Paltan

Paltan is a Thana (precinct) of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It is often said to be the center of Dhaka, dividing "Old Dhaka" and "New Dhaka". Paltan was made a thana in 2005 by then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Administration Paltan Thana was formed on 27 June 2005 comprising part of Motijheel thana.HistoryThe name Paltan came from a cantonment of the British East India Company. The name derived from English word platoon, but in reality a battalion or regiment in size. Purana Paltan, Purana Paltan Lane, Naya Paltan, Topkhana and up to Fulbaria rail-line, it was the cantonment of the East India Company and there were Artillery forces in Topkhana. 'Top' means cannon and Topkhana means armoury. It is a Turkish word. In the year 1840 the cantonment was transferred to Ramna, Begunbari, then to Lalbagh Fort, and after 1857 to Mill Barrack. After the transfer of the cantonment the area was given to the municipality to be taken care of. From the whole area they took a part and made a garden which was known as ”Company Bagicha”. There was a big field in the rest part, which was used by the student of Dhaka College as their playground. Beside this it was used as the Parade Ground of Lt. Governor. But end of the 19th century it was used as the cricket field and sometimes the public meetings took place over here.