Dhaka's businesses do not have a uniform destination since the city has commercial areas like Motijheel, Karwan Bazar and Gulshan in different parts. What does the plan of a central business district in Purbachal look like? Why is it important?
During the period of Pakistan, the apparent growth in economic activities in Dhaka led to the development of a dedicated commercial district, Motijheel. Motijheel has since become one of the most influential powerhouses driving Dhaka’s economy. Over more than five decades of reliance on Motijheel, the country is now planning for a more efficient Central Business Center (CBD). This strategic move reflects the commitment to furthering economic development and ensuring Dhaka’s continued role as a key contributor to the nation’s prosperity. The evolution of commercial centers in Dhaka over the years underscores the city’s enduring significance in shaping Bangladesh’s economic landscape.
Dhaka’s historical significance as a crucial economic and commercial hub in Bangladesh extends beyond the nation’s inception. Dating back to the Mughal Empire, Dhaka has played a vital role in contributing to the country’s prosperity. During that time, the commercial core of Dhaka was concentrated in areas such as Chawk Bazar, Sadarghat, and Banglabazar. These locations, being close to the Buriganga River, enjoyed direct access to maritime trade.
CBDs and Their Impact on Economy
A CBD is the nucleus of economic activity within a city, characterized by a concentration of financial, commercial, and administrative institutions. The impact of CBDs on a nation’s economy is profound and multifaceted. These districts serve as economic powerhouses, generating significant revenue through corporate activities, trade, and financial transactions. The clustering of businesses fosters collaboration and innovation, creating an ecosystem where ideas flourish and industries evolve.
Furthermore, the financial institutions within CBDs play a crucial role in capital formation, investment, and the facilitation of economic transactions. Banks, stock exchanges, and other financial entities converge, forming a financial nerve center that influences the nation’s monetary policies and fiscal strategies.
Motijheel Commercial Area
Motijheel is located in the core of Dhaka in terms of connectivity. The Motijheel Thana was established in 1976, and the general post of office inside this area is considered as the Dhaka Zero Point.
After the independence of the country, Motijheel has been the powerhhouse of financial sector of the country. Almost every banks has their principal branch or the main branch located in Motijheel making it the key driver of banking sector. The Bangladesh Bank is also located in Motijheel with other government owned banks like Rupali Bank Ltd, Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank etcetera. Other private banks such as Eastern Bank PLC, Islami Bank, Basic Bank, and financial institutions like Jiban Bima Corporation, Sadharan Bima Corporation, American Life Insurance and Co are also contributing to the economy from Motijheel.
Country’s key stock exchange or the Dhaka Stock Exchange is also located in Motijheel. And Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha or RAJUK and Power and Water Development Board are located in Motijheel as well.
Motijheel also houses nations key data and information directories as well. Organizations like Bangladesh Business Directory (Datazone Telephone Directory Ltd), Business Data Information Ltd, Data Zone Telephone Directory Ltd are also functioning from Motijheel.
Eight Shopping Malls
In Motijheel
21 Residential Hotels
In Motijheel
There are about eight shopping malls located in Motijheel along with 21 residential hotels. With these being mentioned, there are hawker markets all around Motijheel. The City Center, which was the first sky scraper of the country still stands as the tallest building in Bangladesh.
Motijheel being the one of the most demanded land for office spaces, has one of the highest rent for commercial floor in the country. Rent for per square foot space office rent exceeds BDT 100.
Gulshan Commercial Area
Gulshan, located in the northern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a vibrant and affluent residential and commercial area. Known for its upscale neighborhoods, well-manicured parks, and luxury residences, Gulshan has emerged as one of the city’s most sought-after districts. The Gulshan Thana was formed in 1972.
Gulshan houses the headquarters of most of the private corporations and banks in Bangladesh. Local and multinational companies like Banglalink, Standard Chartered Bank, P&G, GSK, Reckitt Benckiser, Mahindra & Mahindra, The Coca-cola Company, Pepsico, The Himalaya Drug Company, Sony Ericsson etcera have been operating from gulshan.
Along with the corporate offices, gulshan has been the top priority for world class hotels. Five star hotels like The Westin, Sheraton, Aamari etcetera have been serving for a while in gulshan. There are many foreign embassies are located in gulshan.
Karwan Bazar
Geographically Karwan Bazar is located in the middle of Dhaka City making it accessible from multiple routes. Karwan Bazar is considered to be the eye and ear of the country since head offices of many newspapers and tv channels are located in Karwan Bazar. The main offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, The Independant, Ekushey Television, NTV, ATN Bangla, Banglavision, ABC Radio etcetera are located in Karwan Bazar.
Square Hospitals, BRB Hospital, SIBL Hospital and other pharmacies are located in Karwan Bazar as well. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd is also located in Karwan Bazar.
Besides the news and media, Karwan Bazar is known for wholesale marketplace. During the Mughal rule, Karwan Bazar had a custom check post, since then, markets have existed in Karwan Bazar. Now the wholesale market houses more than 1200 stores of vegetables, fish, meat and other supplies.
686,313 kg
Vegetables consumed in Dhaka everyday
90,540 kg
Fishes consumed in Dhaka everyday
According to a report of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Dhaka consumes 686,313 kgs of vegetables, and 90,540 kgs of fish per day. And in the same report, it is stated that, 396,960kgs of vegetables are sold from Karwan Bazar alone. This is around 58% of the total supply.
