Top 10 Interesting Facts about Hatirjheel

A photo of Hatirjheel by Jubair1985 – Wikimedia commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Hatirjheel

Hatirjheel is also known as the Begunbari. It is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Before 2009, It was a slum area that has been transformed into a recreation area as well as an alternate way to ease traffic congestion. To be exclusive, the Hatirjheel project began in 2007.

The project was developed to enhance communications between the east and the west of the capital, reduce waterlogging and maintain environmental balance. The project which was worth Tk 21.52 billion was supposed to be complete by 2010.

However, legal wrangle cost the project about another two years. In the article, are the top Interesting facts about Hatirjheel

1. Bangladesh Army and the Special Works Organization constructed Hatirjheel

A photo of Hatirjheel at night by Francis Mridha – Wikimedia commons

RAJUK, 16 Engineering Construction Battalion of Army, Dhaka WASA, and LGED jointly implemented the project. The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology was the consultant for the project.

The leaders in charge of the project were, Public Works Secretary Khandaker Shawkat Hossain, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Md Nurul Huda and chief of the army’s engineering core Major General Habibur Rahman, and Director of the Hatirjheel-Begunbari Development Project Brigadier General Abu Sayeed Mohammad Masud.

2. Hatirjheel is perfect for the transportation system

Even though Hatirjheel is a tourist destination that draws thousands of tourists per year, it also can be used as a transport system. Hatirjheel is located at the center of the capital city, Dhaka.

The place is surrounded by Tejgaon, Gulshan, Badda, Banasree, Niketon, and Maghbazar. Therefore, location is the key factor for Hatirjheel to e suitable for transportation purposes. Most people who use the man-made lake are those living in the neighborhood.

3. Hatirjheel has turned into one of the most favorite recreational places

A photo of Hatirjheel by ASaber91 – Wikimedia commons

The man-made lake is one of the favorite recreational centers in Dhaka for city dwellers. Numerous tourists and pedestrians visit the site every evening to enjoy the reflection of light and to feel the fresh air.

In the afternoon people visit Hatirjheel for recreational purposes. Congestion is a major problem in Dhaka. There are many buildings congested which take up most of Dhaka’s space leaving little open places for people to feel the fresh air. Therefore Hatirjheel is the only opening where people can feel the fresh air.

4. Hatirjheel is also known as the Lake of Elephants

Legend has it that the elephants of Dhaka’s Pilkhana used to take baths in these wetlands. The Hatirjheel came about because of the legend of the elephants taking baths in the wetlands.

Architect Iqbal Habib, who heads the consultant firm of the Hatirjheel-Begunbari development project, said that the Bhawal Raja used to keep his tamed elephants at Pilkhana. He said that the elephants were taken to the wetlands through the Elephant Road and Hatirpool.

5. Hatirjheel is surrounded by four thanas

Rampura, Dhaka photo by Mezanur Rahman – Wikimedia commons

Thana or Thânâ means the district controlled by a police station. Thana was a subdistrict in the administrative geography of Bangladesh. Hatirjheel is located at the center of the capital city, Dhaka at coordinates 23°44′58.47″N 90°23′48.35″E.

The area stretches from Sonargaon Hotel in the south to Banasree in the north. The thanas that surround Hatirjheel are Tejgaon, Gulshan, Badda, and Rampur. The thanas are both administrative units of Dhaka.

6. Tourists and people of Dhaka mostly visit Hatirjheel at night

At night, lights of different hues illuminate the entire Hatirjheel, especially on the bridges. The area has been decorated with flowering shrubs and trees. Numerous tourists and pedestrians visit the site every evening to enjoy the reflection of light and the fresh air.

7. The Hatirjheel-Begunbari project was opened after an inauguration ceremony

A photo of Hatirjheel by Moheen Reeyad – Wikimedia commons

An inauguration is a ceremony to mark the beginning or introduction of something. The inauguration of the Hatirjheel-Begunbari project. The ceremony took place on January 2, 2013. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a daughter of the founding father and the first president of Bangladesh, also a politician inaugurated the project.

During the inauguration day, Hatirjheel was decorated with multi-colored flowers and fluttering flags of different hues. On the evening of the inaugural day, the city dwellers viewed a spectacular display of fireworks in the vicinity of the project. The recreational center was opened after the ceremony to the public.

8. Hatirjheel covers an area of 302 acres

Hatirjheel covers an area of 302 acres. It is the largest water body in the capital of Bangladesh. 46% of the area belongs to RAJUK, which includes an area of 81 acres for a “court of walks”, 141 acres for public lands, and 1 acre for BTV.

8.80-kilometer service roads and some 8.80-kilometer expressways have been constructed under the project.

The entire area of Hatirjheel is designed with about four main and four minor bridges, several flyovers, footbridges, 8.80 kilometers of footpaths, 9.80 kilometers of the walkway, one children’s park, and 13 viewing decks.

There are sitting arrangements for pedestrians by the riverside. A lake flows through the heart of the project with a 16 km road surrounding it. During the dry season, Hatirjheel lake can hold approximately 3.06 billion liters of water. During the rainy season, it holds about 4.81 billion liters of water.

9. Hatirjheel is the most notable place in Dhaka

A photo of Hatirjheel at night by Moheen Reeyad – Wikimedia commons

After completion, Hatirjheel is considered by many to be one of the most notable places in Dhaka, and hence, turned into one of the favorite recreational places for city dwellers and tourists.

There are restaurants and venues for small-scale family picnics. Boat rides are also available for both recreational purposes and transportation.

10. Hatirjheel has an amphitheater

An amphitheater is an open circular or oval building with a central space surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators, for the presentation of dramatic or sporting events. The amphitheater has a capacity that can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors.

As a visitor, the lake and the drive along its banks give a refreshing sight in the busy metropolis of Dhaka. The lake is historically owned by some local legends attached to it. I would recommend a nice early morning drive or evening walks around it. It is a long lake spanning a vast area of the city.

Open hours
Monday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM