Today's prayer times in Dhaka:
For real-time accurate prayer times in Dhaka, install FivePrayer. The app auto-uses the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi calculation by default and works offline once installed. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.
About the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi calculation method
Dhaka follows the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi method, the standard across South Asia. Fajr is set at 18 degrees and Isha at 18 degrees below the horizon. Bangladesh's Islamic Foundation publishes the official timetable using this calculation.
The Bangladesh Islamic Foundation, the national institutional authority, uses the Karachi method as its baseline. Some Bangladeshi masjids historically used slight variations, but the harmonization around the Karachi standard is widely accepted today. FivePrayer matches the Islamic Foundation timetable.
Major masjids and the Muslim community in Dhaka
Baitul Mukarram (the National Mosque) in central Dhaka is Bangladesh's flagship masjid, capable of hosting 30,000 worshippers and serving as the venue for major state and Eid prayers. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) in Armanitola is a beautiful 18th-century landmark with star-patterned tile work. Sat Gambuj Mosque has seven distinctive domes.
Old Dhaka has dozens of Mughal-era masjids including Bara Katra, Chhota Katra, and Kortalab Khan's Mosque. Modern neighbourhoods (Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, Uttara) each have multiple active masjids. Dhaka University's campus has the Doel Chottor masjid for students and faculty.
Qibla direction from Dhaka
From Dhaka, the Qibla bearing to Mecca is approximately 281 degrees from true north, west-northwest. The distance is about 4,400 km. Bangladeshi homes universally mark Qibla, often with a small green sticker or a specific decorative arrangement of the bookshelf.
Practical tips for praying in Dhaka
Dense traffic, dense masjid network: Dhaka's notorious traffic is balanced by the sheer density of masjids: you're almost never more than a 5-minute walk from one. Plan to pray at a masjid near your current location rather than rushing across the city.
Friday Jumuah: Baitul Mukarram's jumuah is broadcast nationally. The masjid fills well in advance. Neighbourhood masjids start jumuah around 1:00 to 1:30 PM.
Ramadan in Dhaka: Tarawih is widely attended with both 8-rakat and 20-rakat traditions. Iftar at major neighbourhood gatherings and at masjids like Baitul Mukarram is a strong tradition, with food distributed to all attendees.
FAQ
What is the prayer calculation method in Dhaka?
Dhaka masjids predominantly use the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi method. FivePrayer defaults to this when it detects a Bangladesh location.
What time is Fajr in Dhaka?
Fajr in Dhaka ranges from around 5:15 AM in December to 3:45 AM in June, set by the Karachi University method. FivePrayer matches the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation timetable.
What is the Qibla direction from Dhaka?
Approximately 281 degrees from true north, west-northwest. See our Qibla guide for how to verify with a compass.
Best prayer app for Dhaka?
FivePrayer: free, no ads, no account, Karachi by default, gentle adhan lock. Works offline once installed.
Are there masjids near central Dhaka?
Yes, see the masjid section above for landmark venues. Most districts of Dhaka have at least one neighbourhood masjid within walking distance.
FivePrayer: free, no ads, gentle adhan lock.
Auto-detects the Karachi calculation for Bangladesh. Works offline. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.