Live, Work, and Invest in Dhaka’s Commercial Heart
As Dhaka’s central business district and the beating heart of the capital’s economy, Motijheel has long been a magnet for professionals, corporations, and those looking to establish their presence in Bangladesh. Whether you’re planning to live, lease office space, or invest in property, this area guide will give you the full picture of life and business in Motijheel.
📍 Why Choose Motijheel?
- Central location at Dhaka’s “Zero Point”
- Home to the country’s largest banks, corporations, and commercial towers
- Strong public transport connections including metro, rail, and road
- Bustling lifestyle with historic charm, food, and cultural icons
🏢 Commercial Property & Office Space
Motijheel is often referred to as “Bank Para” due to the concentration of banks and financial institutions. The skyline is filled with landmark buildings, making it a prime choice for businesses seeking visibility and access.
Office Rental Rates:
- Standard office space: BDT 60–100 per sq ft per month
- Older buildings: BDT 50–70 per sq ft
- Premium offices in towers like City Centre Dhaka command higher rents
Popular Commercial Buildings:
- Bangladesh Bank Building (31 floors)
- City Centre Dhaka (37 floors; tallest in Bangladesh)
- Janata Bank Bhaban (24 floors)
- Eastern Trade Center
- Akij Chamber and Anwar Landmark Tower
🏠 Residential Living in Motijheel
Residential space is limited but still available in pockets like:
- Arambag
- AGB Colony
- T&T Colony
These areas are typically home to government employees, long-term tenants, and professionals working nearby.
Residential Rent Overview:
- 2–3 bedroom flats: BDT 25,000–45,000/month
- Low-rise apartments and government housing options dominate
- Gated colonies offer a quieter atmosphere within the business district
🏫Schools & Education
Motijheel is ideal for families with access to some of Dhaka’s leading educational institutions:
- Motijheel Govt. Boys’ High School & College – Grades 1–12, strong academic record
- Ideal School & College – English & Bengali medium
- Notre Dame College & University – Top-rated higher education
- Motijheel Model School – Known for foundational education
These schools have long-standing reputations for academic excellence, making them a draw for educated families.
🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
While not known as a medical district, Motijheel provides access to a number of quality healthcare services:
- Islami Bank Hospital (Outer Circular Road)
- Government Community Hospital (AGB Colony)
- Post Office Medical Centre (T&T Colony)
- Several diagnostic centers and clinics throughout the area
Nearby areas like Paltan and Shahbagh also offer access to larger hospitals within 10–15 minutes.
🏦 Banks & Corporate Offices
Motijheel is home to headquarters and branches of all major banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh:
- Bangladesh Bank
- Janata Bank
- Sonali Bank
- Dutch-Bangla Bank
- Eastern Bank
- Standard Chartered
- RAJUK Bhaban
- Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE)
It’s a powerhouse of finance and bureaucracy, making it ideal for entrepreneurs, exporters, law firms, and financial consultancies.
🕌 Religious & Cultural Landmarks
Motijheel reflects Dhaka’s religious diversity and cultural richness:
- Shapla Square – Iconic water-lily sculpture, symbolic Liberation War site
- Baitul Mamur Jame Mosque
- Ramakrishna Mission Temple
- Durga Mandir (Hindupara)
- Several Jame Mosques and prayer halls throughout the district
🛍️ Lifestyle, Food & Shopping
Despite its business reputation, Motijheel is full of food and lifestyle charm:
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Shorshe Ilish (Bengali cuisine)
- Rahmania Roof Top
- Hirajheel Hotel
- Panch Foron
- Haji Biryani (classic street food)
Street Food:
- Chotpoti, fuchka, shingara near Shapla Square and Arambag
Shopping:
- Fakirapul Market – Affordable goods and fashion
- Baitul Mukarram Market (nearby)
- Daily essentials available in departmental stores and small arcades
🚉 Transport & Connectivity
Motijheel enjoys excellent connectivity via:
- Metro Rail (Motijheel station) – operational since late 2023
- Kamalapur Railway Station – Major national rail hub nearby
- Sadarghat Launch Terminal – Short ride south
- Bus Terminals – BRTC CBS-2 and local buses
- Rickshaws, CNGs, and bike-sharing options
Note: Traffic congestion is a known challenge, and parking is often limited in the core area.
🏞️ Parks, Recreation & Cinema
While Motijheel isn’t a green haven, there are spots to unwind:
- AGB Colony Park
- Shapla Square walking areas
- Madhumita Cinema Hall – Historic theater undergoing transformation into a modern multiplex
- Community grounds in T&T and Arambag host events and local sports
🌆 Summary Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| Office Rent | BDT 60–100/sq ft (prime) |
| Flat Rent | BDT 25,000–45,000/month (2–3 beds) |
| Education | Ideal School, Motijheel Govt, Notre Dame |
| Banks | Bangladesh Bank, Janata, EBL, SCB |
| Hospitals | Islami Bank, Govt Medical Centre |
| Metro & Rail | Metro Rail + Kamalapur Station nearby |
| Dining & Street Food | Rich mix from rooftops to street stalls |
| Retail | Local markets, nearby wholesale hubs |
| Recreation | Madhumita Cinema, local parks, Shapla Square |
🏁 Final Thoughts: Should You Live or Work in Motijheel?
✅ Yes, if you want to be in the core of Dhaka’s economy, need access to financial institutions, and value strong transport connectivity.
🚧 Consider alternatives if you prefer spacious residential neighborhoods, quieter surroundings, or modern gated communities—those may be found in areas like Gulshan, Bashundhara, or Uttara.
Need Help Finding a Property in Motijheel?
Whether you’re looking for office space, residential flats, or retail outlets, we specialize in helping clients find the right space in Motijheel and beyond. Our team can match you with a space that fits your business and lifestyle needs.
📞 Contact us today to explore available properties in Motijheel.