How CBDs Significantly Change a City’s Map
Central Business Districts (CBDs) play a crucial role in shaping a city’s infrastructure and development. The location of a CBD, such as Motijheel in Dhaka, significantly influences how the city evolves. Motijheel, being a vital CBD, attracts residents, leading to a high demand for housing in its vicinity. This demand results in a housing availability crisis, as people prefer living close to the central hub.
Analyzing population density maps from a few years ago reveals a clear trend. As one moves farther from the center of Motijheel, the population density gradually increases. The closest areas, within a 500m radius, had a density of 500 people per hectare, while at a distance of 3000m, the density rose to 700 people per hectare. Although this data is from 2004, the situation likely persists, showcasing the enduring impact of CBDs on residential distribution.
The scarcity of housing near Motijheel compels people to seek residences further away, contributing to urban sprawl. This outward movement results in increased traffic congestion as individuals commuting to Motijheel for work have to travel longer distances. Thousands of people face the daily challenge of commuting from distant areas to Motijheel, exacerbating the traffic situation.
In summary, CBDs like Motijheel can significantly influence a city’s residential patterns, traffic congestion, and overall infrastructure. The concentration of economic activities in CBDs not only shapes the urban landscape but also affects the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants. As cities continue to grow and evolve, careful planning and consideration of CBD dynamics become essential for sustainable development.
Historical Tendency Shifting CBDs
The historical development of Dhaka reveals a dynamic pattern in the shifting trends of Central Business Districts (CBDs) over the centuries. During the pre-Mughal period, Dhaka had a limited territory of around 2 km², and its population was nominal. However, by 1717, the city expanded to about 4.5 sq. km with a population of approximately 1 million, making it a thriving urban center.
2 sq. km
In pre-Mughal period
4 sq. km
In 1717
14.5 sq. km
In 1873
125 sq. km | 700000 People
In 1961
510 sq. km | 2,068,353 People
In 1974
1353 sq. km
In 1991
10.7 Million People
In 2001
The subsequent period from 1757 to 1864 witnessed a decline in Dhaka’s urban prominence. The city experienced a substantial decrease in both population and area. By 1873, the population had plummeted to 51,000, reflecting a significant contraction. However, during this time, the town’s jurisdiction expanded with the inclusion of areas like Ramna Green Pasture, Old Paltan to Nimtoli, Dakesshware Temple to Azimpur, leading to an increase in the total urban area to 14.5 sq. km.
The mid-20th century marked a resurgence in Dhaka’s growth. In 1941, the population surpassed 200,000, reaching over 250,000 by 1947. Post-1947, the city experienced accelerated growth. By 1961, the population exceeded 700,000, and the urban area expanded to approximately 125 sq. km to meet the needs of the newly independent country’s capital.
The most remarkable growth occurred in the post-independence period. By 1974, Dhaka’s population had surged to 2,068,353, covering an area of about 510 sq. km. The following decade, from 1981 to 1991, saw an unprecedented rate of physical and population growth, doubling the population and expanding the city to 1353 sq. km. This rapid urbanization during 1981-1991 had profound implications for the city’s structure.
The trend continued, and by 2001, Dhaka’s population reached 10.7 million, with a remarkable 56.5% population growth in the last decade. This high growth rate has put immense pressure on urban utility services and amenities, leading to the proliferation of slums and squatter settlements, especially in low-lying areas. The shifting CBDs of Dhaka over time reflect the city’s evolving economic and demographic dynamics, as well as the need for strategic urban planning to accommodate the burgeoning population. The changes in CBD locations mirror the city’s historical trajectory, from a declining center to a rapidly expanding metropolis.
Purbachal as a Modern CBD
At the Bangladesh Economic Forum 2022, the iconic Purbachal Central Business District Project was launched. With the completion of this project, Bangladesh will be ready to step forward in shaping up global business hub with state of the art facilities including a modern business center, commercial spaces, retails shops, luxurious apartments, convention centers, hospital, international school and other amenities.
Purbachal New Town is planned under RAJUK to be Dhaka’s smart city with proper urban planning and modern infrastructure. This is the largest residential project in country’s history which was planned back in 1995.
6,227.36 Acres
Divided in 30 Sectors
The total land of Purbachal New Town is 6,227.36 acres which is divided into 30 sectors. Among all the sectors, sector 19 is located at the middle of the New Town, which is the allotted place for Purbachal Central Business District.
What to Expect
The mega project site spans a 114-acre land parcel in Purbachal New Town, with PowerPac Holdings Ltd, a part of the Sikder Group, undertaking the development of the Central Business District (CBD). The project’s focal point will be the construction of three distinctive towers — the Language Tower, Liberation Tower, and Legacy Tower. These towers are designated to provide high-end real estate solutions to meet the requirements of global corporations and the upscale preferences of both local and non-resident Bangladeshis
Liberation Tower
Language Tower
Legacy Tower
The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has entrusted the CBD contract to a consortium comprising PowerPac Holdings Ltd and Kajima Corporation, a renowned Japanese conglomerate. The Purbachal CBD aims to evolve into a global business hub, offering top-notch facilities such as a sophisticated business center, commercial spaces, retail outlets, luxurious apartments, a convention center, a hospital, an international school, and all essential community amenities. This development is expected to modernize Dhaka’s skyline within the allocated land in Purbachal.
About the Author
Hamim Mubtasim is the Brand Manager at The Confluence. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate studies at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka. A business student by choice and marketing geek by passion, he aspires to manage big brands someday.