Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has grown into the nerve centre of all industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities of the country. It is located in one of the world's leading rice and jute growing regions. A busy throbbing city, once known as the "city of mosques and muslin", Dhaka has an interesting history and a vibrant cultural heritage. A happy blend of old and new architectural trends, it has attracted travelers from far and near through ages.

Dhaka is divided into an old city, a modern section called Ramna, and many residential and industrial communities. The city's old section, a maze of crowded bazaars and narrow streets, is in marked contrast to Ramna, a modern well-planned area to the north, where most of the government buildings and educational institutions are located.  

Dhaka was founded during the 10th century. It served as the Mogul capital of Bengal from 1608 to 1704 and was a trading center for British, French, and the Dutch before coming under British rule in 1765. In 1905, it was again named the capital of (divided) Bengal, and in 1956 it became the capital of East Pakistan. The city suffered heavy damage during the Bangladesh war of independence with Pakistan (1971) before becoming the capital of newly independent Bangladesh in late 1971.