Image of Chawk Bazar an Analysis from Physical and Socio-Economic Perspective

Image of Chawk Bazar: An analysis from Physical and
Socio-economic Perspective
Prepared by
Group 02
Afia Sultana Shanta (06 15 002)
Swarna Bintay Kadir (06 15 017)
Shahadat Hossain Shakil (06 15 020)
Mohammed Hamidul Hasan Nabin (06 15 021)
Date: 16th
of November, 2009
Prepared for
Dr. Shakil Akther
Assistant Professor
Dr. Ishrat Islam
Assistant Professor
Department of URP, BUET

i
Acknowledgement
The inspiration and help of the surrounding people and teachers is very much needed to complete
a good report. First of all, thanks to the merciful and benevolent creator to give us patience,
energy and capability to work hard for completing the report.
We wish to express our earnest gratitude to our respectable course teachers Dr. Israt Islam,
Assistant Professor and Dr. Mohammad Shakil Akther, Assistant Professor, Department of
Urban and Regional Planning, BUET for their intimate co-operation and support, valuable
advice, comment, constant encouragement and supervision which have helped us to carry out
this study successfully.
In addition, we are grateful to librarian of URP Library and Central Library of BUET, Asiatic
Society of Bangladesh and Public Library who have helped us with necessary reference books.
We are very grateful to the local people of our study area without their help we cannot complete
our survey work. For FGD, we must thank Mr. Abul Kashem Khan, President, Bangladesh
Monihari Banik Samity, Chawk Bazar for his unforgettable support. We also want to give our
cordial thanks to our classmates and senior students of Department of Urban and Regional
Planning, BUET for their friendly support. For making our knowledge enriched, thanks to pre-
researchers for their meaningful, thoughtful thesis.

ii
Table of contents
Page No
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………… i
Table of contents ……………………………………………………………....... ii
List of illustrations …………………………………………………………….... iii
Chapter 01: Introduction …………………………………………………....... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ……………………………………………… 1
1.2 Profile of the study area ……………………………………................. 1
1.3 Objectives ……………………………………………………………... 2
1.4 Methodology ………………………………………………………… 2
1.5 Limitation of the study ………………………………………………... 2
Chapter 02: Image of the Chawk Bazar area ………………………………... 3
2.1 Major events over the ages …………………………………................. 4
2.2 Structural change …………………………...................................... 5
2.3 Road and transportation ……………………………………................. 5
2.4 Change in land use …………………………………………................. 6
2.5 Business pattern ……………………………………………………. 6
2.6 Plot division and rent ………………………………………................. 7
2.7 Festivals ……………………………………………............................ 7
2.8 Religious activities ……………………………………………………. 8
Chapter 03: Land use analysis ……………………………………………… 10
3.1 Distribution of Buildings according to storey ……….......................... 10
3.2 Distribution of Buildings according to Construction Type …………… 11
3.3 Roads and Lanes………………………………………………………. 11
3.4 Various features of selected plots……………………………………... 12
3.5 Change in floor wise land use of selected plots over the period ……… 13
Chapter 04: Major findings and policy recommendations………………….. 14
4.1 Problems of the Chawk Bazar area …………………………………… 14
4.2 Recommendations……………………………………………………... 15
4.3 SWOT analysis ……………………………………………………….. 16
4.4 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………. 16
Appendices ……………………………………………………………………... 17-24

iii
List of Figures
Page No
Fig 1: Sketch of Chawk (1809) by Dowly……………………………………... 4
Fig 2: Marium Canon, Chawk Bazar (1890)…………………………………... 4
Fig 3: Chawk Bazar (1904)……………………………………………………. 5
Fig 4: Islampur Road (1905)…………………………………………………… 5
Fig 5: Iftary at Chawk Bazar…………………………………………………… 8
Fig 6: Chawk Bazar Shahi Mosque……………………………………………. 8
List of Charts
Page No
Chart 1: Distribution of buildings of Chawk Bazar according to the number of
Storey……………………………………………………………………………
9
Chart-2: Distribution according to number of floors………………………….... 10
List of Tables
Page No
Table-1: Chronological change of the Chawk Bazar ………………………… 9
Table-2: Distribution according to number of floors…………………………. 10
Table-3 Distribution of Buildings according to Construction Type ………… 11
Table-4 Size of different features of the area…………………………………. 11
Table-5: Various features of selected plots …………………………………... 12
Table-6 Floor wise land use and Time frame of selected plots……………….. 13

