Uttara

Uttara is a major residential and commercial neighborhood in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Located in the northern part of the Dhaka metropolitan area, it functions as a prominent satellite town with a planned layout that includes multiple sectors and blocks. The name Uttara derives from the Bengali word for north, reflecting its position relative to central Dhaka.

Historically, Uttara developed as a planned expansion area in the late 20th century and has grown rapidly since the 1990s. Today it hosts a mix of housing estates, shopping centers, offices, and service businesses. The area is known for modern residential clusters such as Uttara Model Town, along with markets, supermarkets, and dining options. It also accommodates a range of educational institutions and healthcare facilities serving the city’s northern communities.

Uttara is bordered by Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the north and is connected to central Dhaka mainly via major road corridors, including Airport Road and feeder routes. Public transportation in the area has expanded to include buses, auto-rickshaws, and ride-hailing services, with ongoing plans for further mass-transit improvements. Administratively, Uttara falls under Dhaka North City Corporation, following the city’s reorganization in 2011.

The neighborhood has emerged as a commercial hub for the city’s north, supporting retail and services with parks, banks, and community facilities. As a relatively newer part of Dhaka with improving infrastructure, Uttara continues to attract residents, businesses, and investors seeking modern housing and convenient access to the capital’s amenities.