The National Parliament House, also known as Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, stands in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on Manik Mia Avenue in the Dhaka Division. It is the seat of the country's government, and it is one of the best-known modernist buildings in South Asia.
The building and its design
The complex was designed by the American architect Louis Kahn, and its geometric forms are the first thing most visitors notice. Its massive, sculptural shapes, set within a wide landscape, give the complex a sense of scale and calm. The design is often described as one of the architectural achievements of the 20th century, and many visitors come as much to look at the architecture as to think about what the building represents.
What a visit offers
- The chance to see a major modernist work of architecture in person.
- A look at the setting of Bangladesh's national government in the heart of its capital.
- Photography of the complex's geometry, which changes with light and angle through the day.
Because the building is the working home of the national legislature, it is a place of official business as well as a monument. Visitors should expect a setting that is governed by security and official procedure, and should check current access arrangements before going. The building's public contact line is +880-2-8110011.
Dhaka is a dense, busy city, and the Parliament House area makes a fitting part of a wider day of sightseeing. Those interested in architecture may find it a rewarding focus for a visit to the capital.
