Curzon Hall at University of Dhaka

Dhaka University

Bangladesh’s oldest university, with Curzon Hall, Shaheed Minar and the sculptures that tell the story of the nation’s birth. Allow one to two hours.

About Dhaka University

Dhaka University opened in 1921 and quickly became the intellectual centre of East Bengal. Its students were at the heart of the Language Movement of 1952 and the struggle that led to independence in 1971, so a walk across the campus is also a walk through modern Bangladeshi history.

The best-known building is Curzon Hall, built in the early 1900s and named after Lord Curzon, a striking red-brick mix of European and Mughal styles that now houses the science faculty. Nearby stand the Shaheed Minar, the memorial to those killed in 1952, and sculptures such as Aparajeyo Bangla, honouring the people who fought in the Liberation War.

The campus is green, lively and full of students drinking tea at roadside stalls. It sits close to Shahbagh, the Ramna area and Suhrawardy Udyan, all part of central Dhaka.

We include the university on private city tours, often with the National Parliament Building or the old city around Lalbagh Fort.

Things to do

  • See Curzon Hall

    Admire the red-brick facade and arches of the campus’s most famous building.

  • Visit the Shaheed Minar

    Stand at the national memorial to the Language Movement martyrs of 1952.

  • Find the campus sculptures

    Look for Aparajeyo Bangla and other works that tell the story of 1971.

  • Tea with students

    Stop at a tea stall and chat with students, who are often keen to practise their English.

Getting there

By metro: MRT Line 6 stops at Dhaka University and Shahbagh stations.

By car: about 30 to 60 minutes from Gulshan or Banani, depending on traffic. Rickshaws are the easiest way to move around the campus.

Where to stay

Central Dhaka and the Kawran Bazar area are close by. Gulshan and Banani have the widest choice of international-standard hotels.

More to see in Dhaka

Tours that visit Dhaka University

Questions

Can visitors walk around Dhaka University?

Yes, the campus is open and you can walk freely around the grounds. Building interiors are for students and staff.

What is Curzon Hall?

A red-brick building from the early 1900s named after Lord Curzon, now part of the science faculty and the campus’s best-known landmark.

How long should I spend there?

One to two hours is enough to see Curzon Hall, the Shaheed Minar and the main sculptures.

Is it busy during term time?

Yes, especially around midday. Mornings are calmer, and weekends are quieter still.

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