Dhaka-The 400 years Old City (1608-2008) Dhaka (previously spelled as Dacca) is the capital of Bangladesh—a Muslim majority nation of 150 million people. This 400-year old city has longer history as urban area. The evolution of the city of Dhaka can be divided into four periods: the pre-Moghul-- dominated by Buddhists and Hindus rules upto the 13th century, the Moghul rule, British rule, Pakistan rule and Independent Bangladesh. Dhaka, merely a small town dating from the 4th century, first received principal city status in 1608 when the Moghuls made it provincial capital. It became an important commercial centre under the Moghuls. In 1626 the Mogh pirates and their Portuguese allies briefly took control of Dhaka city Dhaka remained the capital under the Moghuls until 1704. Under the Moghuls Dhaka's prosperity was considerably enhanced: they built mosques, palaces, caravanserais, bazars and gardens. This development began to attract European traders from southern India. Five Augustinians, led by Father Bernard de Jesus, arrived in Dhaka in 1599 and established the first Christian mission in the area. They were followed by Portuguese. Soon Dutch traders arrived. In 1682 the French came and like the Dutch, sided with the Moghuls against the Portuguese and Mogh pirates. The area north of Dholai Khal was assigned to the Europeans by the Moghuls, and it was in this section of the city that they had their headquarters, residences and churches. In 1666 the East India Company established a trading post in Dhaka. Following battle of Passasy in which Bengal as well as India lost it independence to The British East India Company extended their power and took control of Dhaka in 1765. The British took direct control and administration of the city in 1824. At the same time the other European powers were eased out. In 1887 Dhaka became a district, and when in 1905 Bengal was temporarily divided into east and west, the eastern section incorporated Assam, with Dhaka as its capital. From this point on, Dhaka again began to assume some measure of importance as an administrative centre. Government buildings, churches, residential enclaves and educational institutions transformed it into a city of prosperity. The partition of Bengal into east and west was undone in 1912. After partition of India in 1947 Dhaka became capital of East Pakistan—the eastern wing of Pakistan. During the existence of East Pakistan, Dhaka was classed as a subsidiary capital. In 1971 after creation of Bangladesh through a bloody war Dhaka once again achieved capital city status. Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh at 23°42'0?N 90°22'30?E , on the eastern banks of the Bourigonga River. The city lies on the lower reaches of the Ganges Delta and covers a total area of 153.84 square kilometres (59.40 sq mi). The oldest and most southerly section of city runs along the north bank of the River Buri Ganga. Here lies Lalbagh Fort--this unfinished fort is an important historic object and tourist attraction. But if you're expecting another Red Fort you'll be disappointed. Dhaka experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with an annual average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F ) and monthly means varying between 18 °C (64 °F) in January and 29 °C (84 °F) in August. Nearly 80 per cent of the annual average rainfall of 1,854 millimetres (73 in) occurs between May and September. From a population of less than two million in 1971, Dhaka has exploded into a city of about 12 million today, due mainly to the influx of economic- migrants from the countryside.