Course Title:

Environment Science Course Code: ENV101 Section: 06

Semester: Autumn 2023

Assignment 2: Report Writing on Dhaka City.

GROUP NO. 8

Serial Name ID
1 Aliful Islam Mahmud 2321003
2 ABM IBRAHIM JISHAN 2110929
3 Mehedi Hossain 2130303

Submitted to: Dr. Tawhid Monzur

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Introduction of the Dhaka Area:

Dhaka – The Capital of Bangladesh

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. With its colorful history and rich cultural traditions,
Dhaka is known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin. Its fame attracted travelers from far
and near throughout the ages. Today it has grown into a mega city of about 8.5 million people, with an
area of about 1353 sq. km. becoming the hub of the nation's industrial, commercial, cultural, educational
and political activities.

Dhaka is located in the geographic center of the country. It is in the great deltaic region of the Ganges
and Brahmaputra rivers. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average
temperature of 25 deg C (77 deg F) and monthly means varying between 18 deg C (64 deg F) in January
and 29 deg C (84 deg F) in August. Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854 mm (73 in)
occurs between May and September.

Dhaka is located in one of the world's leading rice and jute or natural rawjute growing regions. Its
include jute textile industries, muslin and cotton industries and also food processing, especially rice
milling. A variety of other consumer goods are also manufactured here. The Muslim influence is
reflected in the more than 700 mosques and historic buildings found throughout the city. The University
of Dhaka (1921) and several technical schools and museums are located here.

Historically, Dhaka has been an important centre of trade and commerce in the region, dating back to
the medieval period. The area developed as a prominent cultural and educational hub, home to
renowned educational institutions, historical landmarks, and a thriving arts and crafts scene. Over the
years, the city has evolved into a bustling metropolis, witnessing rapid urbanization and population
growth.

The Dhaka area is a dynamic and evolving region that blends tradition with modernity. Offering a rich
cultural heritage, educational opportunities, and economic prospects, Dhaka serves as a vital hub for
Bangladesh's growth and development. Whether you are interested in exploring its history, immersing
in its vibrant culture, or pursuing education and business opportunities, Dhaka offers a diverse range of
experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

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Page 3 of 11
Methods

We conducted a complete count household survey in an urban poor community in Dhaka. Using a brief
structured questionnaire in Bengali language, trained interviewers visited each household and asked
questions such as: duration of residence; ownership of house, toilet and kitchen; water supply; number
of family members; age, sex, education, occupation, tobacco use, and history of diseases of each family
member.

Study site and study population

We conducted a census-like baseline population study in Bauniabadh, an urban poor community in

Mirpur ward, Dhaka city, Bangladesh [11,12,13]. The community was originally established by the
government in 1972 as a settlement for the poor. A same size land plot (about 8.9 m2) was allocated to
each household at an affordable price. Since then, many residents moved in or out without registration,
and the community expanded irregularly with sprawling shantytowns in and outside the original
boundary. Before this study, it was estimated that there were about 15,000 households (about 50,000
population) within the original boundary and about 5000 households in the areas adjacent to the original
boundary.

We targeted all households within the original boundary but excluded the surrounding shantytowns,
considering the feasibility of the study (Fig. 1). The original area was consisted of 5 blocks; each block
consisted of 22 lanes (except a block consisted of 24 lanes); each lane consisted of 24 plots. Although
each household allocated each one plot originally, some plots were combined to build multistoried
buildings and it was not known how many households shared the building.

Results

We found that there were 8604 households and 34,170 people in the community. Average number of
household members was 4.0. Most people had access to safe water, but only 16% lived in the house
with a toilet. Based on the proxy indicators of household wealth levels, we identified that about 39%
were relatively well-off, while the rest were very poor. Tobacco use was prevalent in men regardless
of age and in women aged over 35 years. Prevalence of self-reported hypertension and diabetes was
slightly higher in women than in men, although over 70% of the respondents didn’t know if they had
such diseases. Incidences of diarrhea in the last one month were relatively low.

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II. Description of the Dhaka Area:

a. Physical Description:

Landforms: Dhaka is situated in the alluvial plain of the Bengal Delta, giving it a relatively flat
topography. The city is located in the central part of the country, bordered by the Buriganga River to
the south and the Turag River to the north. The surrounding landscape is mostly comprised of low-
lying areas, with occasional shallow depressions and marshy lands.

Climate: Dhaka experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and
mild winters. The city is influenced by the South Asian monsoon system, resulting in distinct wet and
dry seasons. The summer months (April to September) are hot and muggy, with temperatures often
exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The monsoon season lasts from June to
September, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Winters (October to March) are
relatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees
Fahrenheit).

Water Bodies: The two major rivers, the Buriganga and Turag, along with their tributaries, flow through
Dhaka, shaping the city’s landscape and providing important water resources. The Buriganga River, in
particular, holds historical significance for the city and serves as a vital transportation route.
Additionally, numerous lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the area, enhancing the city’s natural
beauty and providing irrigation and fishing opportunities.

Native Plants: The flora in Dhaka encompasses a diverse range of plant species, many of which are
native to the Bengal region. The region’s vegetation primarily includes tropical trees, shrubs, and
grasses. Common native tree species in and around Dhaka include the banyan (Ficus benghalensis),
mango (Mangifera indica), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and neem (Azadirachta indica).
Bamboo and palms are also prevalent in the area. Various flowering plants, such as marigolds and
jasmine, add vibrant colors to the landscape.

