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.