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Urban Planning Studio
1
Chapter 01
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The ancient city Dhaka which is located on the left bank of the river ‘Buriganga’ has some
significant history of 400 years. It has passed through many vicissitudes. It got priority as trade
centre as well as military post in Mughal period and as capital city after the war of Independence.
The pre-Mughal Dhaka had 52 bazars and 53 lanes. It was known for its industrial and
commercial activity. During Mughal period among these bazars, Chawk Bazar became the centre
of commercial sector and social interaction. The name of the bazar was ‘Badshahi bazar’ at that
time which was mainly a place for retail business. But gradually the bazar was occupied by the
wholesale business. This transformation has completed by the year 1930. At present, it is one of
the major wholesale business areas. Maximum development of Chawk Bazar took place during
the Mughal period. But now-a-days it has started to lose its charm and traditional glory for
increasing density and congestion.
Chawk Bazar area though signifies a lot, but the existing situation can never support the future
growth unless the old city is immediately brought under a redevelopment scheme.
1.2 Profile of the study area
1.2.1 Chawk Bazar
Chawk Bazar is a business area which belongs to Lalbag thana. It is situated in the south-east
part of 64 no. ward (Map-1, 2). It was established on the left bank of river Buriganga. It is
surrounded by the ‘Shahi Mosque Road’ and the ‘Chawk Circular Road’ (Map-3). The area is
square shaped as before. The whole area of Chawk Bazar covers 89 katha (approx.).
1.2.2 Selected plots of the area
Among the total 395 plots of Chawk Bazar (according to the DCC base map) we have studied 9
plots (Map-4). The holding number of the plots are- 340, 341, 341/A, 342, 351, 352/A, 353, 354,
385/2. The selected plots are located along the Shahi Mosque Road and just opposite to the
Shahi Mosque.

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Map-2: Base map of ward no. 64 (Chawk Bazar area is marked)
Map-1: Map of Dhaka Metropolitan area (Ward
no. 64 red marked) 1-A

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Map-3: Map of Chawk Bazar (Study Plots red marked) Map-4: Location of selected plots
1-B

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1.3 Objectives
Following objectives have been designed to perform the study:
 To explore the image of Chawk Bazar over the ages.
 To study existing land use pattern in around Chawk Bazar.
 To identify the problems and prospects of Chawk Bazar from planning perspectives.
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Limitation of the study
In this study the main constraints is the shortage of time for the project. In this shortest
period of time it’s not possible to collect all the relevant data in a proper manner. Other
limitations are unsuitable condition of the study area, unsuitable time period of the
respondents for collect data. In spite of all this limitations we have tried our level best.
Site selection
Formulation of objectives
Collection of base map
Preparation of check list, questionnaire
Reconnaissance survey
Data collection
Secondary Data
Data analysis
Preparation of the report
Primary data
FGD Questionnaire Base map analysisLiterature review

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Chapter 02
Image of the Chawk Bazar area
In this study we will use the term ‘image’ to visualize the past situation (1600-2009) of the
Chawk Bazar area. We will explore the image of the Chawk with the help of some variables.
Such as-
The image of the Chawk is created by the combination of the literature review and focus group
discussion about the study area. From the literature review we try to find out the pre-liberation
historical background of the area and the post-liberation situation which is extracted from the
focus group discussion session.
While researching about the historical background of the area, we subdivide the history with
some major sequential time period. It is given below.
 Major events over the ages
 Structural change
 Road and transportation
 Change in land use
 Business pattern
 Plot division and rent
 Festivals
 Religious activity
Chronological change of the
Chawk Bazar area
Mughal Period (1600-1764)
East India Company (1764-1857)
British Colonization (1858-1947)
Pakistan Period (1947-1971)
Post Liberation (1971-2009)

