Dhanmondi ধানমন্ডি
Neighbourhood and Thana
Skyline of Dhanmondi, Bangladesh
Expandable map of Dhanmondi Thana
Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Dhaka Show map of Dhaka Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Dhaka Division Show map of Dhaka division Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana within Bangladesh Show map of Bangladesh
Coordinates: 23°44.7′N 90°22.6′E / 23.7450°N 90.3767°E / 23.7450; 90.3767
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Dhaka Division
District	Dhaka District
Area
• Total	4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi)
Elevation [1]	23 m (75 ft)
Population  (2011)[2]
• Total	147,643
• Density	34,019/km2 (88,110/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+6 (BST)
Area code	1209[3]
Notable sport teams	Sheikh Jamal

Dhanmondi (Bengali: ধানমন্ডি) is a residential and commercial area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, known for its central location, cultural vibrancy and being home to the country's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.^[4] The origins of Dhanmondi can be traced back to the late 1950s, when the Government of East Pakistan developed it as a centrally planned and residential area to house the city's top bureaucrats.

History

Dhanmondi in 1966

Dhanmondi's origins can be traced back to the 1952, beginning as a residential area for the city,^[5] and over the decades evolving into a chic, miniature city, with hospitals to malls, schools, banks, offices and universities. After the liberation war, its neighbourhoods primarily consisted of two-story houses. About 8 years before the establishment of DIT in 1956, the Dhanmondi residential area was planned.^[6]

Dhanmondi once had a canal next to it, but it dried up by the 19th century, making the market there less significant. Dhanmondi subsequently became forested and remained that way until the mid-twentieth century. Later, at the end of the Pakistan period, Dhanmondi became one of several residential areas for the elite and the wealthy. Many commercial establishments have since rapidly developed in some areas of Dhanmondi. ^[7]

The founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, once lived here. He was assassinated along with most of his family at his residence in Dhanmondi road no. 32 on 15 August 1975. His residence has since become a memorial museum. Many other notable people also live here.

Geography

View of Dhanmondi.

Dhanmondi is located in the heart of Dhaka District of Bangladesh. It has 33,451 houses and a total area of 4.34 km² (1.68 sq mi).^[8]

Features

The most important roads in Dhanmondi are Road no. 27, Satmasjid Road and Mirpur Road.

Dhanmondi lake

Bridge in Dhanmondi

dhanmondi lake at road no 5

The lakeside walkway at Dhanmondi Lake is overlooked by the Rabindra Sharabar, an open-air amphitheater near the Road 8 bridge, where dramas, concerts, and various cultural programs are held from time to time by both amateur and professional artistes, especially during major festivals and holidays.

Exotic and delicious snack stalls along the lakeside, particularly on Road 2 (opposite the entrance to Bangladesh Rifles), Road 5 (on an island accessible only by foot bridges from two sides), Road 8 (near the amphitheater) and Road 32 (opposite the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman), offer a variety of snacks and beverages, aimed at city dwellers during the day. These places are gathered by a lot of people, mostly around late afternoon, due to its popularity.

During festivals such as Pohela Baishakh, Independence Day and Eid, moving around Dhanmondi can be difficult due to crowding.

Etymology

Dhanmondi, today's residential area, was cultivated during the British period. But at that time there were some settlements in Dhanmondi. It was named Dhanmandi because paddy was produced in that area. The area used to house rice and other grain seed markets. Bazaar is called Mandi in Persian and Urdu. From there the area was named Dhanmondi.^[9]

Education

Over the last fifteen years, a large number of outstanding schools, colleges and private universities have been developed around the area.

Government Laboratory High School, BCSIR School, Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Public School, Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public School, Viqarunnisa Noon School, YWCA Higher Secondary School etc are some of the renowned schools in this area. Many well-known English medium schools in the country, such as Scholastica (Junior Section), South Breeze, Sunbeams, Oxford International School Main Campus and Junior Dhanmondi Campus,^[10] Mastermind, Maple Leaf International school, Marie Curie School, Dhanmondi Tutorial, Sunnydale, European Standard School (ESS), Scholars School and College are located here.

Colleges like Dhaka College, Hamdard Public College, Ideal College and Dhaka City College are located here. Among the universities, University Of Development Alternative (UODA), International Islamic University Chittagong, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, United International University, Daffodil International University, Eastern University, People's University of Bangladesh, World University of Bangladesh, Stamford University, University of Asia Pacific are the most well-known and can be quite luxurious and expensive.

Real estate

Real estate in Dhanmondi has seen prices rise over the last 20 years.

There are new houses that are getting built every year. Companies like BTI, Shanta, Rangs, Concord and others are coming up with new ventures every year.

The prices of these apartments are on average Tk 15000 per sqft. Although sometimes it can be higher or lower depending on the area. ^[11]

Houses are going for rent at quite an expensive rate. This is mainly because Dhanmondi is surrounded by decent schools, hospitals and offices.

Gallery

• 
  A Nando's outlet on Road 27
• 
  A TEKIYA Japanese Cuisine outlet at Shimanto(Rifles) Square on Road no 2
• 
  Dhanmondi Lake.
• 
  A co-branded Coffee World Pizza Corner outlet on Road 4A
• 
  Pizza Hut on Road 15 (opposite of Abahani field).

See also

• Gulshan Thana
• Segunbagicha
• Thanas of Bangladesh
• Upazilas of Bangladesh
• Districts of Bangladesh
• Divisions of Bangladesh
• Old Dhaka

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dhanmondi.