[🇧🇩] Bangladesh History & Heritage

[Saif]

Mirzapur Shahi Mosque: A testament to Mughal architecture

Local folklore suggests that a person named Sheikh Malek Uddin Akheruzzaman constructed the mosque

www.thedailystar.net

Mirzapur Shahi Mosque: A testament to Mughal architecture

Photo: Quamrul Islam Rubaiyat/STAR

About 17 kilometres southwest from the town of Panchagarh, in a village called Mirzapur nestled cosily into Atwari upazila, an archaelogical relic from the Mughal era still stands. Some historians believe the Mirzapur Shahi Mosque to be 350 years old, and as a testament to the beauty of Mughal architecture, the historic structure remains a regular tourist attraction, drawing in visitors daily.

Built using lime and brick dust, the mosque features three arched entrances, adorned with intricate terracotta designs of floral and Islamic motifs.

The exact date of its construction and the identity of its architect remain the subject of historical debates.

However, experts unanimously agree that this mosque belongs to the Mughal era, as it bears distinct features of Mughal architecture.

Some archaeologists suggest that it was built during the reign of the Mughal ruler Shah Shuja.

A Persian inscription above the central doorway of the mosque provides further insight into its construction.

The inscription mentions two names – Rasul Mohammad Badr Sheikh Khan Baba and Sheikh Malek Uddin Akheruzzaman (or Akhtaruzzaman). Additionally, it bears the year 1206 of the solar calendar. When converted to the Hijri calendar and then to the Gregorian one, this corresponds to 1792 AD.

Based on the language and script of the inscription, some researchers assume that the mosque was completed during the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam.

Local folklore, along with the inscription, suggest that a person named Sheikh Malek Uddin Akheruzzaman constructed the mosque, while the mention of the year 1206 indicates a later renovation.

According to the National Information Portal, the mosque's architectural style closely resembles that of the mosque located within the Dhaka High Court premises, which is believed to have been built around 1679. This has led historians to speculate that the Mirzapur Shahi Mosque was constructed around the same period.

The language and script of the inscription further suggest during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam, a man named Dost Mohammad oversaw the construction of this mosque.

Measuring 40 feet in length and 25 feet in width, the mosque also features three domes aligned in a single row, with a minaret at each of the four corners. The front has three entrances, with two small minarets flanking the main door and the central dome.

The interior walls are adorned with intricate carvings of flowers, vines, and calligraphy, beautifully decorated in various colours.

Built in the Mughal architectural style, the domes are connected at the top by a gradually narrowing belt. Four additional small minarets have been incorporated into the front and western walls.

In front of the mosque's main structure lies a rectangular paved courtyard with an open top. Outside, there is a beautifully designed arched gateway, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. Additionally, in the mosque's north-eastern corner, there is an ancient well.

The gateway features a recessed arched entrance, fluted pillars on both sides, sloping eaves, and a moderately sized semi-circular dome.

On the south-eastern side of the mosque is the Imam Bara, also known as the Hoseni Dalan. The Imam Bara, made of bricks, has a circular interior with a single room. Several graves are seen adjacent to the mosque and the Imam Bara.

Mirza Nurul Islam Helal, vice-president of the mosque management committee, said although the archaeology department officially oversees the mosque, its operations are managed by a 21-member committee.

The mosque has around 28 bighas of cultivable land including a pond. The income generated from leasing these lands and pond is used to cover various expenses, including renovation and the salaries of the imam and the muezzin.

Mirza Ahmed Sharif, president of the Mirzapur Shahi Mosque Management Committee, said that in the 1990s, Mirza Gholam Hafiz, a former speaker and a native of Mirzapur, took steps to renovate the mosque under government supervision. During this period, the mosque was handed over to the Department of Archaeology.

However, the department has not provided much oversight of the mosque. Currently, it is managed by the local committee.

When three domes and the inner walls of the mosque were damaged in an earthquake in 2011, masons from Naogaon were brought in the following year to repair it, Sharif said.

The renovation and proper supervision of this historic mosque, which stands as a testament to our heritage, must be handled by the Department of Archaeology going forward, Sharif said.​

 

[Bilal9]

 

[Bilal9]

Lost treasure: A Dhaka cannon in the Buriganga!

The story goes way back, when this piece of artillery was located in a “char” named Moghlani Char

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Lost treasure: A Dhaka cannon in the Buriganga!
Dhaka cannon in Buriganga river

View attachment 12712
Illustration: Ashif Ahmed Rudro; Photo: Pexels and Sarah Lee/Unsplash. The visual is representational only

There is more to the Buriganga than meets the eye. Case in point: an old, iconic cannon known as Kaley Jamjam or Kalu Jamjam, lies somewhere in the bottom of the river!