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2.1 Major events over the ages
 In 1602, Mughal Commander Raja Man Singh came to East Bengal to resist revolt and
shifted his headquarter from Bhawal to the present central jail which was actually a fort.
Chawk Bazar started to establish around that fort.
 Near the year 1608, Chawk Bazar was completely established near the Mughal fort which
was the administrative center of that time. The governor house is inside the fort in that
time.
 It became one of the prominent market place in South-East Asia and the place for
shopping for aristocrat person of Dhaka since Murshid Kuli Khan rebuilt (1702) Chawk
as ‘Badshahi Bazar’.
 In 1733-34, the bazar was rebuilt.
 Near the year 1800, it became a place for trading slaves.
 In the year 1832 former collector Mr. Walter demolished all the shops of Chawk bazar
and surrounded the whole area by a wall of 460 feet length, 4 feet height and 0.5 feet
width. He made 16 gates for entrance. He established a famous canon of Dhaka named
‘Bibi Marium’ in front of the Chawk which was previously situated at ‘Shawari Ghat’
and also widen the road between Islampur and Chawk Bazar.
 In1869, a question was arose about redevelopment of Chawk Bazar but the local people
protested that initiatives.
 In 1917, Patrick Geddes proposed to remove the jail from the Chawk area.
 By 1930, Chawk, the Mughal retail business area, changed its characteristics and became
a wholesale centre.
Fig 2: Marium Canon, Chawk Bazar (1890)
Source:http://img391.imageshack.us/ifs/3138/img37
0/2/picture13of0.jpg
Fig 1: Sketch of Chawk (1809) by Dowly
Source: http://www.banglatorrents.com/desher-
chhobi/7893-sketch-of-sir-charles-doyly.html
4

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2.2 Structural change
During the Mughal period the shops of the Chawk were kutcha with thatched roof. According to
Charles Dowly, in 1809, Chawk was looked like a square whereas each side was approximately
200 feet and it was demarcated by a low wall. In British period, a wooden made death Chamber
was placed in middle of the Chawk. Near the year 1950, Chawk burned completely by an
accident. In that period, the foundations of the shops were soil made and the roof was covered
with fabric made of jute. During the liberation war of Bangladesh, Chawk was again demolished
by the Pakistani army by setting on fire. Later in the year 1972, again new shops were built with
wood, brick and soil. After a few days, for the need of storage purpose many shops started to
make vertical expansion by wood. During the year 1974, Chawk again demolished by fire for
electric short-circuit. This time fire spread quickly for the wooden structure. For this reason, later
they started to build shop with brick and concrete.
2.3 Road and transportation
Chawk flourished as a successful market place for its convenient geographical location, just
beside the Buriganga, having very easy water based transport mode in those days. In the Mughal
era, the road network in the Chawk was kutcha and the principal mode of transportation is Horse
and Elephant. All the government shipments of the Bengal were came through the ‘Bara Katra’
and ‘Choto Katra’ gate. During the British ruling, roads were made of brick. Important
Fig 3: Chawk Bazar (1904)
Source:http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J8vxOn
Q-PxA/UffC9RsNLJc/s400/2.jpg
Fig 4: Islampur Road (1905)
Source:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HU
BNp4/RASHF0dpVI/FXU/T8/s60-/R.jpg

