Why Keraniganj is called the newest Dhaka of Bangladesh

Imran X Sardar
9 min readFeb 9, 2024

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Keraniganj, also known as the “Newest Dhaka”, is a rapidly growing city in Bangladesh. Located just outside of the capital city of Dhaka, Keraniganj is often referred to as the new Dhaka due to its proximity and similarities in terms of development. In recent years, Keraniganj has experienced significant growth and has become a popular destination for both residential and commercial purposes.

With its bustling markets, modern infrastructure, and diverse population, Keraniganj has earned its reputation as the new Dhaka of Bangladesh. Keraniganj is divided into two Police stations: Keranignaj South Police Station and Keranignaj Model Police Station. In this essay from Imran Sardar, you will explore the reasons why Keraniganj is called the new Dhaka and the factors contributing to its fast-paced development.

1. Business zone in Keraniganj (BSCIC Industrial State, Keraniganj)

Keraniganj’s flourishing business zone, including the BSCIC Industrial State, has been instrumental in earning it the title of “new Dhaka”. With its strategic location and easy access to major transportation routes, Keraniganj has become a hub for industries and businesses. The BSCIC Industrial State, established by the government, has attracted numerous local and international industries to set up their operations in Keraniganj, creating job opportunities and contributing to the city’s economic growth.

This concentration of industries and businesses in Keraniganj has also led to the development of supporting infrastructure, such as banks, hotels, and commercial centers, further solidifying the city’s position as the “new Dhaka” of Bangladesh.

2. Bangabandhu International Airport — New Airport near Keraniganj

The construction of the Bangabandhu International Airport near Padma Bridge and Keraniganj has been a major development in the city’s progress and contributed to its reputation as the “new Dhaka”. This airport, currently under construction, will serve as an alternative to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and accommodate the growing number of air travelers in the country.

The location of the airport, near Padma Bridge and Keraniganj, highlights the city’s strategic positioning and potential for further growth and development. The airport is expected to open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment in the city, further boosting its economy.

The establishment of this airport also showcases the government’s commitment to developing Keraniganj and its surrounding areas, making it an integral part of the country’s development. With the Bangabandhu International Airport, Keraniganj is poised to become a major economic and transportation hub in Bangladesh, solidifying its position as the “new Dhaka”.

3. hi-tech park in Keraniganj

The development of a hi-tech park in Keraniganj has also been a significant factor in earning the city the title of “new Dhaka”. This hi-tech park, aimed at promoting and fostering technology-based businesses, is set to cover an area of 15,000 square feet. It will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities for startups and established technology firms, helping them grow and contribute to the city’s economy.

The hi-tech park also underlines the government’s efforts to decentralize the technology sector and promote its growth in areas outside of Dhaka. This will not only create job opportunities for the citizens of Keraniganj but also attract skilled workers from other cities, contributing to the city’s development.

The establishment of a hi-tech park in Keraniganj will also enhance its competitiveness in the global market and attract international investors, further solidifying its position as the “new Dhaka” of Bangladesh.

4. Easy communication system with Dhaka-Mawa Highway and Padma Bridge

One of the main reasons why Keraniganj has earned the title of “new Dhaka” is its easy communication system. The city is connected to Dhaka through the Dhaka-Mawa Highway, which makes it easily accessible for people traveling back and forth between the two cities. This highway is also a major route for the transportation of goods and materials, making Keraniganj an important hub for trade and commerce.

Another significant development in the area is the construction of the Padma Bridge, which will connect Keraniganj to other major cities in the country. The bridge, currently under construction, is expected to be the longest bridge in Bangladesh and will greatly reduce travel time between Keraniganj and Dhaka. This will further boost the city’s connectivity and attract more investors and businesses to set up in the area.

The development of efficient communication systems has not only improved the city’s connectivity but also played a crucial role in its rapid growth. With easy access to Dhaka’s amenities and markets, the residents of Keraniganj have access to better education, healthcare, and job opportunities. This has attracted people from surrounding areas to move to Keraniganj, resulting in a diverse and growing population. Thus, the city’s easy communication system has been a major factor in earning the title of “new Dhaka” and driving its development.

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5. Padma Bridge Rail Line through Keraniganj

In addition to the Padma Bridge, the construction of the Padma Bridge Rail Line passing through Keraniganj has also contributed significantly to the city’s development. With this rail line, Keraniganj will not only be connected to Dhaka but also to other major cities in the country, such as Chittagong and Khulna. This will greatly enhance the city’s trade and commerce opportunities and make it a more attractive location for industrial development.

Moreover, the rail line will provide a more efficient and faster mode of transportation for commuters, reducing travel time and improving the overall connectivity of the city. This will also benefit the agricultural sector in Keraniganj, as goods can be transported to and from the city more quickly and easily, improving the supply chain.

The Padma Bridge Rail Line will also bring about economic benefits for Keraniganj by creating job opportunities and boosting local businesses. It will also open up new avenues for tourism and promote the city’s cultural and historical significance. Overall, constructing this rail line through Keraniganj has been a major catalyst in earning the city the title of “new Dhaka” and driving its development.