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b. Human Activities:

The Dhaka Area is a vibrant and bustling region where a multitude of human activities shape the city’s
landscape, culture, and social fabric. Here is an overview of various human activities taking place in
the Dhaka Area:

Occupations and Economic Activities: Residents of the Dhaka Area are engaged in a wide range of
occupations and economic activities. The city serves as a major commercial and industrial center in
Bangladesh, hosting businesses and enterprises from various sectors. The garment industry holds
significant importance, with Dhaka being a major hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. Other
prominent sectors include information technology, banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, retail trade,
and services. Additionally, many residents are involved in government jobs, education, healthcare, and
various other professions.

Housing Patterns and Urbanization: The rapid urbanization of Dhaka has led to a variety of housing
patterns. The city features a mix of residential areas, ranging from densely populated slums and
informal settlements to modern apartment complexes and affluent neighborhoods. High-rise residential
buildings are becoming increasingly common due to land scarcity in the city center. However,
traditional houses, often made of brick or concrete, can still be found in older parts of Dhaka. The
housing patterns also reflect socio-economic disparities, with different income groups occupying
different areas of the city.

Land Use Practices: The Dhaka Area showcases diverse land use practices. Alongside residential areas,
there are commercial zones, industrial areas, educational institutions, hospitals, recreational spaces, and
government offices. The city's spatial planning and land use are guided by sectoral development plans,
zoning regulations, and urban development projects.

Cultural Aspects: Dhaka is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. The city's cultural scene is
rich and vibrant, with a mix of both traditional and modern influences. Festivals, such as Eid-ul-Fitr,
Durga Puja, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The arts,
literature, music, and dance thrive in Dhaka, with numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and
performances held throughout the year. The Bengali language and its literature hold a special place in
Dhaka's cultural fabric.

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Communication Systems: The Dhaka Area is well-connected in terms of communication systems. It
has a robust transportation network, including roads, highways, and flyovers, although traffic
congestion is a significant challenge. The city has an extensive public transportation system consisting
of buses, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and ride-sharing services. Dhaka is also served by the Hazrat
Shahjalal International Airport, which connects it with both domestic and international destinations.
Telecommunication services, including mobile networks and internet connectivity, have expanded
significantly in recent years, enabling efficient communication and access to information.

Social and Community Life: Dhaka's residents actively participate in various social and community
activities. Community centers, clubs, and sports facilities provide spaces for social interactions, sports
events, and recreational activities. Additionally, religious ceremonies and social gatherings play an
important role in community life, fostering unity and cultural exchange.

Education and Research: Dhaka is a prominent educational hub, hosting numerous schools, colleges,
and universities. The city has several renowned educational institutions offering a wide range of
academic programs and courses. Dhaka University, established in 1921, is the oldest and most
prestigious university in Bangladesh. Other notable universities include Bangladesh University of
Engineering and Technology (BUET), Jahangirnagar University, and BRAC University. Dhaka also
houses various research institutes and centers that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in fields
such as agriculture, medicine, technology, and social sciences.

Healthcare Facilities: The Dhaka Area is equipped with a range of healthcare facilities, including
hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. Public hospitals such as Dhaka Medical College
Hospital, Combined Military Hospital, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital
offer essential healthcare services to the population. Private hospitals and clinics provide a broader
range of medical treatments and services, catering to different sections of society.

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III. Questionnaire Findings and Analysis:

Study site and study population

We conducted a census-like baseline population study in Bauniabadh, an urban poor community in

Mirpur ward, Dhaka city, Bangladesh [11,12,13]. The community was originally established by the
government in 1972 as a settlement for the poor. A same size land plot (about 8.9 m2) was allocated to
each household at an affordable price. Since then, many residents moved in or out without registration,
and the community expanded irregularly with sprawling shantytowns in and outside the original
boundary. Before this study, it was estimated that there were about 15,000 households (about 50,000
population) within the original boundary and about 5000 households in the areas adjacent to the original
boundary.

We targeted all households within the original boundary but excluded the surrounding shantytowns,
considering the feasibility of the study (Fig. 1). The original area was consisted of 5 blocks; each block
consisted of 22 lanes (except a block consisted of 24 lanes); each lane consisted of 24 plots. Although
each household allocated each one plot originally, some plots were combined to build multistoried
buildings and it was not known how many households shared the building.

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Figure 2 shows population by sex and age groups, forming a constrictive type of population pyramid.
While the pyramid indicated that birth rates were decreasing, the population was still young, as about
80% were less than 40 years of age.

Population by sex and age groups

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Figure 3 shows examples of types of housing structure. About 39% lived in single or multistoried
(Dhaka, n.d.)houses with concrete roofs, concrete floors, and brick walls (pucca), 30% in houses with
tin roofs, mud or wooden floors, and brick walls (semi-pucca), and 31% in houses with tin roofs, mud
or wooden floors, and walls made of thatch or bamboo (kutcha) (Table 1). It was found that about 84%
of the population shared toilets, and 81% shared kitchens with other households. Almost all the
population used piped water as their source of drinking water, and 62% satisfied with the water quality.

Types of housing structure

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REFERENCES

Britannica, T. E. (2023, December 10). Dhaka-National capital, Bangladesh. Retrieved from

Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/place/Dhaka

Dhaka. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka

Ahmed T, Mahfuz M, Ireen S, et al. Nutrition of children and women in Bangladesh: trends and
directions for the future, J Health Popul Nutr, 2012, vol. 30 (pg. 1-11)

Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh. The seasons of Bangladesh Available

at: http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/S_0191.htm Accessed 15 December 2013

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