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transport mode in that time was ‘Four Wheeler Horse Cart’. During the period of Ayub Khan,
roads were reconstructed with concrete. Then Aziz Motors introduced a school bus service
named ‘Red Ford’ from Swadarghat to Nawabpur for 1 ana. For increasing population density,
this service was later stopped. The entire road network around the Chawk was made during the
British period. No new road was made or widen after that period.
2.4 Change in land use
The Chawk Bazar area was an unused open space before the Mughal era. After the Mughal
headquarter had been transferred from Bhawal to Chawk area, the open space transformed into a
bazar. It also became important for its administrative use because the governor house was inside
the fort adjacent to Chawk. During the ruling of East India Company the boundary of Chawk
was clearly demarcated with several entrances. In that period, Chawk loosed its characteristics as
a retail business center by transforming into a wholesale business center. During the British
Colonization, Chawk became a prominent market place in this sub-continent. Foreign traders
from different countries came to this place for export and import goods. In the Period of
Pakistan, it regains its popularity as a business as well as administrative center. In that period, it
runs the economy of the former East Pakistan. At present, the land use of Chawk is totally
commercial with extensive level of use of the space. In the long history of Chawk Bazar, any
kind of residential function was always absent inside the Chawk area. It was always used as a
commercial and administrative area.
2.5 Business pattern
In the Mughal period, being rich in merchandise, the Chawk served both upper and poor classed
residents. The market was a nucleus around which foreign companies were conducting their
trade in the period of East India Company; it gradually loosed its character of retail business by
transforming to an area of wholesale business at the end of the year 1930. In Chawk, during the
British period, mainly local goods were sold. Such as- Alta, Mirror, Flute, Marble etc. After
1960, foreign goods started to enter in the market among which China was prominent. After
liberation, the industrial sector of the Bangladesh started to flourish. In that time, product from
Chawk bazar such as- Tibet snow, Polestar fabric exported to foreign countries. At present,
foreign goods ruling over the locally produced goods.

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2.6 Plot division and rent
During the Mughal era the ownership of the shops position was in the hand of the Mughal ruler.
During British colonization, a Cadastral Survey was performed by the government. Then the
ownership of the shops position was transferred to private individuals. The individual shop
ownership shifted to the heirs of the former shop owners chronologically over the ages. As a
result today the owner of any shop is 4-10 people depending on the family size, each holding a
very small share. For this reason, the size of the shops in the Chawk, become very small over the
period.
At present days the ownership of the shops in the Chawk are jointly in the hand of 3 parties.
They are- owner of the shop, the position holder, and the shop keeper. In the period of 1950, it
costs 3000-5000 taka to take a position in the Chawk area. Today it reached in an amount of 50-
60 lacks. During 1950, the rent of the shop varies in the range of 15-20 taka. At present it varies
in the range of 10000-30000 taka. Shop rent increased comparatively slowly in the Pakistan
period but after 1971 it increased dramatically. Here is a table of land value at Chawk Bazar in
several periods. (Appendix- Table No.1)
2.7 Festivals
Chawk Bazar remains as the focus place throughout the ages for traditional festivals of Dhaka
city. The tradition of the Iftary Bazar started since Mughal period. It became famous during
British ruling. Today it becomes a significant part of our country’s culture. There are various
traditions in Chawk area as well as in old Dhaka. One of them is surrounding the Chawk by the
new bridegroom before marriage. The tradition of Halkhata started during the Mughal period
which is still performed as a main occasion of the first day of Bengali year. In the day of
Maharram, the natives of the Chawk arrange free beatle and juice for the people of the
procession. The tradition of arranging a 3 day festival for pickles after the day of Eid started after
liberation. During the Mughal period, Chawk Bazar was famous for various kinds of Mughlai
food such- kabab, biriany, shahi sweets etc. But at present these foods are not available in the
Chawk except the month of Holy Ramadan. They scattered from Chawk in various areas of old
Dhaka over the period.

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2.8 Religious activitie
‘Chawk Bazar Shahi Mosque’ was established by Nawab Shayesta Khan in the year 1676.
Aristocrat persons of the Dhaka performed their Eid prayers in that mosque and ‘Marsia’ (a
religious prayer) was recited in front of the mosque in the month of Holy Ramadan. During the
rule of East India Company, many people gathered in the courtyard of the ‘Shahi Mosque’ for
‘Moulad’ festival in the day of ‘Fateha Eiazdaham’.
The religious value of Chawk was increased for the presence of the mazar of ‘Shah Nuri Golah’
inside of the Chawk and for the mazar of Mowlana Hafez Ahmed. Many people come from
distant places to visit these two mazars. Various Muslim traditions such as ‘Tazia Michil’; ‘Eid
Rally’ become famous in this area after Pakistan got its independence.
Fig 5: Iftary at Chawk Bazar
Source:http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/200
7/09/15/3517_1.jpg
Fig 6: Chawk Bazar Shahi Mosque
Source:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia
/commons/thumb/f/f3/Chawkbazar_Shahi_M
osque_by_Ragib_Hasan.jpg

