-Mamun Kabir
Dhaka city, one of the oldest and most vibrant urban centers in South Asia, was established along the banks of the Buriganga River. This iconic river has long served as the lifeblood of the city, intertwining itself with Dhaka’s history, culture, and economy. Over the centuries, the Buriganga has witnessed numerous historic events, from the rise and fall of empires to the struggles and triumphs of the people of Dhaka. Its steady, unyielding flow toward the ocean stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and its journey through time. As Dhaka expanded into a bustling metropolis, the Buriganga remained a vital artery, facilitating trade, transportation, and daily life. Despite the river’s current challenges, its enduring presence continues to evoke deep emotional and cultural ties, representing both the city’s storied past and its aspirations for the future.
The origins of the Buriganga River are a subject of much historical and geographical debate, with varying perspectives enriching its fascinating narrative. The Buriganga is widely believed to be a tributary of the Dhaleswari River, itself a vital waterway in central Bangladesh. South of Savar, the Dhaleswari splits into several channels, with the Buriganga branching off near Kalatia before flowing through the heart of Dhaka. Further downstream, the Buriganga merges back with the Dhaleswari near Rikabi Bazar in Munshiganj, just beyond Harpara. This intricate network of rivers highlights the interconnectedness of the region’s waterways, which have historically supported the livelihoods of millions.
In its present form, the Buriganga is primarily fed by the Turag River, which joins it at Kamrangirchar, a point of convergence that underscores the Buriganga’s vital hydrological role. Additionally, the river is influenced by tidal activity due to its connection to the sea. During the Mughal period, the Buriganga’s tidal rhythm and natural beauty captivated the rulers, who established Dhaka as a prominent administrative and trading hub. The river’s strategic significance and scenic charm made it a cornerstone of Mughal Dhaka, shaping the city’s urban and economic development.
Historical records and geological evidence provide compelling insights into the Buriganga’s ancient origins. According to Dhaka Kosh, the river was once a channel of the mighty Ganga (now known as the Padma River). It is believed that in ancient times, the Ganga or Padma flowed through the present-day course of the Buriganga. When the Padma shifted southward over time, the abandoned channel became what we now call the Buriganga. This shift may have occurred due to natural changes in river dynamics, including sedimentation and tectonic activity, which are common in the riverine landscape of Bangladesh.
Further supporting this narrative, geographers suggest that a sudden alteration in the Jamuna River’s course around 200 years ago contributed to the severance of the Buriganga’s connection to the Padma. This significant hydrological shift marked a turning point in the river’s history, transforming its role in the region’s ecosystem and human settlements. Historian Niharranjan Roy echoes this view, describing Buriganga as an ancient channel of the Padma. This explanation not only clarifies the river’s origins but also lends credence to its name, which means “Old Ganga,” signifying its historical link to the great river system.
Despite its diminished state today, the Buriganga remains a symbol of Dhaka’s identity and heritage. Its waters have nurtured the city’s growth, served as a lifeline for its inhabitants, and provided a stage for countless moments of historical and cultural significance. While modern challenges such as pollution and encroachment threaten the river’s health, efforts to restore and preserve the Buriganga are essential for safeguarding Dhaka’s legacy and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
In the early 17th century, when Islam Khan established Dhaka as his permanent residence, elevating it to the status of a capital city, the rivers of East Bengal, including the Buriganga, likely had different courses than they do today.
N.K. Bhattasali has demonstrated that the current course of the Buriganga River, flowing southwest from Fatulla (ancient Stepa) to join the Dhaleswari River, did not exist during the early Mughal period or the 17th century. It remains uncertain whether the river was known by its present name at that time. In Baharistan-i-Ghaibi, Mirza Nathan referred to the Buriganga as “Dolai.” Although there was no junction between the two rivers during the Mughal era, the later course of the Buriganga shows evidence of its historical flow. Beyond Dhaka’s eastern edge, the river split into two branches—one joining the Laksha River near Khizirpur and the other further upstream near Demra.
During the Mughal period, a bridge was constructed over the Buriganga in 1645, which became known as “Madman’s Pool.” In modern times, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge was inaugurated in 1989, followed by the construction of the second Buriganga Bridge near Mitford Hospital.
The Buriganga remains navigable year-round, with continuous boat traffic. Estimates of its length vary between 26 and 30 kilometers. The river’s average depth is approximately 10 meters, and its width is about 400 meters. In 1984, water flow measurements recorded a maximum flow of 2,902 cubic meters per second.
The Buriganga River is flanked by several notable landmarks and historic buildings. On the northern bank, prominent structures include the now-defunct Posta Palace, Lalbagh Fort, Rooplal House, Northbrook Hall, Ahsan Manzil, Buckland Dam, Mill Barracks, Sadarghat Naval Port, Jiban Babu’s House, the Old Jail (Puran Kella), Chowk Bazar, Seven Domed Mosque, and various public and private buildings. On the southern bank, the Jinjira Palace, also known as Nowghara or Nandghara, stands as a notable structure. In 1864, C.T. Buckland, the then Divisional Commissioner, reconstructed the Buckland Dam along the northern bank to protect Dhaka from river erosion and prevent sediment accumulation at the ghat. However, some accounts suggest the dam existed prior to this reconstruction.
