Background

Channel of Buriganga: A River of History and Hardship

Witness Dhaka's historic Buriganga River, a vital yet heavily polluted waterway, still central to the city's commerce and transport.

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The Buriganga River, also known as the 'Old Ganges,' borders Dhaka, Bangladesh. Though historically significant as a trade route and source of water, it now faces severe pollution challenges. Visitors can witness bustling river traffic but should be prepared for the environmental issues.

A brief summary to Channel of Buriganga

  • P85R+JC4, Unnamed Road, Keraniganj, BD

Local tips

  • Be prepared for strong odors due to the river's pollution.
  • Visit Sadarghat, a historic river port on the Buriganga's banks, to experience the river's bustling activity.
  • Consider wearing closed-toe shoes when visiting the riverbanks.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Dhaka, you can take a local bus towards Keraniganj. Buses are a cheap way to travel, with fares typically ranging from 10-20 BDT. Alight near the Keraniganj ferry terminal or the riverbank.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao are readily available in Dhaka. A ride from Dhanmondi to Keraniganj may cost around 517-941 BDT, depending on the class of service. Be mindful of traffic conditions, which can affect the fare.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Keraniganj, walking to the Buriganga riverfront is feasible. Use local landmarks as guides. From Keraniganj Model Thana, the river is a short walk. No specific costs are involved.

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Discover more about Channel of Buriganga

The Buriganga River, meaning 'Old Ganges' in Bengali, is a tide-influenced river that flows past the southwest outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. In ancient times, it was a course of the Ganges River. When the Mughals established Dhaka as their capital in 1610, the Buriganga's banks were a prime trading location and the city's main drinking water source. The river supported Dhaka's development, serving as a water supply, drainage outlet, and flood control mechanism. Today, the Buriganga faces immense pollution. Chemical waste from mills and factories, household waste, medical waste, sewage, dead animals, plastics, and oil are major pollutants. Dhaka discharges approximately 4,500 tons of solid waste into the river daily, and tanneries release 21,600 cubic meters of toxic waste. The textile industry contributes significantly, discharging tons of waste and sludge annually. As a result, the river's water often appears black and emits a foul odor. Despite the pollution, the Buriganga remains economically important, providing river connections via launches and boats.

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