Dhaka

Dhaka (formerly Dacca; pop. 3,637,900), capital of the independent state of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). Located on the Burhi Ganga River in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, the city is a marketing and processing center for the products (mainly jute) of the surrounding agricultural region. Since the 18th century it has been noted for is delicate hand-woven muslins. The city became an important commercial, political, and cultural center under India's Mogul emperors, and has many fine examples of Mogul art and architecture. Under British rule it was the capital of a province from 1905 to 1911. In 1971 Dacca was involved in the fighting betweeen West Pakistan forces and the Indian and guerrilla forces that led to the creation of the independent state of Bangladesh.

See also: Bangladesh.