The origin of the name “Buriganga” has sparked much debate. According to the book Bangladesh Nadimala, the river has also been referred to as Nalini and Antibal. The Ramayana describes three eastern branches of the Ganges—Haldini, Pabni, and Nalini—which are thought to correspond to the branches identified by Ptolemy as Kamberikhon, Siovestmon, and Antibal. Therefore, Nalini from the Ramayana and Antibal from Ptolemy’s writings are considered alternate names for the Buriganga.
Historians offer differing theories on the use of the prefix Buri in the name Buriganga. Dr. Ashok Biswas, in his book Nadi Kosha of Bangladesh, explains that when major rivers diminish in size or significance, they are often renamed with prefixes like Buri or Bura, as seen in examples such as Buriganga, Buragaurang, Buramatamuhur, Buritista, Buribhadra, and Burishwar. He also shares a myth about the river’s name: “In ancient times, a branch of the Ganga flowed into the Bay of Bengal through the Dhaleswari. As the river’s course shifted, the ancient channel became disconnected from the Ganga, eventually earning the name Buriganga.”
Dr. Biswas references historian Subhash Mukhopadhyay, who provides a historical explanation in History of Bengali. During the Krittivas period, approximately 500 years ago, the southern stream of the Ganga, now known as the Padma, was called the “Big Ganga.” One of its ancient courses ran through Rajshahi, Rampur, Boalia, and Chalanbil, passing via the Dhaleswari near Dhaka, before joining the Meghna estuary and flowing into the sea. Over time, the river near Dhaka became known as the Buriganga, reflecting its historical connection to the Ganga.
In his book Glimpses of Old Dhaka, Taifur suggests that the name Buriganga, as associated with the river near Dhaka, likely emerged after the British occupation of the region. He notes that in Persian historical accounts, the river was referred to as the Dulai River or Nahr-e-Gang. Additionally, the Hindu scripture Kalikapuran mentions the river as Briddha Ganga, meaning “Old Ganga,” from which the term Buriganga is derived. The word buri, meaning “old” in Bengali, signifies antiquity and connects the name directly to the Ganga.
Taifur also references Dulai as another historical name for the Buriganga, a term that Mirza Nathan used in his book Baharistan-e-Ghaibi. Despite the variations in its historical names, Buriganga has remained the most enduring designation throughout history.
A popular myth explains the origin of the name with a story involving the Brahmaputra and Shitalakshya Rivers. According to legend, a sage had a son named Parashuram, whose strength resided in a five-pound axe. With this axe, Parashuram cut through stone to release the Brahmaputra River from the Himalayas, allowing it to flow toward the ocean. Captivated by the beauty of the Shitalakshya River, Parashuram hastened toward it. Shitalakshya, fearful of marrying the mighty Brahmaputra, used a mantra to disguise herself as an old woman.
When Brahmaputra arrived, he asked for Shitalakshya, and she claimed she had become the Buriganga (an old river). Brahmaputra, unwilling to be deceived, insisted on marriage. Eventually, the two rivers merged, and from that point on, a portion of the Shitalakshya River came to be known as the Buriganga.
This blend of myth and history highlights the cultural and historical depth associated with Buriganga, reinforcing its significance as a vital part of Dhaka’s heritage.
Historian Nazir Hussain presents an alternative version of the myth surrounding the Buriganga’s origin. He recounts that after Parashuram killed his mother on the orders of sage Jamadagni, his axe became stuck to his hand as a symbol of his guilt. To atone for his sin, Parashuram bathed in the sacred waters of the Brahmaputra River, which originated from a Himalayan Lake. This act freed him from his burden, and the axe fell from his hand. Parashuram then used a plow to carve a path for the Brahmaputra to flow into the plains. When the plow got stuck and the river’s flow was interrupted, he realized his task was complete. Upon hearing of the Shitalakshya River’s beauty, the Brahmaputra rushed toward her, mirroring the earlier myth about their eventual union with the Shitalakshya transforming into the Buriganga.
The Buriganga River has been a silent witness to many tragic and cruel events throughout history. According to Nazir Hussain’s Dhaka Book of Legends, after the Battle of Plassey, members of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah’s family, including Ghaseti Begum and his mother, Amina Begum, were imprisoned in Jinjira Palace. On the orders of Mir Jafar’s son, Miran, they drowned when their boat was deliberately sunk at the confluence of the Buriganga and Shitalakshya rivers.
The river was also a route for Portuguese, and Arakanese pirates who frequently attacked Dhaka. They captured people to sell as slaves and plundered the city. To defend against these invasions, the Mughals built forts in strategic locations across Greater Dhaka, such as Idrakpur in Munshiganj and Hajiganj in Narayanganj.
