Background

Bangabhaban: The House of Bengal

Explore Bangabhaban, the heart of Bangladesh's history and presidential residence, in Dhaka's vibrant Motijheel district.

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Bangabhaban, meaning "House of Bengal," is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of Bangladesh. Located in Dhaka's Motijheel area, this palatial complex has evolved from a burial ground to a key symbol of Bangladeshi sovereignty, history, and culture.

A brief summary to Bangabhaban

  • PCF9+86W, Dhaka, Motijheel, 1222, BD

Local tips

  • Check for special events or open days, as limited public access to the Bangabhaban grounds may be available on certain occasions.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the area, as it is a government and presidential site.
  • Combine your visit with an exploration of Motijheel, Dhaka's central business district, to experience the city's commercial energy.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kamalapur Railway Station or other parts of Motijheel, the easiest way to reach Bangabhaban is by local bus or auto-rickshaw. Several bus routes pass through Motijheel and have stops near Bangabhaban. Check with locals for the most up-to-date route information, as bus routes can change. Bus fares typically range from 10-30 BDT.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are available in Dhaka. Use these apps to book a ride to Bangabhaban. A ride from Kamalapur Railway Station to Bangabhaban typically costs between 150-300 BDT. Be aware that traffic in Motijheel can be heavy, especially during peak hours, which may affect travel time and cost.

  • Rickshaw

    Cycle rickshaws are a traditional and readily available mode of transport for short distances within Motijheel. They are ideal for navigating the smaller streets in the area. Negotiate the fare before starting your ride; a short trip of a few blocks should cost between 40-80 BDT. Keep in mind that rickshaws are not permitted on all major roads.

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Discover more about Bangabhaban

Bangabhaban, the 'House of Bengal', serves as the official residence and principal workplace for the President of Bangladesh. This significant building is located in the Motijheel area of Dhaka. The site's history stretches back centuries. During the Bengal Sultanate, it was believed to be the burial ground of Hazrat Shahjalal Dakhini, a Sufi saint, and his followers. Under British rule, the land was owned by a zamindar before being acquired by the Nawab of Dhaka, Khwaja Abdul Ghani, who developed a garden estate named Dilkusha Garden. In 1905, with the partition of Bengal, the British government acquired a portion of Dilkusha Garden to construct a residence for the Viceroy of India during his visits to East Bengal and Assam. From 1911 to 1947, it served as the Governor's House. Following the partition of India in 1947, it became the East Pakistan Governor's House. Damaged by a storm in 1961, it was substantially reconstructed by 1964, blending Mughal and British architectural styles. After Bangladesh's independence in 1971, the Governor's House was renamed Bangabhaban. The first cabinet meeting of the newly formed nation was held here on December 23, 1971. In 1972, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman resigned as president at Bangabhaban to assume the role of Prime Minister. Today, Bangabhaban is a three-story complex with high boundary walls, set within 50 acres of greenery. Its architecture reflects a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Islamic, and Bengali styles. The ground floor houses the president's office, secretariats, and audience rooms. The president's residence occupies the northeast corner, and the second floor features suites for visiting heads of state. The complex also includes a security office, post office, bank, cafeteria, tailoring shop, and a mosque. While access to the interior is generally restricted, recent initiatives have aimed to open parts of Bangabhaban to the public on a limited scale. This includes the modernization of the Toshakhana (treasury) and the Air Raid Shelter House, transforming them into museums. These museums showcase gifts from foreign dignitaries and historical artifacts. Visitors can also explore the landscaped gardens, deer park, ponds and other attractions within the grounds.

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