Retail & Trade: Kawran Bazar is one of the largest wholesale markets in South Asia. For retail, the city features massive shopping complexes like Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park, alongside bustling traditional markets like New Market. * Startups: Dhaka has a rapidly growing tech startup ecosystem, particularly strong in fintech, logistics, and ride-sharing, supported by a young, digitally connected population.

Dhaka's culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich history, offering everything from centuries-old Mughal recipes to contemporary global dining.

* Signature Cuisine: The crown jewel of local food is Kacchi Biryani (marinated meat cooked with rice). Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) is famous for heritage eateries like *Haji Biryani*, *Nanna Biryani*, and *Fakruddin*. * Street Food: The streets are alive with vendors selling *fuchka* (crispy hollow shells filled with spiced potatoes and tamarind water), *chotpoti*, *jhalmuri*, and traditional sweets like *roshogolla* and *mishti doi*. * Dining Districts: Upscale neighborhoods such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi offer a wide array of international cuisines, artisanal coffee shops, and fine-dining restaurants. * Food Markets: The Bailey Road area is historically known as the "Pitha Ghar" for traditional Bengali rice cakes, while modern food courts and farmers markets are becoming increasingly popular in residential zones.

Tourism in Dhaka offers a deep dive into the region's Mughal, colonial, and modern history.

* Historic Sites: Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century incomplete Mughal palace complex, and Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace), the former residence of the Nawab of Dhaka, are must-visit landmarks. * Architecture: The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House), designed by American architect Louis Kahn, is a world-renowned masterpiece of modernist architecture. * Museums: The Bangladesh National Museum provides comprehensive exhibits on the region's ethnography and history, while the Liberation War Museum offers a profound and moving look at the nation's 1971 struggle for independence. * Monuments: The Shaheed Minar commemorates the martyrs of the Language Movement, and the National Martyrs' Memorial (located just outside the city in Savar) honors those who died in the Liberation War.

Recreational life in Dhaka revolves around its lakes, urban parks, and sporting clubs.

* Urban Escapes: Hatirjheel, a large revitalized urban lake and transportation network, is highly popular for evening strolls, jogging, and boat rides. Dhanmondi Lake is a cultural and recreational hub, lined with cafes and walking trails. * Sports & Clubs: Golfers frequent the Kurmitola Golf Club. Various upscale social clubs, such as the Dhaka Club and Gulshan Club, offer tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for members. * Amusement: Family recreation includes visits to fantasy parks, local zoos (like the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur), and river cruises on the Buriganga or Shitalakshya rivers.

Despite being a densely populated megacity, Dhaka maintains several green lungs and historical parks.

* Ramna Park: A sprawling, historic park in the center of the city, famous for its diverse tree species and as the central venue for Bengali New Year celebrations. * Suhrawardy Udyan: Adjacent to Ramna Park, this massive open green space holds immense historical significance as the site of major political speeches and the surrender of Pakistani forces in 1971. * National Botanical Garden: Located in Mirpur, it spans over 200 acres and houses tens of thousands of trees, plants, and shrubs, alongside a serene lake. * Baldha Garden: A historic botanical garden in Old Dhaka, known for its rare collection of exotic plants.

Waterways have historically been the lifeblood of Dhaka, shaping its trade, geography, and culture.

* Buriganga River: Flowing past the southern edge of the city, this river is the historical gateway to Dhaka and remains a bustling, albeit heavily polluted, artery of commerce. The Sadarghat river port is a chaotic, fascinating hub of ferries and country boats. * Surrounding Rivers: The city is bounded by the Turag River to the west, the Balu River to the east, and the Shitalakshya River further southeast. * Urban Lakes: Internal waterways like Gulshan Lake, Banani Lake, Dhanmondi Lake, and Hatirjheel serve as crucial drainage basins and recreational zones for residents.

Dhaka is the cultural epicenter of Bangladesh, boasting a rich tradition of literature, music, and visual arts.

* Heritage: Rickshaw Art—intricate, colorful motifs painted on the city's countless cycle rickshaws—was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. * Institutions: The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is the principal state-sponsored national cultural center, hosting theater, art exhibitions, and music events. Chhayanaut is a premier institution dedicated to classical Bengali culture and music. * Fine Arts: The Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) at the University of Dhaka is the vanguard of the city's visual arts scene and the organizer of the iconic Mangal Shobhajatra parade. * Festivals: The Dhaka Art Summit has grown into one of South Asia's premier international art events, drawing global curators and artists.

