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Dhanmondi (Bengali: ধানমন্ডি) is a residential area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, known for its central location, cultural vibrancy and being home to the country's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.[2] 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.

Dhanmondi ধানমন্ডি
Suburb and Thana
Skyline of Dhanmondi, Bangladesh
Expandable map of Dhanmondi Thana
Dhanmondi Location of Dhanmondi Thana in Bangladesh Show map of Dhaka division Dhanmondi Dhanmondi (Bangladesh) Show map of Bangladesh
Coordinates: 23°44.7′N 90°22.6′E
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Dhaka Division
District	Dhaka District
Area
• Total	4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi)
Elevation [1]	23 m (75 ft)
Population  (1991)
• Total	201,529
• Density	20,691/km2 (53,590/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+6 (BST)
Notable sport teams	Sheikh Jamal

Etymology

Dhanmondi, today's residential area, was cultivated during the British period. But at that time there were some settlements in Dhanmondi. It was not 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.[3]

History

Dhanmondi's origins can be traced back to the 1952, beginning as a residential area for the city,[4] and over the decades evolving into a 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.[5]

There was a canal next to Dhanmondi which may have dried up by the 19th century, reducing the importance of Dhanmondi as a market. 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. Commercial establishments have since developed in some areas of Dhanmondi.[6]

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

Geography

Dhanmondi is located in the heart of Dhaka District of Bangladesh. It has 33,451 houses^{[citation needed]} and a total area of 4.34 km² (1.68 sq mi).[7]

Features

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

Dhanmondi lake

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.

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.

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

Banks

Almost every bank operating in the country has an outlet in Dhanmondi. Foreign banks such as Citi, HSBC and Standard Chartered also have branches there, with HSBC and Standard Chartered having multiple ATM booths within the area.

Restaurants

Dhanmondi is known for its wide range of restaurants and cafes that mostly cluster around Satmasjid Road. Several local and international fast food chains in the country have outlets in this area.

Dhanmondi is home to many renowned food chains, especially fast food. International chains include KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Chatime, Second Cup, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Coffee World, A&W, Pizza Inn, Secret Recipe, Mövenpick, Baskin-Robbins, New Zealand Natural, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, CP, Herfy, Tony Roma's and ChicKing.

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. [8]

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

Education

This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2015)

Over the last fifteen years, a large number of 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,^{[citation needed]} Oxford International School Main Campus and Junior Dhanmondi Campus,[9] 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.

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
• Thanas of Bangladesh
• Upazilas of Bangladesh
• Districts of Bangladesh
• Divisions of Bangladesh
• Old Dhaka

References

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