The origin of the name "Wari" has been subject to debate. While many attribute it to Dhaka's magistrate in 1884 Frederick Wyer, historian Hashem Sufi suggests that it dates back to the Mughal period when troops garrisoned here in large tents (wari in Persian).
Before the British government acquired the area in the 19th century, Muslin artisans, known for repairing clothing, inhabited the area. Spanning seven hundred acres, the whole area was rented as an agricultural settlement in 1839, primarily comprising orchards. Despite rent adjustments, by 1876, a significant portion of Wari had become abandoned and overgrown with jungles.
In 1885, the British administration tasked Wyre with Wari's development as a residential area. Wyre embarked on clearing jungles, constructing roads, and dividing the land into residential plots. Plots were priced at six rupees per bigha and primarily distributed to government employees, with a stipulation that houses must be built within three years, subject to approval by the magistrate. Although plots sold swiftly, full occupancy of the area was delayed likely due to financial constraints of the landowners.
Following its transformation into a residential hub in the early 20th century, Wari was described as having clean thoroughfares and a sparse populace. The dwellings, largely inhabited by middle-class residents, exhibited distinct characteristics, resembling rural homes with predominantly single-storey structures and open lawns. Wari evolved into a Hindu-majority area as government jobs were primarily held by Hindus at the time, most of whom later migrated to India following the partition. As Dhaka expanded and better opportunities arose elsewhere, many families relocated to other areas within the city.[11][8][7][12]
In 2012, Wari Thana was established with a population of approximately 2.6 lakh residents.[13]
Geography
The area of the police jurisdiction is approximately 2 square kilometres (0.77 sq mi), extending from Gopibag Railway Crossing in the north, Nababpur Road in the west, Narinda Road Crossing in the south, and in the east from the Christian cemetery until Swamibag Railway Crossing.[13]
Gallery
Christian cemetery
Doel Square
Vandalized Wari police station in 2024
References
^"Bangladesh Postal Code". Dhaka: Bangladesh Postal Department under the Department of Posts and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. 19 October 2024.
^ abHossain, Nazir (April 1995). Kiṃbadantira Ḍhākā কিংবদন্তির ঢাকা [Dhaka in Legends] (in Bengali) (3rd ed.). Dhaka: Three Star Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited. pp. 51–52. LCCN95905768. OCLC33970022.
