Derived its name from the Bengali word "Dhak"-meaning drum-Dhaka appeared as the power seat of the ancient Buddhist and Hindu rulers from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Legends tell us that it started as a small township on the bank of the River Buriganga (old Ganges). In 1608, the Mughols made it the capital of the province of Bengal and the city became the chief commercial empire of the region. During this time, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French, the Greeks, and the Armenians established trading posts as well as residences and missions at favorite locations in and around the township. The British who sought to extend their business from Kolkata to Dhaka followed them. Eventually the British took over control of Bengal and so Dhaka became the monopoly trade center of the subcontinent. In 1887, Dhaka became a district of British administration and in 1905, when Bengal was divided, Dhaka was named the capital of East Bengal. A few years later, in 1912, when Bengal was reunited, Dhaka remained the unofficial capital of the eastern portion of the land. Subsequently, at the time of the partition of India (1947), the city was made the capital of East Pakistan. During this time, Dhaka was declared the subsidiary capital of Pakistan. After the separation of East Pakistan, in 1971, Dhaka achieved capital city status in the newly created Bangladesh with a population of less than two million inhabitants. Currently it has grown to eight million within an area of 7000 square kilometers.

Some outstanding monuments and buildings including witness Dhaka city's evolution:

Shakhari Patti: The ancient residential area of the city dwellers.

Lalbagh Fort: The Mughol Fort, built in 1678 during the reign of last the Mughol Emperor Aurangzeb, is the prime attraction of the city.

Armenian Church: A very old style church of Turkish architectural design situated in the old residential area of the Greeks and Armenians.

Star Mosque: A very attractive 15th-century Muslim architectural design distinctive for its low-slung style, mosaiced with colored glass set in white tiles.

Ahsan Monjil: This palace of the ancient landlord of Dhaka on the bank of the River Buriganga is a monument of immense historical beauty.

Dhakeshawari Temple: A legendary Hindu temple built in the 11th century situated at the old city center.

Curzon Hall: This magnificent architectural building of the mid-18th century, named after the British Viceroy Lord Curzon, is the first National Assembly building of Pakistan and currently houses the science faculty of Dhaka University.

Supreme Court: Originally built as the residence of the British Viceroy, it was used as one of the high courts of Pakistan and now is the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. It features a striking blend of European and Mughol architecture.

Balda Gardens: Situated in the old part of the city, a small twin garden with a rare collection of plants bestowed by a former landlord.

National Museum: Featuring many natural assets and items of pride, this museum contains fascinating displays of history, culture, literature, science, art, music, and life.

Parliament House: One of the most famous buildings of modern architecture designed by famous Jewish-American architect Louis I. Kahn.

National Memorial: A typically designed memorial built to commemorate the martyrs of the War of Liberation.

Baitul Mokarram Mosque: A national mosque designed in the style of the Kaaba of Mecca, situated in the city center.
All these striking monuments, complimented by the alluring waterfront and the vibrant street life, testify to the city's colorful growth into the country's capital. Dhaka is a magnet for tourists and awaits your arrival.