South Asia

Population of Dhaka (Bangladesh)

08/04/2025
Population Information

Population of Dhaka (City of Bangladesh) is about 23,9 million people by 2025. It is the 4th most populous city in the world, according to data from World Population Review.

Total population

The total population of the Dhaka metropolitan area in 2025 is estimated at 23,9 million, according to World Population Review. In 2024, the population of the area is recorded at 23,2 million (World Population Review), up from 20,5 million in 2020 (UN Data).

The Dhaka metropolitan area covers an area of ​​approximately 300 km² (urban core only), with population density extremely high at about 79.667 people/km², making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

From 2020-2025, the population will increase by about 3,4 million people, with an average growth rate of 3-3,5% per year, mainly due to rural migration (60% of growth in the 1960s-1970s, down to 40% today) and expansion of urban boundaries. However, the growth rate is slowing due to falling fertility rates (estimated at 1,7-1,9 children per woman in 2023) and urban space saturation.

Gender structure

Specific data for the Dhaka metropolitan area in 2025 has not been released, but based on national trends from Danso.org and BBS in 2020:

  • Male: 52,0% (about 10,66 million people out of a total of 20,5 million in 2020).
  • Female: 48,0% (about 9,84 million people).

The sex ratio is 108 males per 100 females, higher than the national average (96,7 males per 100 females in 2024), as Dhaka attracts a large number of male migrant workers from rural areas in the construction, textile, and service sectors. Assuming this ratio remains stable until 2025, with a total population of 23,9 million, males will account for approximately 12,43 million and females 11,47 million. This disparity is typical of Bangladesh’s major urban areas, where males dominate the migrant workforce.

Age structure

The age structure of Bangladesh in 2023 is:

  • Under 15 years old: 25,0% (about 43,39 million people out of a total of 173,56 million).
  • From 15-64 years old: 67,5% (about 117,15 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 7,5% (about 13,02 million people).

In the Dhaka metropolitan area, the age structure may be slightly younger due to migration of workers aged 15-64. Estimates for 2025:

  • Under 15 years old: 24,0% (about 5,74 million people).
  • From 15-64 years old: 68,5% (about 16,37 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 7,5% (about 1,79 million people).

Dhaka’s median age is estimated at 25–26 years, lower than the national average (25,7 years), thanks to a large influx of young migrant workers. However, the proportion of people over 65 is gradually increasing due to rising life expectancy (74,9 years for both sexes), signaling a future aging trend.

Population of Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Dhaka City (Bangladesh)

Population change

Historical data from UN Data and World Population Review:

  • 1980: 3,44 million people.
  • 1990: 6,62 million people.
  • 2000: 10,28 million people.
  • 2010: 14,73 million people.
  • 2020: 20,5 million people.
  • 2025: 23,9 million people (estimated).

From 1980 to 2020, the population of the Dhaka metropolitan area grew rapidly (an average of 4-6% per year from 1980 to 2000, and 3-4% from 2000 to 2020), driven by urbanization, rural migration (especially from flood-prone lowland areas), and economic development (Dhaka contributes 35% of Bangladesh's GDP). From 2020 to 2025, the growth rate slows to 3-3,5% per year, driven by:

  • Low birth rate (1,7-1,9 children/woman).
  • Urban space is saturated, pushing migration to satellite cities like Gazipur and Narayanganj.
  • National negative net migration (-473.362 people in 2024, partly from Dhaka).

Forecast

Dhaka metropolitan area population projections based on national and regional trends:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 25-26 million, growing at 1-2% per year, thanks to its role as an economic and cultural hub, and infrastructure projects such as the Dhaka Metro (phase 1 to open in 2022). According to the Far Eastern Economic Review, Dhaka is expected to reach 25 million by the end of 2025, but the growth rate is slowing.
  • Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline below 24 million, due to falling fertility rates (expected to be below 1,7 children per woman), aging (15-20% over 65), and migration to the suburbs. This is consistent with projections of Bangladesh’s population peaking at 192 million in 2041 and then declining (Danso.info).

The Dhaka government is investing in transport (Dhaka Metro expansion), housing, and population control to manage pressure, but challenges from pollution (Buriganga River), slums (30% of population in 2016), and limited resources remain severe.

Sources:

Bangladesh Population 2024

Do you know?

View: 1.404