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At a glance image of the Chawk Bazar over the ages
Period
Structural
change
Land use Road
network
Festivals Business
pattern
Land
division
and price
Mughal Period
(1600-1764)
Kutcha
with
thatched
roof
Center of
administratio
-n
Water
based
transport-
ation and
kutcha
road
Introduction of
the Iftary
Bazar
Retail market
of high
merchandise
serving all
Land
ownership
under the
supervisio-
n of the
ruler
East India
Company (1764-
1857)
Boundary
demarcatio
-n of the
bazar and
formation
of several
entrances
Transformati
-on into a
prominent
market place
for retail and
whole sale
goods
Celebration of
‘Fateha
Eiazdaham’
through
Moulad and
recitation of
Marsia in
Ramadan
Transformatio
-n of retail
market into a
wholesale
market
British
Colonization
(1858-1947)
Foundation
made with
soil and
roof made
of jute
fabric
Formatio
-n of
brick
road
‘Tazia Michil’
in the day of
Maharram
and‘Eid Rally’
Market with
the
prominence
of local goods
Ownership
shifted to
private
hand
Pakistan Period
(1947-1971)
Single
storied
wooden
building
A place for
both highly
commercial
and
administrativ
-e uses
Road
expansio-
n with
the use of
concrete
Introduction of
kite festival,
kashida song,
stick fight
Foreign
goods started
to enter into
the market
Land price
and rent
increased
slowly
Post Liberation
(1971-2009)
Formation
of building
using
concrete
with more
vertical
expansion
Intensive
commercial
uses;
important
role in the
economy
Congesti-
-on in the
road for
less
carrying
capacity
Pickle festival
for 3 days just
after Eid day
A huge
market for
both foreign
and local
goods
Both price
and rent
increased
extremely
Table-1: Chronological change of the Chawk Bazar Source: Literature Review
Variable

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Table-2: Distribution according to number of floors
Source: Base Map analysis
Chapter 03
Land use analysis
Since Mughal period the characteristics of land use is remained same. We have performed
questionnaire survey on 9 plots and analyze the base map of Ward no: 64 and other secondary
sources to get a real picture of the land use of Chawk Bazar area. We have found changes in the
building height and also in the business pattern.
2.1 Distribution of Buildings according to storey
By analyzing the above chart we determine the average height of the buildings.
Weighted mean =
× × × × × ×
=
× × × × × ×
= 2.41 Storey
From the above value we can easily assume that the average height of the buildings of the
Chawk Bazar is 21-25 feet whereas in Mughal to pre liberation period it was 0-10 feet (literature
review). So we can conclude that the height of the building increase gradually over the period
with an increase in the level of activities.
19%
44.30%
22.40%
7%
5.70%
1.60%
1 Storied
2 Storied
3 Storied
4 Storied
5 Storied
6 Storied
Storey Number Percentage
1 73(n1) 19.0%
2 170(n2) 44.3%
3 86(n3) 22.4
4 27(n4) 7.0%
5 22(n5) 5.7%
6 6(n6) 1.6%
Total 384 100%
Chart-1: Distribution according to number of floors

