Farashganj: The testimony of French trade in Puran Dhaka

What comes to mind when you think of Farashganj in Old Dhaka — chaos of the bazaars, loading and unloading of goods, or perhaps the elegant Northbrook Hall?

Or do you think of the French? Puran Dhaka is located thousands of kilometres away from France, but Farashganj brings it closer to us.

The word "Farash" means French and "ganj" means market, and hence, the name of the locality stands as a testimony of the French people and their businesses in Dhaka during the olden times.

In 1740, the French people had acquired permission to establish a "ganj" or market in Dhaka; the name "French Gunj" appears in a document from the year 1790.

In fact, before the famous Ahsan Manzil came into existence, the French used to have a factory in its place. Ahsan Manzil is quite near the Farashganj area.

The French had wrapped up those businesses and are long gone, but the presence they once had in our capital remains today through the name Farashganj!

Source- "Dacca: History and Romance in Place Names" by Azimusshan Haider