In 1610, what name did the first Mughal governor give to Dhaka in honor of the Mughal emperor Jahangir?
- Jahangirnagar
- Dhaka
- Dacca
- The City of Mosques
Correct Answer: Jahangirnagar
Correct Answer Explanation: Islam Khan I, the first Mughal governor to reside in Dhaka, named it Jahangirnagar, which means “The City of Jahangir”, in honor of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The name was dropped after the English conquered Dhaka.
What popular nickname is given to Dhaka, referencing its intricate network of waterways?
- The City of Mosques
- The Venice of the East
- The City of Rickshaws
- The City That Never Sleeps
Correct Answer: The Venice of the East
Correct Answer Explanation: Dhaka is known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate network of rivers and canals, which have historically served as important waterways for trade and transportation.
What type of popular transportation is Dhaka known for being the “Capital” of?
- Cars
- Rickshaws
- Buses
- Trains
Correct Answer: Rickshaws
Correct Answer Explanation: Dhaka is known as the “Rickshaw Capital of the World” due to the prevalence of cycle rickshaws as a mode of transport. They are ubiquitous throughout the city and provide a vital mode of transportation for many residents.
What iconic landmark in Dhaka was designed by the American architect Louis Kahn?
- The National Parliament House
- Lalbagh Fort
- The Shaheed Minar
- Ahsan Manzil
Correct Answer: The National Parliament House
Correct Answer Explanation: The National Parliament House, located in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area of Dhaka, was designed by Louis Kahn, an acclaimed American architect. It is a prominent example of modern architecture and a symbol of Dhaka’s post-independence era.
What delicacy, often served with borhani (a yogurt-based drink), is a celebrated dish of Dhaka?
- Kachi Biryani
- Samosas
- Jilapi
- Bakarkhani
Correct Answer: Kachi Biryani
Correct Answer Explanation: Kachi Biryani is a famous and much-loved dish in Dhaka. It’s a type of biryani that uses mutton (goat meat) and potatoes. It is often served with borhani, a yogurt-based drink, and is a popular culinary symbol of the city.
What is the name of the main river that flows past the southwest outskirts of Dhaka?
- The Ganges
- The Padma
- The Buriganga
- The Turag
Correct Answer: The Buriganga
Correct Answer Explanation: The Buriganga River flows past the southwest outskirts of Dhaka. It is an important waterway for the city, connecting it to the Bay of Bengal. However, the Buriganga has also become one of the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh due to industrial and domestic waste.
In which year did the first phase of Dhaka’s Metro Rail, the MRT Line 6, begin operation?
- 1971
- 1991
- 2011
- 2022
Correct Answer: 2022
Correct Answer Explanation: The first phase of Dhaka Metro Rail’s MRT Line 6, running from Uttara to Agargaon, began operation on December 28, 2022. This was a significant milestone for Dhaka, as it was the biggest city in the world without a mass rapid transit system prior to the metro’s opening.
What is the name of the largest and busiest international airport in Bangladesh?
- Zia International Airport
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
- Tejgaon Airport
- Dhaka International Airport
Correct Answer: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Correct Answer Explanation: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, located north of Dhaka’s city center, is the main gateway for international and domestic flights in Bangladesh. It is named after the 14th-century Sufi saint Shah Jalal, who is revered in the region.
What notable university is known as the “Oxford of the East” due to its residential character?
- University of Chittagong
- University of Dhaka
- University of Rajshahi
- Jagannath University
Correct Answer: University of Dhaka
Correct Answer Explanation: The University of Dhaka is referred to as the “Oxford of the East” because of its early structure and resemblance to the renowned University of Oxford. The university was initially modeled after the residential system of Oxford, where students were affiliated with their halls of residence rather than academic departments.
What major festival is celebrated across Dhaka on April 14th each year, marking the Bengali New Year?
- Durga Puja
- Pohela Baishakh
- Eid ul-Fitr
- Buddha Purnima
Correct Answer: Pohela Baishakh
Correct Answer Explanation: Pohela Baishakh, celebrated on April 14th each year, is the Bengali New Year. It is a major festival in Dhaka, with widespread celebrations across the city, including gatherings in Shahbag, Ramna Park, and the University of Dhaka campus.
What major annual event, dedicated to the language martyrs, takes place in Dhaka during February?
- The Dhaka Lit Fest
- The Dhaka Art Summit
- The Ekushey Book Fair
- The Dhaka World Music Festival
Correct Answer: The Ekushey Book Fair
Correct Answer Explanation: The Ekushey Book Fair, held in February each year, is a major literary event in Dhaka. It is dedicated to the language martyrs who died in 1952 during a demonstration calling for the establishment of Bengali as a state language. The fair showcases a wide range of books, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and children’s literature, and draws large crowds.
What is the name of the city that served as the capital of Bengal before Dhaka?
- Bikrampur
- Murshidabad
- Sonargaon
- Gour
Correct Answer: Gour
Correct Answer Explanation: Gour was the capital of Bengal before Dhaka. It was a major center of learning and trade, and its ruins are still a popular tourist destination. The city lost its strategic importance due to changes in the course of the Ganges, leading to Dhaka’s rise as the capital.
In what year did the British East India Company formally gain control of Dhaka?
