Kotwali Thana is the principal administrative and police area (sadar thana) of Dhaka District in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, encompassing an area of about 0.67 square kilometers. It is situated in the historic and densely populated Old Dhaka region, located between 23°41′ and 23°42′ north latitudes and 90°24′ and 90°25′ east longitudes. Kotwali Thana is bounded by Bangshal Thana to the north, Keraniganj Upazila to the south, Sutrapur Thana to the east, and Chowkbazar Thana to the west.
The thana plays a significant cultural and administrative role in Dhaka city, hosting important landmarks such as Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace), Bahadur Shah Park, and many historic mosques and temples including the Jagannath Temple and Hindu Radha-Krishna Mandir, symbolizing the area’s rich multicultural heritage. It is known for its vibrant markets like Shankhari Bazar and Bangla Bazar, which are centers for traditional crafts and trade, particularly in books and publications.
Kotwali Thana contains a mixture of residential, commercial, and institutional zones. It houses prominent educational institutions such as Dhaka Collegiate School, Pogose School (established in 1828), and Jagannath University, one of the oldest educational institutions in Bangladesh. The thana has a population of around 82,488 people, consisting predominantly of Muslims with a significant Hindu minority.
The area is well-connected with roads, waterways, and public services, and features access to utilities including electricity and sanitation facilities. Kotwali Thana also contains important government and judicial offices, making it a central hub for governance and civic administration within Dhaka.
Overall, Kotwali Thana represents the historical, cultural, and administrative heart of Old Dhaka, reflecting the city’s evolution from a Mughal capital to a contemporary metropolitan center while preserving its rich heritage.