The story goes way back, when this piece of artillery was located in a "char" named Moghlani Char. But when the char got dissolved and taken over by the river, the cannon had disappeared with it, hence making Kaley Jamjam a lost treasure.

That was not the end of the cannon. Stating a folklore of the olden times, residents of Old Dhaka used to report that they sometimes heard roars coming from the river, and they attributed it to Kaley Jamjam, the lost and drowned cannon calling out to its partner — another iconic cannon of Dhaka named Bibi Mariam, which is still survives; now located near Dhaka Gate that you can visit and see today!

Source: Glimpses of Old Dhaka by Syed Muhammed Taifoor​

One day - maybe using Magnetic and satellite imaging, I hope they can locate and lift Kaley jamjam back up and dedicate it to the city it graced....

 

[Bilal9]

Interesting history of Ilyas and Hussein Shah dynasties in Bengal which was the largest and most powerful Sultanat in India back in the day.

 

[Bilal9]

More on the history and actors of the various independent Sultanates in Bangla

 

[Bilal9]

Independent Ilyas Shahi Sultanat of Bengal discussed by two Kolkata intellectuals, turn on English CC please.

 

[Saif]

Lakutia Zamindar House in Barishal being restored to its original form

The Department of Archaeology has begun restoration work to return the historic Lakutia Zamindar House in Barishal to its original form. By preserving this nearly ruined, palace-like structure, a vital chapter of history, heritage, and architectural style is being brought back to life.

en.prothomalo.com

Lakutia Zamindar House in Barishal being restored to its original form

M Jashim Uddin Barishal
Updated: 08 Jun 2025, 18: 51

Restoration work has begun to return the historic Lakutia Zamindar House in Babuganj upazila of Barishal to its former glory. Prothom Alo

The Department of Archaeology has begun work to restore the historic Lakutia Zamindar House in Barishal to its original form. By preserving this near ruined, palace-like structure, a vital chapter of history, heritage, and architectural style is being brought back to life.

Officials from the Barishal Divisional Museum said that the restoration work on the zamindar estate, located in Lakutia of Babuganj upazila, began on 4 May. On-site observations revealed that circular brick pillars are being constructed around the two-story building. The old roof has been demolished and will be replaced with a new one using tiles brought from Satkhira.

Arifur Rahman, assistant custodian of the Barishal Divisional Museum, said that in the first phase, work is focused on the foundation, brick masonry, and roof construction, with a budget of Tk 6 million. However, the antique doors, windows, flooring, and ventilation structures are not included in this phase of the project and may be added in later stages.

Lovely Yasmin, regional director of the Department of Archaeology for the Khulna and Barishal regions, said, “We are trying to restore the building to its original form based on old photographs and historical descriptions.”

According to museum authorities, the Lakutia Zamindar House stands 8.20 meters tall, 25.40 meters long, and 9.20 meters wide. The two-story building contains a total of nine rooms. However, environmentalists believe that the aesthetic appeal of the structure is being compromised by the presence of a warehouse and tractor garage belonging to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) on one side of the property. Seeds are also dried in the paved courtyard behind the building, which they say clashes with the historical ambiance of the archaeological site.

Lincoln Bayen, Barishal divisional coordinator of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said, “The initiative to preserve this house is highly commendable. But the presence of BADC’s warehouse and structures right next to the zamindar house is seriously undermining its beauty and archaeological significance. These should be relocated elsewhere; otherwise, the site's historical value may be diminished.”
Subhash Chandra Das, legal officer for vested properties at the district administration, said the government has already acquired ownership of nearly eight acres of land surrounding the estate, along with a large pond. If properly preserved by the Department of Archaeology, the site could become a major tourist attraction.

Historical background
Historical records indicate that Zamindar Rupchandra Roy was the founder of the Lakutia Zamindar family. During the time of his grandson, Rajchandra Roy, the estate expanded in both influence and territory. He built the main zamindar house on approximately 49.50 acres of land. It was under Rupchandra Roy—known for his benevolence toward tenants—that a road was constructed from Lakutia to Barishal.

Rupchandra's two sons, Rakhalchandra Roy and Parylal Roy, were followers of the Brahmo religion. Parylal Roy was a prominent barrister and social reformer. His two sons—Indralal Roy, a famous aviator, and Pareshlal Roy, a renowned boxer—are remembered in history for their notable achievements.

An old view of the historic Lakutia Zamindar House in Babuganj upazila of Barishal.Photo: From the family album of Alpana Roy

This zamindar family had a familial connection with the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. The poet's elder brother, the renowned painter Dwijendranath Tagore, had two sons—Arunendranath and Dipendranath—who married Sushila and Charubala, granddaughters of Rajchandra Roy.

It was through the philanthropic efforts of this zamindar family that institutions like Rajchandra College and Pushparani Chowdhury Institution (PRC) were established in Barishal. While the college no longer exists, the school remains active. In later years, zamindar Deben Lal Roy Chowdhury moved to India, where he passed away in Kolkata. His daughter, Mandira Roy Chowdhury, married into the Mukherjee family of Kashipur in Barishal.