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2.00%
97.20%
0.80%
Semi Pucca
Pucca
Under Construction
Chart-02: Distribution of Buildings according to
Construction Type
Table-3 Distribution of Buildings according to
Construction Type
Source: Base Map analysis
2.2 Distribution of Buildings according to Construction Type
The above distribution shows that most of the buildings of Chawk are pucca.
2.3 Roads and Lanes
Some data about the area are given below:
Total No. of
Plots
Total Area of
Plots(Katha)
Average Plot
size
(sq.ft/plot)
No of road
side Plot
Total area of
road (Katha)
Total area of
lanes (Katha)
384 69.62 130.32 59 59 19.38
Table-4 Size of different features of the area Source: Base Map analysis
From above table we can derive that the total number of road side plot is 59. Rest of the 336
plots share the interconnected narrow lanes. The area of lanes is 19.38 katha. The usage of lanes
per plot is 41.53 sq. ft.
The overall land use of the Chawk Bazar area is commercial. It’s a centre of both retail and
wholesale market. There is no residential use inside the market area.
Construction
Type
Number Percentage
Semi Pucca 8 2.0%
Pucca 384 97.2%
Under
Construction
3 0.8%
Total 395 100%

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2.3 Various features of selected plots
According to the check list, questionnaire, base map we have got some data about land use and
physical condition. Every building is established after liberation war and the average plot size is
288 sq. ft. Among these 9 plots all are used in commercial purposes, 8 are wholesale and the rest
one is both commercial and retail. The data of these plots is given below in tabular format.
Hold.
No
No. of
Buildi-
-ngs
Name Storey Color Plot
Size
sq.ft
Establish-
ment
Year
Consturcti-
-on
Metarial
Land use
and Criteria
340 1 Alauddin
Sweets Ltd.
4 Ash/
Gray
320 1982 Brick,
Concrete,
Tin
Shedding
Commercial,
Wholesale
341 1 M/s Raja
Traders
6 No
Color
499 2008 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
341/A 1 Muhammo
dia Ator &
Co.
5 No
Color
321 1980 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
342
2
Famous
Imitation
5 No
Color
682
1985 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
and Retail
Farooq &
Brothers
5 No
Color
1985 Brick,
Cincrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
351 1 Ator House
& Co.
2 No
Color
64 1972 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
352/A 1 M/s Amena
Store
2 White 137 1975 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
353 1 Capital Cap
House
1 No
Color
347 1986 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
and Retail
354 1 Ibrahim &
Sons
2 No
Color
104 1975 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
385/2 1 Abdul
Halim
Masion
3 Blue 114 1972 Brick,
Concrete
Commercial,
Wholesale
Table-5: Various features of selected plots Source: Base Map analysis , Questionnaire and Check list (Oct,09)

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2.3Change in floor wise land use of selected plots over the period
From the questionnaire survey we have got insufficient information about the floor wise use of
the buildings in different time frames mentioned in our questionnaire. So, we have fixed two
time periods to establish a time frame and analyze the land use changes. Before liberation we
have found the market was a mixed up of tin shaded structures and open space. After liberation
the buildings are vertically expanded for wholesale business and storage purposes.
Hold.
No.
Floor wise Land Use Time Frame
G.F 1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
1947-1971 1971-1990
340 Office Storage Storage Storage Open Space,
Wholesale
4 storey
building
341 Show
room
Office Storage Storage Storage Storage Open Space,
Wholesale
1 Storey
building
341/1 Show
room
Office Storage Storage Storage Tin shed
building,
Wholesale and
retail.
5 storey
building
342 Show
room
Office Storage Storage Storage Tin shed
building, Retail
2 storey
building
351 Show
room
Office Tin shed
building,
Wholesale
2 storey
building
352/A Show
room
Storage Tin shed
building,
wholesale and
retail.
2 storey
building
353 Show
room
Open Space,
wholesale and
retail
1 storey
building
354 Show
room
Storage Tin shed
building,
Wholesale
2 storey
building
385/2 Show
room
Whole-
-sale
office
Storage Open Space,
Wholesale
3 storey
building
Table-6 Floor wise land use and Time frame of selected plots Source: Questionnaire and Check list (Oct, 09)

