Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh, located in the heart of the country. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and is a cultural, political, and economic hub. Since ancient times, Dhaka has played a significant role in influencing other cities in Bangladesh and beyond. Known for its architectural marvels such as the Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka is a city where the ancient and modern coexist.

As per the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Dhaka had a population of 20.2 million in 2016. Compared to other cities in Bangladesh, Dhaka is highly diverse. The city is known for its religious diversity, with a significant percentage of the population following Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. According to the 2011 census, 90.4% of the population identified themselves as Muslim, 8.5% as Hindu, and 0.6% as Buddhist. As a multicultural city, Dhaka hosts residents who speak a variety of languages, including Bengali, English, Urdu, and Arabic. The city is known for its unique traditions such as the celebration of Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. Dhaka is also home to the University of Dhaka, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Bangladesh.

Dhaka is governed by two city corporations – Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation. These corporations are responsible for the delivery of various public services, including water supply, waste management, and road maintenance. Each corporation is headed by a mayor who is elected by the residents of the respective areas. The city corporations work in coordination with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives of the Government of Bangladesh.

Dhaka is the economic powerhouse of Bangladesh, contributing a significant portion to the country's GDP. The city is a hub for trade and commerce, with thriving industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Its bustling markets, like the New Market and Gulshan, are known for their vibrant trade activities. The city's GDP was estimated at $114 billion in 2020, which represents about 35% of Bangladesh's total GDP. The Port of Dhaka is one of the busiest river ports in the world, handling millions of tons of cargo annually.

Dhaka's infrastructure development is guided by the Dhaka Structure Plan and the Detailed Area Plan. These plans aim to improve the city's infrastructure, including transport, water supply, and waste management. The Dhaka Metro Rail project, currently under construction, is expected to greatly enhance the city's public transportation. However, the city faces challenges in terms of traffic congestion and waste management. Efforts are being made to improve digital infrastructure, with an increasing number of residents having access to high-speed internet services.