Sadarghat River Port: The Dynamic & Chaotic Place of Dhaka City

Sadarghat River Port is also known as Sadarghat Terminal and Sadarghat River Port in the south part of the Dhaka city, on the bank of the Buriganga River. The river port is one of the top dynamic as well as chaotic places in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This is the biggest River Boat Terminal in Dhaka and among Bangladesh as well and according to the official records, it started its port activities in 1820, but this might not be the actual date of the establishment of Sadarghat River Port.


Almost 3 hundred small and large passenger boats arrive and depart from the port per hour with 500 passengers on average per day. According to the official statistics, about one lakh and fifty thousand people use the terminal annually. Here is a video clip of Sadarghat River Port: https://youtu.be/yL_dst4lrLw

The Attractions in Sadarghat River Port

The place is pandemonium to visit and you will experience a totally different feeling in the world. The muddy and smelly river Buriganga are the life-string of the old Dhaka. It’s nice to watch the sceneries of the large ferries, full of local products and people along with the activities of loading & unloading to the depots in the riverfront. You also find docked triple decked ferries are at the side of the jetty to trade via huge small wooden boats. You will enjoy the siren of arriving and departing launches and ships that are similar to an air-raid in the ear.

A continuation of humanity flows and the ferries are mooring tightly to the pontoons. The bells and klaxons of the ships, the mass of the porters, beggars and vendors, the announcement of prayers – all are a cauldron sound. It looks like chaotic, but this is the first step to supply-chain all over the country. Some ships and steamers are very luxurious and they are the most commercial transport to communicate with the southern regions of Bangladesh.

When you are visiting Sadarghat you will see a huge number of launches, steamers, boats and other commercial transports that are leaving and coming from all parts of the country, mostly from Barisal, Patuakhali, and other southern districts. The northern side of Sadarghat has become a new city along with the offices of collector, magistrate and several other offices are gradually being moved at the nearest areas of the terminal. You will see so many country boats are landing on the river to board the passengers.

Boat Riding on the River Buriganga

In the crowd of large ships, there are so many small wooden boats are available to ride on the river. The numbers of foreign tourists in Dhaka are beginning to boat riding on the river as they can rent boats easily. Interested visitors can take the taste of calmness of the River Buriganga hiring a boat going to little far distance of the port area. You will find English-speaking boatmen and Dhaka guides who will offer a one-hour trip on the river. You can get the cost down on the rent by bartering with them and it could be only BDT30.

How to go to Sadarghat River Port?

Foreigners who are in the Bangladesh tour can simply go to the Sadarghat River Port after coming Dhaka, because it’s located about 20 km away from the Dhaka International Airport and there are so many Taxis, Buses and CNG autos to go to the destination from the airport. It will take up to one hour to reach the spot if there are no traffic issues. It’s better to hire a CNG auto to trip to Sadarghat River Port.

So, it’s great to have a look on Sadarghat River Port with its Dynamic & Chaotic Place of Dhaka City. This is also called the nucleus and entrance of Dhaka city for the northern parts of the country. After visiting you can love or hate the place, but it will remain in your mind indifferently and you will never forget the memories of Sadarghat. Its’s our pleasure to hear from you and please knock us for any further information about the matters, such as about the hotel in Dhaka, hotel booking information, English speaking Dhaka Guide, Dhaka city’s top tourist destinations and many more.

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