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Chapter 04
Major findings and recommendations
In this chapter we will highlight the major problems of Chawk Bazar area, the reason behind
those problems and the possible solutions to overcome those problems both for short term and
long term effect. We sort out the problems through the discussion session with the focus group.
Then rank them according to their importance. We try to find out what the people of Chawk
Bazar want to improve their condition; then we try to give some recommendations according to
our planning perspective. We also did a SWOT analysis to assess the strength, weakness,
opportunity and threat of the area.
4.1Problems of the Chawk Bazar
4.1.1 Over population
Since Chawk Bazar started its journey people come here for better business opportunity and for
the search of job. After liberation war (1971), when the industrial development of Bangladesh
has just started, a large number of people came to this place for better options. People migrate to
this special place because it is a huge market for day laborers and small business. There are a
large number of small industries around the Chawk area which provide a great opportunity for
the workers and acts as attraction for the low income people.
4.1.2 Traffic congestion
Chawk is the largest wholesale market in this country. It contains more than three thousand
shops. A large number of people come every day in this area to perform different activities
which creates congestion for shortage of space. Everyday lots of trucks, vans and other vehicles
come here for load-unload operation. In day time, the trucks are parked in the ‘Sonargaon
Road’ and the goods from the Chawk are carried to that place through small van for loading or
unloading.
4.1.3 Environmental pollution
The main problems are open drains which cause odor pollution and the excessive traffic
circulation creates noise pollution. The waste management is not up to the level.

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4.2 Recommendations
4.2.1 Long term project
 Shifting of the central jail from the present location to the other end of the Buriganga near
Keraniganj (Map-5). Establishing a multi storied shopping complex in the place of the
jail and distribute the position among the owner of the shop of Chawk Bazar.
Demolishing of the existing Chawk market and then use that area to widen the road and
formation of a park with water fountain. In the mean time, creating a temporary market
place in the jail area until the construction work continues.
 Preservation of the historic buildings of that area through evacuation and replication.
 Roads should be widened by providing space from the plots of both sides.
 The haphazard condition of the electric wires can be managed by rearranging the cable
distribution system of the whole area.
4.2.2 Short term project
 Traffic circulation can be controlled and roads can be announced one way in the peak
hour. Through traffic from other area can be redirected to stop crossing over the area.
 All type of vendors on the roads should evict and parking should be banned on the road
during peak hour.
 All kinds of truck, lorry and mini covered van should be banned in peak hour. Only small
van can be allowed to carry goods.
 All kind of vertical expansion of the structures should be stopped.
 A deep tube well with motor should be placed for emergency water supply in case of fire
hazard and water crisis.
 Sufficient number of fire extinguisher should be arranged in different places of the
market.
 The existing drainage system should be maintained regularly and it should be covered
gradually.

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16
4.3 SWOT Analysis
Strength:
 Historic and authentic value.
 Strong community bondage.
Intervention:
 Preservation of the historic sites.
 Community participation in all level of
government’s activity.
Weakness:
 Alarming population density.
 Traffic congestion.
 Vulnerable building structure.
Intervention:
 Vertical expansion of the buildings
should be banned to control the level of
activity of business.
 Traffic flow should be regulated in the
peak hour.
Opportunity:
 Potentiality for business.
 Large job market for day laborers
 A prominent source of revenue.
Intervention:
 Provide adequate facilities for business.
 Improvement of the law and order
situation.
 Taxation system should be more easier
for this particular area.
Threat:
 The width of the road cannot be
increased.
 Possibility of massive loss during
fire hazard.
 Risk of earthquake.
Intervention:
 Illegal vendors and parking on the roads
should be evicted.
 Fire protection measures should be
adopted.
 Buildings under serious threat for
earthquake should be demolished.
4.4 Conclusion
In this study we try to find out the historical background of the Chawk Bazar, its existing and
previous land use pattern and the major problems of this area and the measures to overcome those
problems. Finally we got the image of the Chawk Bazar as a significant wholesale market over
the period, commercially used since its formation and population density, traffic congestion as its
main problem. We got the solution from the local people to relocate Chawk Bazar in the central
jail area but for immediate solution of the problems we suggest some measures from our planning
sense and knowledge considering all aspects and reality. Effective measures should be taken for
long term to solve the problems of this area and to preserve this glorious place of our golden past.

