Dhaka is a city full of marvel. It is a city of dreams for millions of people across the country. This wonderful city is divided into two parts; North Dhaka and South Dhaka. Both parts of the city have excellent places to live, but each has their own flavours that allure people. Living in Dhaka North has its own appeals, but today we will be focusing on 6 reasons that make living in Dhaka South so great.
Significant areas of South Dhaka include Motijheel, Shahbag, Malibagh, Ramna, Dhanmondi, Rampura, Kalabagan, and the entirety of Old Dhaka. All of these areas have traditionally been places of importance in the capital. Let’s look at some of the major perks that make the Southern part of Dhaka so attractive to people.
Prestigious Educational Institutions
One of the biggest reasons people prefer living in Dhaka South is the many prestigious educational institutions throughout the area. Some of the best colleges in the city, including Viqarunnisa Noon College, Notre Dame College and City College are in this part of the city. For schools, there are Ideal School, Govt. Laboratory High school, and Motijheel Govt. High School just to name a few. Two of the only public universities in the metropolitan are also situated in the southern part of the city. Some of these institutions were established during the British rule and have long & storied histories. People from all over Bangladesh come to the capital so that their children can study in these places. Which is why those with a home in Malibagh will get tremendous accessibility to these institutions.
Centre of Business and Finance
Dhaka South has two of the most important economic centres of the country; Motijheel and Old Dhaka. Both of these areas have significant value for businesses. Motijheel houses the head offices for many of the major financial institutions and organisations of Dhaka. This includes HQs of Banks, insurance companies, and even the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Government organisations also have their main branches in the area. Even with the recent development of Gulshan and Banani as chief commercial zones, Motijheel still serves as the seat of economy and finance. However, despite being a prominent commercial area, there’s no shortage of places to live in Motijheel.
And as for Old Dhaka, it is the supply hub for shops and businesses. What we generally refer to as Old Dhaka or Old Town is actually a massive area of eight thanas. Aside from historical landmarks, Old Town is renowned for being the go-to place to procure goods for stores across the capital. For example, the area of Islampur is the centre for wholesale purchase of fabrics while Dholaikhal is for vehicle parts. Most of the businesses and shops in Dhaka have to visit these parts of the city regularly; so living in Dhaka South is a logical decision for many people.
Affordable Shopping
People living in Dhaka South also have numerous shopping malls and bazaars that they frequent. These shopping centres are not just filled with essential items but are also amazingly affordable. A consumer can find everything they or their household may require from such places. One such place, the famous New Market is located in the southern part of the city. It is well-known for providing customers with items of great value, which attracts people from all over Dhaka. The Chandni Chowk shopping mall, an immensely popular place for buying fabrics, is on the opposite side of the road from New Market.
Some other famous shopping centres in the area include Mouchak, Taltola Market and Karnaphuli Market, which also has the distinction of being the first mall fitted with a capsule style lift in Bangladesh. Shopping enthusiasts can easily find places to live in the Malibagh area that will allow quick access to such places. Dhanmondi of South Dhaka alone is filled with many big and small shopping centres, providing convenience and luxury to its residents.
Transportation System
Recent developments have significantly improved the transportation system of the eastern areas of the South City Corporation. The unveiling of the Malibagh-Maghbazar flyover has made Malibagh one of the most accessible areas in Dhaka overnight. Living in Dhaka South allows people to enjoy the benefits of an amazing transportation system that allows quick entry and exit out of the city.
Sadarghat, the only boat terminal in the city, is located in Old Dhaka. Each day, thousands of people travel across the country using the launches and steamers from this single place. South Dhaka also has the Kamlapur Railway Station. Almost every train available begins its journey here. Travellers can reach any corner of Bangladesh from this single platform. For those who prefer to travel by bus can use the Sayedabad Bus Terminal and the Motijheel Bus Terminal. Most of these buses travel to the South and South-East parts of the country. So those who regularly go out of town can find places to live in this area and make travelling a lot easier.
Historical Landmarks
There are many historical landmarks spread throughout the city, but no area has that in greater number than Old Town. Dhaka was established on the banks of Buriganga river. It was the seat of power for Mughals in Bengal and one of the most prosperous cities of South Asia. This part of Dhaka is filled with historical landmarks that date back to the inception of the city. Buildings such as Lalbagh Fort and Boro Katra have stood tall for more than 500 years. They are the last remnants of the Mughal rule in Dhaka. There’s also Ahsan Manzil, Star Mosque, Northbrook Hall and many more historical landmarks from the British era. Thousands of people visit these places every day. So there’s no doubt that individuals with a great interest in the past would love to find places to live in this area, just to surround themselves with history.
Food Heaven
Another great reason why people prefer living in Dhaka South is the food! The southern areas of the city have some amazing food. The cuisine here is so noteworthy that foodies and experts from all over the world come to indulge themselves. Sure, there are many great restaurants in Banani, but when it comes to ‘Bengali cuisine’, Old Dhaka is the place to go. Many legendary Biryani places originated in Old Dhaka. The famous Nanna Biriyani, Haji Biriyani and Fakruddin Biryani all came from this area. Even though they have branches all over the city now, true foodies still prefer to go to the source for the best.
There’s more to South Dhaka than Biriyani though. You’ll find ll kinds of extraordinary food in this part of the city. There are many famous restaurants in Dhanmondi, Malibagh and Khilgaon. These eateries have become common hangout spots for young people today.
Dhaka is a city of 8 million people, each with unique needs and taste. Both parts of the city offer things that make them more preferable than the other. There are just as many reasons to love Dhaka south as there is for Dhaka North. So, it’s up to you to decide if you want to find places to live in this part of the city.
Let us know in the comments why you like living in South Dhaka.
