Cities in Bangladesh

Dhaka

This is the capital city of Bangladesh, in southern Asia. Set beside the Buriganga River, it's at the center of national government, trade and culture. The 17th-century old city was the Mughal capital of Bengal, and many palaces and mosques remain. American architect Louis Khan's National Parliament House complex typifies the huge, fast-growing modern metropolis.

Rajshahi

This city lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. The municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876. It was a divisional capital of the Bengal Presidency.

Sylhet

This is a city in eastern Bangladesh, on the Surma River. It's known for its Sufi shrines, like the ornate tomb and mosque of 14th-century saint Hazrat Shah Jalal, now a major pilgrimage site near Dargah Gate. The tiny Museum of Rajas contains belongings of the local folk poet Hasan Raja. A 3-domed gateway stands at the 17th-century Shahi Eidgah, a huge open-air hilltop mosque built by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Khulna

This is an old river port located on the Rupsha and Bhoirob river. It is an important hub of Bangladeshi industry and hosts many national companies. It is served by Port of Mongla, the second largest seaport in the country. It is also one of the two principal naval command centres of the Bangladesh Navy. Navy base BNS Titumir is located in the city.

Chittagong

This is large port city on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. The Ethnological Museum has exhibits about the many different ethnic tribes across the country. Zia Memorial Museum, inside the former Old Circuit House, displays items belonging to former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated on the site in 1981. The landmark Chandanpura Mosque has many onion-shaped domes and brightly painted minarets.