On 19 October 2018, Alpana Roy—daughter of Pankaj Roy, a descendant of the zamindar family and a solicitor at Australia’s High Court—expressed concern over the condition of the zamindar house in a letter to Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Australia. In her letter, she strongly urged that the building be preserved as a historical landmark. Based on this appeal, the Department of Archaeology instructed the Barishal Museum to prepare a proposal, which led to the launch of the restoration project.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Alpana Roy, now living in Australia, said: “I heard about the history of the zamindar house from my father, Pankaj Roy Chowdhury. In addition to the familial link with Rabindranath Tagore, the well-known contemporary author Arundhati Roy is also connected to this family by lineage. Considering the historical importance of the house, I appealed to the government a few years ago for its preservation. I’m truly delighted to see that it is finally being realised.”

Surrounding the zamindar house are three brick-lined ponds, locally known as “Babur Pukur”. For many years, visitors came to see the building, only to leave disappointed due to its lack of preservation. With restoration now underway, there is renewed hope. People now expect that the building will be fully preserved and adequately protected in the future—so that history comes alive and continues to be passed on from generation to generation.

*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo Bangla online, has been prepared in English by Rabiul Islam.​

 

[Saif]

Preserve Old Dhaka’s historic structures

Urban Study Group (USG), a voluntary organisation campaigning for conserving the heritage of Bangladesh, has expressed concern over the destruction of historic structures in Old Dhaka and urged the government to take necessary steps to preserve those.

www.thedailystar.net

Preserve Old Dhaka’s historic structures
Urban Study Group urges govt

Urban Study Group (USG), a voluntary organisation campaigning for conserving the heritage of Bangladesh, has expressed concern over the destruction of historic structures in Old Dhaka and urged the government to take necessary steps to preserve those.

At present, the organisation's work is mostly focused in Old Dhaka.

In a press statement issued yesterday, Taimul Islam, chief executive of UGC, said all listed heritage buildings in Old Dhaka must be properly protected and conserved.

"We are deeply alarmed and distressed by the recent wave of destruction targeting multiple historic and architecturally significant buildings in Old Dhaka. These acts of demolition have occurred in both privately owned and government-managed properties, often in blatant defiance of High Court injunctions or while appeals remain pending before the Supreme Court," he said.

Just before Eid-ul-Azha, the century-old Shankhanidhi House (Radhakrishna Temple) on Tipu Sultan Road partially collapsed, including its iconic hanging balcony, due to the illegal construction of a bathroom, he also said.

"Despite being under the custody of at least four major government agencies tasked with its protection, this historic building has suffered from decades of encroachment, illegal modifications, additions, and destruction — stemming from administrative mismanagement, negligence, failure to perform duty, and, in some cases, deliberate inaction by these very institutions," Taimur added.

Meanwhile, another highly significant heritage structure -- Mangalalaya in Farashganj -- came under attack again. This building is among the structures listed by the USG and is protected by court injunctions, said the statement.

Although past attempts to demolish the building over the last two years were stopped with police intervention, the attacks have resumed. While police involvement has again temporarily halted the destruction, the building's intricate ornamentation has already suffered extensive damage, the statement also read.

USG demanded preserving the entire Farashganj area as a heritage zone.

Taimur also said shortly after Eid, it was revealed that the century-old Narinda Sewerage Pumping Station -- an integral part of Dhaka's first modern sewage system -- had been completely demolished two weeks earlier.

This protected structure, also listed by the USG, was razed by Dhaka Wasa in direct violation of a High Court ruling, he said, adding, "This not only raises grave concern but constitutes a clear instance of illegal action by a state agency."

Moreover, on June 10, it came to light that the Nasiruddin Memorial Building was being illegally demolished to pave the way for constructing a multi-storey structure, despite having an appeal pending with the Supreme Court.

The building used to be the residence of journalist Mohammad Nasiruddin, a pioneer of Muslim awakening in the early 20th century, and his illustrious daughter, women's rights advocate Nurjahan Begum.

A general diary was filed the following day with Gandaria Police Station, which temporarily halted the destruction, Taimur said.

Even though seven years have passed since the landmark High Court ruling in 2018 on heritage conservation, there has been no meaningful implementation owing to bureaucratic tangle, mismanagement, negligence, lack of political will, and particularly the controversial role of the Department of Archaeology, he also said.

As a result, these heritage structures have not yet been fully assessed and officially listed, leaving them vulnerable. Alarmingly, the DoA has even declared the residence of Nurjahan Begum as "not important enough for preservation", Taimur added.

USG demanded all the buildings listed by it be protected under the HC's ruling until a final comprehensive list of Dhaka's heritage structures is published.​