Chowk Bazar
Type: Market
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
Chowk Bazar was one of the most famous business and social meeting centers of Dhaka in the Mughal period. Even after 400 years it is still famous as before. It is one of Dhaka’s old town market and it formed in the place where other old markets once were. King Maan Singh protested for the country on behalf of Mugal kingdom. In 1602 he transferred the head office in Bawal to the present Central Prison and also the Mughal Durgo, that’s how Chowk Bazar formed.
In 1702, Murshid Kuli Kha named the market “Padosha” or “Badshahi Bazar’. From 1733 to 1734, his son-in-law, Murshid Kuli Kha II, renovated the market. It is thought to have started in Munsil times and for Mursid Kuli Kha the market was established.
In the 18th century, Chowk Bazar was a famous social and business centre. Along with the Historical significance, the geological settlement of this zone also contributed to its massive activities, expansion, population increase, and popularity. The great Buriganga River was just at the South of Chak-Bazar, which contributed easy water transport and thus made trade more frequent and efficient. Sometimes this Chak-Bazar was known as Chak-Port. Chak-Bazar was located in such a way that 10 different other place was connected with Chak-Bazar by straight roads. However the area was not so good-looking.
From 1823 to 1825, Dhaka community’s two men, Dhaka’s Magistrate Dos and Walters wanted Chowk Bazar in the right way and improve the nearby roads condition. For this Dos suggested for the Nawabpur Road to widen as it was linked with Chowk Bazar. The road was very narrow and filled with cottages but there was no improvement by the end of 18th century. Dhaka Community did not give permission but Walter got permission later. He removed all illegal markets in Chowk Bazar and made a 460 ft length, 4 ft high and 1/2 ft thick wall surrounding it. In front of Chowk Bazar there was Moriom’s Canon ‘Kaman’. It was in Shoari Ghat before. Not only that, he also widen the way from Chowk Bazar to Islampur.
How to go
It is located in the Old Dhaka. You can reach that place by bus or CNG.
How To Reach: Old Dhaka
You can reach Old Dhaka by taking local transport from any part of Dhaka city.
Where to Stay
Eating Facilities
Referred to where to eat in Dhaka, click here