One of the most famous artifacts from Mir Jumla’s era, the cannon Kale Zamzam (or Kale Kha), sank in Buriganga. Another cannon, Bibi Mariam, is now displayed at Osmani Udyan. According to the accounts of James Rennell and Lindsay, Kale Zamzam weighed a staggering 64,814 pounds, was 36 feet long, and had a beam of 22 feet. During Mir Jumla’s reign, Bibi Mariam was positioned in front of the Bara Katra, while Kale Zamzam was placed across the Buriganga, likely at Moghlani Char. Sometime around 1780, Kale Zamzam sank into the river, leaving its mark as another piece of history tied to the Buriganga.
These stories and artifacts reflect the deep historical and cultural significance of the Buriganga River, connecting myths, tragedy, and the struggles of past generations.
In 1626–1627, Subedar Mukarram Khan, who had been appointed to Dhaka, tragically lost his life in a boat accident on the Buriganga River. Shortly after receiving a prestigious title from the Emperor of Delhi, he embarked on a grand voyage to formally accept the decree. Tragically, his boat sank while being hastily brought ashore for prayers, resulting in the death of the Subedar and many others.
One of Dhaka’s notable landmarks, the Posta Palace, constructed by Subedar Azimuddin (or Azim-uz-Shan) near Lalbagh Fort, was lost to the erosion of the Buriganga. Taifur, a historian, recounted seeing the palace’s foundation submerged beneath the river during the dry season. Bishop Heber also documented the palace in his diary, illustrating how the relentless Buriganga has consumed many significant structures over the centuries.
According to Taifur, several areas that are now integral parts of Dhaka, such as Islampur and the southern portions of Patuatuli, were once submerged beneath the waters of the Buriganga River. Iconic landmarks like Ahsan Manzil, which now stand as testaments to the city’s architectural heritage, are situated on land that was originally part of the river. Hridyanath Majumdar, in his autobiography, supports this claim, noting that southern Bangshal and northern Tatibazar were also sections of the Buriganga in earlier times. Majumdar writes, “The bill in the middle of the city was once the Buriganga River. Later, as the river shifted southward, the area became char land and was absorbed into the city.” He also recalls his personal experiences, stating, “When I first saw the Buriganga in 1864, it flowed past Lalbagh Fort, Chowdhury Bazar, and Pilkhana Ghat.” Over the decades, this char land, initially formed by the river’s shifting course, gradually evolved into a densely populated and economically significant part of Dhaka.
Historically, Buriganga was far wider and more prominent than it is today. Its broad expanse and deep channels once made it the lifeblood of the city, supporting vibrant commercial and social activities. The river bustled with life, as boats of various shapes and sizes traversed its waters day and night. Among these, the exquisitely designed jewel boats served as the primary means of transportation for the elite, gliding across the river’s pristine waters. The Buriganga was not only a key artery for trade and movement but also a source of recreation and daily sustenance. People regularly bathed in its clean waters, and its ecosystem supported a rich diversity of aquatic life, including plentiful fish that contributed to the local diet and economy.
However, the Buriganga’s transformation over the centuries tells a different, more somber story. What was once a vital and thriving river has now fallen into a state of severe degradation. Continuous pollution, driven by unchecked industrial discharge, sewage dumping, and waste mismanagement, has turned its waters black, rendering it unfit for any form of human use. The contamination has obliterated the river’s ability to sustain aquatic life, with fish populations dwindling to near extinction. The once-clear waters that reflected the city’s skyline are now a toxic sludge, emblematic of Dhaka’s rapid and often unsustainable urbanization.
Adding to these challenges are the rampant illegal encroachments along the riverbanks. Over the years, unauthorized construction and land grabbing have not only narrowed the river’s width but also obstructed its natural flow. These encroachments, coupled with the growing demand for urban space, have exacerbated Buriganga’s decline, reducing it from a thriving waterway to a struggling shadow of its former self.
Despite the grim reality, there remains hope for Buriganga’s revival. Environmentalists, policymakers, and concerned citizens are calling for immediate and effective interventions to save the river. Proposed measures include stringent enforcement of pollution control laws, relocating industries that discharge waste into the river, and reclaiming encroached land along its banks. The government, recognizing Buriganga’s historical and ecological significance, has initiated cleanup projects and pledged to restore its vitality. However, these efforts require sustained commitment, public participation, and a long-term vision.
Restoring the Buriganga is not just an environmental imperative; it is a cultural and historical necessity. The river, which has been intertwined with Dhaka’s identity for centuries, holds the memories of its vibrant past and the promise of a brighter future. With collective action and a renewed sense of responsibility, the Buriganga can once again flow with life, reconnecting the city to its roots and sustaining generations to come.

Author: Mamun Kabir, Manager, Communications and Advocacy of Waterkeepers Bangladesh