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

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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.

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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

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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……………………………………………………………………………

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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

PLAN 312 Urban Planning Studio

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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.


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


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 analysis Literature 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/img370/2/picture13of0.jpg

Fig 1: Sketch of Chawk (1809) by Dowly

Source: http://www.banglatorrents.com/desher-chhobi/7893-sketch-of-sir-charles-doyly.html

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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/_J8vxOnQ-PxA/UffC9RsNLJc/s400/2.jpg

Fig 4: Islampur Road (1905)

Source:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNp4/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/2007/09/15/3517_1.jpg

Fig 6: Chawk Bazar Shahi Mosque

Source:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Chawkbazar_Shahi_Mosque_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 = ଵ×భାଶ×మାଷ×యାସ×రାହ×ఱା×ల

ଷ଼ସ

= ଵ×ଷାଶ×ଵାଷ×଼ାସ×ଶାହ×ଶଶା×ଷ଼ସ

= 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 Storied2 Storied3 Storied4 Storied5 Storied6 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


341/A 1 Muhammodia Ator & Co.

5 No Color



342

2

Famous Imitation

5 No Color

682

1985 Brick, Concrete

Commercial, Wholesale and Retail

Farooq & Brothers

5 No Color

1985 Brick, Cincrete


351 1 Ator House & Co.

2 No Color



352/A 1 M/s Amena Store

2 White 137 1975 Brick, Concrete


353 1 Capital Cap House

1 No Color


Commercial, Wholesale and Retail

354 1 Ibrahim & Sons

2 No Color



385/2 1 Abdul Halim Masion

3 Blue 114 1972 Brick, Concrete


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.

4.1 Problems 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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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.


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


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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


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


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Objective Parameter Variable Data Source Data

Collection

Method

Image

(Present /

past)

Structures Architectural character Primary Focus Group

Discussion Building 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


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


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


23

Fig: Iftary market at Chawk

Source:http://bariisiyobasto.files.wordpress.com/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/Rc24IG8ybyI/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


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”.

image of chawk bazar an analysis from physical and socio-economic perspective

Real Estate