6. New Campus of Jagannath University and numerous Schools and colleges will be built

Another significant development that has contributed to Keraniganj’s growth and earned it the title of “new Dhaka” is the establishment of educational institutions in the city. The new campus of Jagannath University, a renowned public university, is currently under construction in Keraniganj. This will attract students from all over the country to study in the city, bringing in a young and vibrant population.

In addition to this, numerous schools and colleges have also been built in Keraniganj, providing quality education to its residents. This has not only improved the literacy rate in the city but also opened up opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

The establishment of these educational institutions has also played a crucial role in transforming Keraniganj from a rural area to a developed and modern city. With access to education, the city’s population is becoming more skilled and knowledgeable, aiding in its overall progress and development. Therefore, the growth of the education sector in Keraniganj is a key factor in why the city has earned the title of “new Dhaka”.

7. Many residential areas — including Jhilmil Govt Residential, DOHS of Army, Bashundhara Residential and more

Keraniganj has also experienced rapid residential development in recent years, making it a popular destination for people looking to settle down. The city offers a variety of housing options, from government residential areas like Jhilmil Govt Residential to upscale residential areas like Army DOHS and Bashundhara Residential in Hansnabad. This has attracted people from different economic backgrounds to make Keraniganj their home.

Moreover, the city’s affordable housing options have also made it a preferred choice for people working in Dhaka who cannot afford the high cost of living in the capital. This has led to a rise in population and further development of commercial areas, such as markets, restaurants, and shopping complexes, to cater to the growing needs of the residents.

The residential development in Keraniganj has also brought about infrastructural improvements, such as better roads and utilities, making it more livable for its residents. This has further solidified the city’s reputation as the “new Dhaka” and attracted more people to move to Keraniganj. Overall, the residential growth in the city has played a crucial role in its development and contributed to its rising status as an economic and cultural hub.

8. Sheikh Hasina Water Park — Bangladesh’s Largest Park

The development of the Sheikh Hasina Water Park, which is set to be the largest in Bangladesh, is another significant factor in why Keraniganj is called the “new Dhaka”. This regional park, named after the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, will cover an area larger than Dhaka’s iconic Ramna Park. It will include recreational areas, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities, and more, providing the residents of Keraniganj with a much-needed recreational space.

The park is expected to attract tourists and visitors from other cities, promoting tourism and boosting the local economy. It also highlights the government’s focus on developing Keraniganj as a major city outside of Dhaka.

The Sheikh Hasina Water Park is not only a symbol of Keraniganj’s growth and development but also a source of pride for the city’s residents. It showcases the city’s progress and potential for further development. Overall, the construction of this grand park in Keraniganj is a testament to why the city is called the “new Dhaka” and its significance in the country’s development.

9. Already included in Dhaka City Corporation

Another significant reason why Keraniganj is referred to as the “new Dhaka” is because it has already been included in the Dhaka City Corporation and Dhaka Metro. This means that the city receives the same level of government services and infrastructure development as the capital city of Dhaka. This has led to a visible transformation in the city, with better roads, waste management systems, and other facilities.

Being included in the Dhaka City Corporation has also opened up opportunities for the citizens of Keraniganj, with access to government services and initiatives. This has further contributed to the city’s growth and development, making it a more livable and desirable location for people to settle in.

Moreover, being a part of the Dhaka City Corporation has also given Keraniganj a larger platform and voice in decision-making processes, allowing the city to showcase its potential and contribute to the overall development of the country. Therefore, this inclusion is another significant factor in why Keraniganj has earned the title of “new Dhaka” and solidified its position as a rapidly growing city in Bangladesh.

10. Well-planned inter-district bus terminals in Keraniganj

Keraniganj’s well-planned inter-district bus terminals have also played a crucial role in its growth and development, earning it the title of the “new Dhaka”. With improved connectivity through the Dhaka-Mawa Highway and Padma Bridge, the city’s inter-district bus terminals have become major hubs for transportation and trade. This has not only improved the city’s accessibility but also boosted its economy by facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Moreover, the well-organized and modern bus terminals also enhance the city’s image and make it a more attractive location for investors and businesses. This has further contributed to the rapid development of Keraniganj, making it a prominent part of the growing urban landscape of Bangladesh.

It is the newest Dhaka: Keraniganj

In conclusion, Keraniganj’s rapid growth and development have earned it the title of “new Dhaka” of Bangladesh. The city’s easy communication system, inclusion in the Dhaka City Corporation, and establishment of educational institutions, residential areas, and business zones have all played significant roles in its transformation. The upcoming developments, such as the Padma Bridge and rail line, Sheikh Hasina Water Park, international airport, and hi-tech park, further solidify Keraniganj’s position as an important city in the country’s progress. With its strategic location, diverse population, and modern infrastructure, Keraniganj is on track to becoming a major economic and cultural hub, overshadowing its reputation as a once sleepy suburb of Dhaka.

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