Dhaka’s Landscape Transformed by Urban Growth and Changing Rivers Over Nine Years

Recent imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite has captured a striking transformation in the landscape surrounding Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh. The satellite images, taken in February 2017 and February 2026, have been processed to reveal vivid contrasts among vegetation, water bodies, and urban development. In these false-color images, vegetation is depicted in red, water bodies in dark blue and black, while urban areas are shown in shades of grey. This visual juxtaposition effectively highlights the dramatic changes that have taken place over the past nine years.

Dhaka itself, situated centrally within these images, is located on a flat plain intersected by a network of rivers and streams. Among the three primary rivers flowing through the urban center are the Dhaleswari, Buriganga, and Sitalakhya, while larger rivers like the Padma and Jamuna, as well as the Meghna, surround the area. The Jamuna River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, weaves through from the northwest, eventually merging with the Padma – the lower stretch of the Ganges – before joining the Meghna River, which ultimately empties into the Bay of Bengal. This convergence forms a low-lying floodplain heavily shaped by monsoon seasons, leading to constant sedimentation and changes in hydrology.

The imagery reveals significant modifications in the river systems, particularly in the shape and size of the Padma River. Changes in land use are also apparent; areas once rich with vegetation have been converted into urban spaces, with the expansion of Dhaka evident in the 2026 image. Regions that appeared vibrant in red in the 2017 image now show muted tones, indicative of exposed soil and urban development that has replaced previous agricultural and wetland areas.

Dhaka’s population, which has swelled to over 36 million, makes it the most populous city in Bangladesh and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia. As urban density increases, the city grapples with challenges related to urban sprawl, which not only affects land within its boundaries but also exerts pressure on agricultural regions and natural resources in the surrounding countryside.

The data provided by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is vital for tracking these changes, offering crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers. By monitoring land use and vegetation health, the satellite plays an essential role in supporting sustainable urban development strategies in a city facing rapid growth and environmental challenges.