Dhaka City has been standing for nearly 400 years now. During this period, the capital of Bangladesh went through many changes and much development which has created the city we see today. Due to geographical and other strategic advantages, Dhaka became the chief commercial emporium, leading the construction of many buildings of various purposes across the city. With time and growing reputation, some of the architecture has become more popular than others. Similarly, many newly constructed buildings have become famous as well for their unique characteristics. Today, a combination of both newly emerged and vintage constructions make up the most iconic buildings of Dhaka.
National Parliament House
After the national monuments of Bangladesh, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House) is one of the most iconic buildings of Dhaka and also the world. It the largest legislative complex built to this date comprising an area of nearly 200 acres. Robert McCarter, author of Louis I. Kahn named Sangsad Bhaban one of the twentieth century’s most significant buildings by
A group of brilliant architects planned the building but Louis Khan contributed the most by designing the entire complex. His philosophy behind the design was to represent Bangladesh’s heritage and culture by optimising the land usage. The meticulously engineered complex constitutes of lawns, an artificial lake and residences for Ministers of Parliament. Later, the ruling government added residences for the key speaker and the deputy speaker to complete the initial plan.
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is a pioneer of unique architectural designs for the country. The aesthetic beauty of the complex and the serene lakeside view attract numerous visitors although some of the key areas of the complex have now become restricted.
City Centre, Motijheel
Can you guess the tallest building of Dhaka? Yes, you are right. City centre, a 37-storied commercial building, is the tallest in Dhaka. This iconic architecture is the first to have a multistoried car parking in Bangladesh, taking the acute parking space problem of the metropolitan area under consideration.
Additionally, the City Centre is also the first commercial space in Bangladesh to be resistant against natural disasters. This is a key attractor for many companies. But even though the building is mainly for commercial use, it is open to the public. Krispy Kreme, an international coffee chain, was on the ground floor of the building certainly helped to make it one of the famous buildings of Dhaka city.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
Dhaka is a city of mosques, and it wouldn’t do justice if none of them was iconic. Thankfully, Dhaka has several famous mosques spread across the city, but Baitul Mukarram is the largest in Bangladesh and the 10th largest in the world. This eight-storey mosque can accommodate over 30,000 people and is one of the main destinations for Eid prayers in Dhaka. Being the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram already gets more attraction, but the structure is something one cannot ignore. First of all, Baitul Mukarram greatly resembles the Holy Kaaba due to its cubic design. Secondly, this mosque preserves Mughal tradition in the design of the building. Thirdly, the national mosque is unique as it does not include a single dome on the roof. Hence, Baitul Mukarram is considered one of the most iconic buildings of Dhaka.
Bangladesh Bank Building is one of the tallest buildings of dhaka
Bangladesh Bank is the central bank of the country and is at the epicentre of commercial hubs in Dhaka, Motijheel. This 31 storied skyscraper used to be the tallest building in Dhaka before City Centre broke the record in 2013. Currently, the Bangladesh Bank building stands 3rd in the list of tallest buildings in the capital. But before that Bangladesh Bank building was the tallest for a long period.
A recent study indicates that most Dhaka denizens prefer rental apartments as thier home, mainly due to workplace proximity and other factors. Having notable government offices like Bangladesh Bank in Motijheel area certainly attracted many tenants to nearby locations.
Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka
Curzon Hall is a faculty building under the University of Dhaka. This building was named after Lord Curzon; the viceroy of India during the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. Mr Curzon intended to use the establishment as a town hall. However, it later became a part of the university’s departments. The eye-catching exterior and the vastness of the building are hard to ignore. The natural beauty of the location and especially the human-made pond beside the structure are sure to inspire the spirit.
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
The National Stadium has seen many memorable moments in history. This includes an exhibition boxing match between Muhammad Ali and a 12-year-old boy at the then called Dacca Stadium. The stadium has homed matches and tournaments consisting of football, hockey cricket and all sorts. Over the years, cricket became more popular and dominant in this region. In 2004, the Bangladesh Cricket Board took over the stadium to repurpose it as a cricket stadium. Major renovations took place in the stadium site. Since then, many international matches have taken place in the home grounds for the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Mirpur. The structure and its current purpose have driven it to become one of the most iconic buildings of Dhaka. Also, having one of the best landmarks raised apartment prices in Mirpur as more people want to live around the area.
Jamuna Future Park
Jamuna Future Park is the largest shopping complex in Dhaka comprising an area that spans 33 acres. This eye-catching building is located at Bashundhara R/A, a suitable living space. Being in a posh neighbourhood, near many embassies in Dhaka, Jamuna Future Park attracts the top tier of society. Several international brands like Levi’s, Miniso, Hush Puppies and Krispy Kreme have outlets in the mall. Additionally, the mall has extensive indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities like movie theatres, bowling alleys and an outdoor amusement park.
Due to extensive facilities, JFP has become one of the prime destinations for Bashundhara R/A resident. This is why JFP is continually gaining popularity and has joined the ranks of the most iconic buildings of Dhaka. Over the years, this popularity has also seen increased prices of properties in the area.
If you would you like to add to this list or share any memorable moments from any of these well-known buildings of Dhaka, do let us know in the comments section below.