- 1610
- 1717
- 1757
- 1793
Correct Answer: 1793
Correct Answer Explanation: The British East India Company formally gained control of Dhaka in 1793. This followed the Battle of Buxar in 1765, where the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal and secured the right to collect taxes in the region. The Naib Nazim, the deputy governor of Bengal, continued to govern Dhaka until 1793 when his powers were fully transferred to the East India Company.
What historical event saw the first partition of Bengal in 1905, which restored Dhaka’s status as a regional capital?
- The Indian Mutiny of 1857
- The Bangladesh Liberation War
- The Bengal Renaissance
- The First World War
Correct Answer: The First Partition of Bengal
Correct Answer Explanation: The first partition of Bengal in 1905, aimed at improving administration, education, and business, restored Dhaka’s status as a regional capital. The city became the seat of government for Eastern Bengal and Assam, covering most of present-day Bangladesh and Northeast India.
What major textile, woven by handloom craftspeople in Dhaka, is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO?
- Dhaka silk
- Jamdani
- Khaddar
- Muslin
Correct Answer: Jamdani
Correct Answer Explanation: Jamdani, a sheer cotton fabric with intricate patterns, is a traditional textile of Dhaka that is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It is a symbol of the city’s rich textile heritage and is highly valued for its beauty and craftsmanship.
In what year was Dhaka declared the legislative capital of Pakistan under the 1962 constitution?
- 1947
- 1954
- 1962
- 1971
Correct Answer: 1962
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1962, under the 1962 constitution of Pakistan, Dhaka was officially declared as the legislative capital of the country. This marked a significant step in elevating Dhaka’s status within Pakistan and recognizing its importance as a political and administrative center.
What is the name of the organization founded in Dhaka in 1906, which played a significant role in the struggle for Muslim political rights in British India?
- The All India Muslim League
- The Awami League
- The Indian National Congress
- The Muslim League
Correct Answer: The All India Muslim League
Correct Answer Explanation: The All India Muslim League, a political party that advocated for Muslim rights in British India, was founded in Dhaka in 1906. It played a significant role in the politics of the subcontinent and eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.
What is the name of the major historical event that took place in 1971, which ultimately led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh?
- The Bangladesh Liberation War
- The Second Partition of Bengal
- The Bengali Language Movement
- The 6-Point Movement
Correct Answer: The Bangladesh Liberation War
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bangladesh Liberation War, which took place in 1971, was a nine-month armed conflict that resulted in the creation of an independent Bangladesh. The war was sparked by the oppression and discrimination faced by the Bengali people in East Pakistan and their demand for self-determination.
What important historical event took place on March 7, 1971, at the Ramna Race Course Maidan in Dhaka?
- The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- The declaration of independence of Bangladesh
- The signing of the surrender document
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s speech calling for independence
Correct Answer: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s speech calling for independence
Correct Answer Explanation: On March 7, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the Awami League, addressed a massive public gathering at the Ramna Race Course Maidan in Dhaka, where he issued a historic call for independence, sparking the Bangladesh Liberation War.
What historical structure in Old Dhaka, built in 1678 by Prince Azam Shah, was intended to be the viceregal residence of Mughal governors in eastern India?
- Bara Katra
- Ahsan Manzil
- Lalbagh Fort
- The Shaheed Minar
Correct Answer: Lalbagh Fort
Correct Answer Explanation: Lalbagh Fort was begun in 1678 by Prince Azam Shah, a son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, with the aim of making it the viceregal residence for Mughal governors in eastern India. However, Prince Azam Shah was recalled by Emperor Aurangzeb, and the fort’s construction was halted, leaving it unfinished.
What is the name of the organization based in Dhaka that is recognized as the world’s largest non-governmental development organization?
- BRAC
- Grameenphone
- Grameen Bank
- The Yunus Centre
Correct Answer: BRAC
Correct Answer Explanation: BRAC, based in Dhaka, is recognized as the world’s largest non-governmental development organization (NGO). BRAC works in various areas, including poverty alleviation, education, health, and microfinance, with a global reach.
What is the name of the city that is being planned as the future CBD of Dhaka?
- Purbachal New Town
- Gulshan
- Motijheel
- Dhanmondi
Correct Answer: Purbachal New Town
Correct Answer Explanation: The Purbachal New Town Project is being planned as the future central business district (CBD) of Dhaka. It is a large-scale urban development initiative aimed at creating a modern and sustainable city center to accommodate Dhaka’s growing population and economic activity.
What is the name of the oldest institution for higher education in Dhaka, founded in 1841?
- Jagannath University
- Dhaka Medical College
- Dhaka College
- The University of Dhaka
Correct Answer: Dhaka College
Correct Answer Explanation: Dhaka College, founded in 1841, is the oldest institution for higher education in Dhaka. It was among the earliest established in British India and has played a significant role in the city’s intellectual and academic history.
What major event took place in Dhaka in 1985, marking a significant milestone for regional cooperation in South Asia?
- The first summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- The founding of the Bangladesh Cricket Board
- The inauguration of the Dhaka Stock Exchange
- The opening of the National Parliament House
Correct Answer: The first summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Correct Answer Explanation: The first summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was held in Dhaka in 1985. This marked a crucial step in promoting regional cooperation and collaboration among the countries of South Asia, with Bangladesh taking a leading role in its establishment.