Global Cities 2017: Walking between Slums and Dreamworlds of Neoliberal Urbanism
As you become a Virtual Flâneur, exploring Dhaka City, you will notice the spacial inequalities that exist in the capital of Bangladesh. After examining the local/global architecture, effects of urban change, and social injustices ask yourself, Who does the city belong to? The Elite or The Slum Dwellers?
Geography of Dhaka
Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River. The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta and covers a total area of 306.38 square kilometres (118.29 sq mi). The land of Dhaka is flat and close to sea level. As a result, Dhaka is susceptible to flooding, heavy rainfall, and cyclones.
There are 17 districts in Dhaka Division
History
Dhakeshwari is the oldest temple in Dhaka. It is assumed by many that the name of Dhaka City originates from Dhakeswari.
According to Erik German and Solana Pine in “Dhaka, Bangladesh: Fast Growing City in The World”, "Between 1990 and 2005, the city doubled in size -- from 6 to 12 million.
Ahmeda and Mohuya discuss the creation and expansion of ‘New Dhaka’ in “Growth and Development of Dhaka North: 1971-2011”. Dhaka North is considered the area where Dhaka’s megacity is located. “Historically, the growth and development of Dhaka can be categorized into six periods, such as the Pre-Mughal Period (1205-1610), Mughal Period (1620-1757), East India Company Period (1758-1857), British Colonial Period (1858-1947), Pakistan Period (1947-1971) and Bangladesh Period (since 1971)” (2013). March 26, 1971 the independence of Bangladesh was declared.
Present Day
Total Bangladesh Population: 161 mil
Dhaka City Population: 15 mil
According to German and Pine, "The World Bank says Dhaka, with its current population of 15 million people, bears the distinction of being the fastest-growing in the world" (2010). By 2025, the United Nations predicts Dhaka City will be home to more than 20 million people -- "larger than Mexico City, Beijing or Shanghai.” (2010).