PLAN 312
17
Appendix-a
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR
THE STUDY OF IMAGE OF CHAWKBAZAR: AN ANALYSIS FROM PHYSICAL
AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET
(All the information provided here will be kept confidential and only used for research work.)
Questionnaire No.:
Ward No.:
Information of the Respondent
Name
Present address
Age 18-34
35-59
60+
Gender Male
Female
Educational qualification Below SSC
SSC
HSC
Post graduate
Above
Profession Government job
Private job
Business
Others
Income (in Tk.) < 5000

PLAN 312
18
5000 – 10,000
10,000 – 20,000
20,000 – 30,000
30,000 – 50,000
>50,000
Length of stay
Ownership of land Government
Private
Waqf
Other
Year of construction
Information about Landuse throughout the years
Time
Aspect
Landuse
Floor use
1st floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
4th floor
No. of
storey

PLAN 312
19
Appendix-b
CHECKLIST
Checklist for Land use Information (Present):
Plot size From secondary source
Number of storey
Building materials
Building color
Road width in the front
Set-back followed Yes
No

PLAN 312
20
Objective Parameter Variable Data Source Data
Collection
Method
Image
(Present /
past)
Structures Architectural character Primary Focus Group
DiscussionBuilding pattern
Road Activities
Physical
condition
Materials
Pattern
Modes
Accessibility
Mobility
Intersections
Seasonal variation
Main focus
Landuse
(Present /
Past)
Residential,
Commercial,
Industrial,
Mixed.
Types Primary 1. Checklist
2. Questionnair-
-e
Utility
facilities
Electricity
Gas
Water
Drainage
Plot Number Secondary
Size
Slope
Price Primary
Building Construction
year
Ownership
Construction
materials
Height
Rent
Use
Heritage Historical name
Co-ordination Schema
Appendix-c

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21
bearing
structures
Present name
Establishment year
Location
Type
Construction materials
Colour
Past use
Present use
Land tenure Freehold
Leasehold
Private rental
Contract
Membership cooperative
Problems and
Prospects
Present
Buildings
Primary 1. Focus Group
Discussion
Heritage
bearing
structures
Present
transportation
system
Utilities
Social bonding
Environmental
condition

PLAN 312
22
Additional attachments
Source: Ahmed, S.U. (1991), Dhaka Past Present Future, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh,
1st
edition, 1991, 5-Old Secretariat Road (Nimtali), Ramna, Dhaka-1000

PLAN 312
23
Fig: Iftary market at Chawk
Source:http://bariisiyobasto.files.wordpress.c
om/2009/08/ramadan010.jpg
Fig: Shahi Mosque at Chawk
Source:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNpK4/
Rc24TG8ybzI/AAAAAAAAAk4/LY9kT5uzJMU/s320/
1389.jpg
Fig: Haphazard cable distribution system
Source:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNpK4/Rc
24IG8ybyI/AAAAAAAAAkw/B0WcwyLy6To/s320/
1390.jpg
Fig: Marium Canon in front of DIT
Source: http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-
aksf2p/v337/130/30/531794637/n531794637_1238780_4
067.jpg

PLAN 312
24
References:
 Hossain, N. (1995). Kingbodonti Dhaka (িকংবদ ী ঢাকা), Three Star Co-Operative
Multipurpose Society Limited, 3rd
edition, April 1995, Azimpur; Dhaka.
 Ahmed, S.U. (1991).Dhaka Past Present Future, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, 1st
edition, 1991, 5-Old Secretariat Road (Nimtali), Ramna, Dhaka-1000.
 Mamun, M. Dhaka Smrity Bsmrity’r Nagori(ঢাকা ৃিত িব ৃিতর নগরী),Ananya Publication ,3rd
edition.
 Nilufar, F. “The Spatial and Social Structuring of local Areas in Dhaka city-A
morphological Study of the urban grid with reference to neighborhood character within
naturally grown areas”.

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