Not everything will go according to plan with city development. There is a constant struggle between planned VS organic urban development in Bangladesh, and the part of the city that was to become a residential area can transform into a thriving commercial area with time. This unplanned evolution, while seemingly deleterious at first, can in fact be quite a blessing. Like Gulshan, several areas today are emerging as commercial areas in Dhaka not by design, but naturally. These up-and-coming commercial areas pave the way for developing the city even further. And since more and more people today are finding reasons to invest in commercial properties, let’s take a look at some of the growing commercial areas in Dhaka today.
Uttara
This northernmost area of Dhaka is often considered a powerhouse due to its size, facilities, and near self-sufficient capabilities. In little over 20 years, Uttara has evolved into a bustling town similar to those of Gulshan and Mirpur. That is why it’s no surprise that Uttara has become one of the fastest emerging commercial areas in Dhaka today. People who live in Uttara already enjoy tremendous connectivity, but the recent trend of setting up offices in the area has increased the demand for flats in Uttara several folds. Offices in Uttara also have the advantage of being next to one of the most important exit points of Dhaka. This is an invaluable advantage to have for an organization that distributes their products throughout the country or receives materials from other parts. Furthermore, the Shahjalal Airport and the Airport Train Station are very nearby for even better travel capabilities.
Mohammadpur
A number of startups today are opening up their first office in the Mohammadpur area. Affordability and the transportation system are just some of the reasons why startups prefer to set up an office in Mohammadpur. Such demand in office space from startups is transforming the first residential area in Dhaka into a commercial zone. The area’s proximity to important areas like Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and even Old Town is another reason why Mohammadpur is growing as one of the more valuable commercial areas in Dhaka. This evolution is by no means forced upon the residents either. Many landlords in the Mohammadpur area are favoring commercial space over residential space when renting out. As such, Mohammadpur may eventually become similar to Gulshan and achieve a hybrid status.
Mirpur
Among all the entries in this list of growing commercial areas in Dhaka, Mirpur is probably at the earliest stage. The popularity of Mirpur as a commercial zone is about to take off any day now. Mirpur is a very populated area and according to BRAC, more than 6 lakh people live there, it being one of the most trending residential areas in the Dhaka. Organizations have been noticing it for some time now and have started to set up offices in the area. Many small to large enterprises have opened an office in Mirpur to provide greater convenience to consumers and employees. You’ll also find a Bproperty Marketplace on Mirpur 10 that aims to fulfill the ever growing residential and commercial real estate demands of the people.
Mohakhali
Most people usually associate the Mohakhali area with two things; Bangladesh’s first flyover and the bus terminal. However, the area is, in reality, much more than what we initially think of. It is one of the busiest places in all of Dhaka; full of educational institutions, medical centers, and offices. For a long time, traffic congestion had been a big barrier against increasing Mohakhali’s stock as a commercial area. But the inauguration of the flyover has had a great impact on the traffic. While not being able to completely clear all the traffic issues, it has subsided quite a bit of it and the area has been gaining traction as a commercial area ever since. A great deal of local and multinational companies have moved their offices in Dhaka to Mohakhali over the last few years. Its proximity to Gulshan is also another driving factor for the areas rising popularity.
Dhanmondi
The Dhanmondi area is a jack of all trades. It has some of the best hospitals in Dhaka, a serene place to live, and an up-and-coming commercial area. Many readers might be surprised to learn that Dhanmondi isn’t already an important commercial area since the place already holds quite a lot of significance in the city. While there have been many malls and restaurants in Dhanmondi for years, only recently is it becoming a true commercial area. Commercial spaces in Dhanmondi are now more in demand than ever. Organizations like IPDC have branches in the area to fully enjoy the many benefits of the area. The areas beside the Satmasjid Road, in particular, have become homes to many offices and organizations.
Banani
Last, but not least, one of the most emerging commercial areas in Dhaka today is undoubtedly Banani. To most, Gulshan is the perfect commercial hub in the capital, and Banani is just a step behind it. The popularity and demand of Banani as a commercial area has skyrocketed in the last decade. It houses many local and foreign organizations, along with the Bproperty Banani Marketplace, within its boundary. Its proximity to Gulshan & Baridhara diplomatic zones as well as Banani being one of the best areas for expats to live in Dhaka makes the area a high-value commercial zone. Organizations today prefer to operate out of Banani instead of traditional areas like Motijheel
These above mentioned commercial areas in Dhaka will be at the forefront of the city’s development. But finding the right office space in Dhaka can be difficult if you don’t know how and where to look. In order to succeed in the corporate world, have an office that is perfect for you in the right location.
Where do you dream of having an office in Dhaka? Let us know in the comments section below.