Dhaka is a city of immense religious devotion, predominantly Muslim but with a rich history of religious pluralism.

* Islam: Known as the "City of Mosques," Dhaka is home to the majestic Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the architecturally stunning Star Mosque (Tara Masjid), and the historic Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque. It also hosts the Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest peaceful gatherings of Muslims in the world, on the banks of the Turag River. * Hinduism: The Dhakeshwari National Temple is the most significant Hindu place of worship in the country, and the Ramakrishna Mission is a prominent center of spiritual and social work. * Christianity & Others: The Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon is one of the oldest in the region. The Armenian Church in Old Dhaka stands as a testament to the city's historical Armenian trading community. A small but active Buddhist community gathers at the Dharmarajika Bauddha Bihar.

Cricket and football dominate the sporting landscape of Dhaka.

* Cricket: The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur is the home of Bangladesh cricket, regularly hosting international Test, ODI, and T20 matches, as well as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise, the Dhaka Dominators/Dynamites. * Football: The Bangabandhu National Stadium serves as the primary venue for football and athletics. Historic rivalries between local clubs like Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club have shaped the city's sporting culture for decades. * Recreation: Numerous indoor stadiums, swimming complexes (like the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex), and local fields cater to amateur leagues and community sports.

Dhaka's calendar is packed with vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations.

* Pohela Boishakh: The Bengali New Year (April 14) is the largest secular festival, marked by the vibrant Mangal Shobhajatra (a UNESCO recognized parade), traditional clothing, music, and street food. * Ekushey Boimela: A month-long national book fair held every February on the grounds of the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan, celebrating Bengali literature and the Language Movement martyrs. * Religious Festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated with mass prayers, feasting, and the massive exodus of residents returning to their ancestral villages. Durga Puja transforms the city with colorful *pandals* and cultural programs. * Cultural Events: The Dhaka Lit Fest and the Dhaka International Film Festival draw prominent regional and international figures.

Dhaka is the media capital of Bangladesh, hosting the headquarters of all major national publications and broadcasters.

* Print & Digital: Prominent English dailies include *The Daily Star*, *Dhaka Tribune*, and *The Financial Express*. Major Bengali dailies like *Prothom Alo*, *The Daily Ittefaq*, and *Kaler Kantho* boast massive circulations. Online news portals like *bdnews24.com* and *banglanews24.com* are highly influential. * Television & Radio: The state-run *Bangladesh Television (BTV)* operates alongside dozens of private satellite channels such as *Channel i*, *Somoy TV*, *Jamuna TV*, and *NTV*. FM radio stations like *Radio Foorti* and *Radio Shadhin* are popular among the youth.

Dhaka has been the home, birthplace, or political base for many of Bangladesh's most influential figures.

* Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: The founding father of Bangladesh, whose historic speeches and political leadership were centered in Dhaka. * Sheikh Hasina: Long-serving Prime Minister and prominent political leader. * Muhammad Yunus: Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, which is headquartered in Dhaka. * Fazlur Rahman Khan: Renowned structural engineer and architect (designer of the Sears Tower) who studied at Ahsanullah Engineering College (now BUET) in Dhaka. * Zainul Abedin: Legendary pioneer of modern Bangladeshi art who founded the Faculty of Fine Arts in Dhaka. * Humayun Ahmed: Beloved contemporary author, dramatist, and filmmaker whose works heavily feature Dhaka life. * Shakib Al Hasan: World-renowned cricketer and former captain of the Bangladesh national team.

The city's economy is anchored by massive conglomerates, telecom giants, and pioneering non-profits.

* Conglomerates: Major corporate groups headquartered here include Beximco, Square Group, PRAN-RFL Group, and Bashundhara Group, spanning industries from pharmaceuticals to real estate and food. * Telecom & Tech: Grameenphone (the largest mobile operator), Robi, and Banglalink hold their central operations in Dhaka. * Startups: bKash (a globally recognized mobile financial service provider), Pathao (ride-sharing and logistics), and Chaldal (grocery delivery) are leading the tech scene. * NGOs: BRAC, the world's largest non-governmental organization, and Grameen Bank both operate their global headquarters in Dhaka, employing thousands and driving microfinance and development initiatives.

Dhaka has formed international partnerships and sister city relationships to foster cultural and economic exchange. Some of its notable sister/twin cities include:

* Kolkata, India * Guangzhou, China