[🇧🇩] Bangladesh History & Heritage

[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.​

 

[Saif]

Conserving heritage, historical sites

In Bangladesh, numerous sites hold significant religious, cultural, and historical importance and have endured for many centuries. Nevertheless, many historical structures that are symbols of the nation's rich heritage no longer exist, and many of the existing sites or structures are also not well-

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Conserving heritage, historical sites

Tanim Asjad
Published :
Jul 04, 2025 22:33
Updated :
Jul 04, 2025 22:33

In Bangladesh, numerous sites hold significant religious, cultural, and historical importance and have endured for many centuries. Nevertheless, many historical structures that are symbols of the nation's rich heritage no longer exist, and many of the existing sites or structures are also not well-preserved. The failure to acknowledge and celebrate their own culture and heritage has disconnected people, particularly the younger generations, from the country. Moreover, the authorities are facing multiple challenges in restoring and preserving the antiquities due to a lack of adequate budget, the absence of necessary support from relevant quarters, and a lack of awareness among the people.

The Department of Archaeology, a key entity under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for preserving Bangladesh's antiquities and archaeological sites. Currently, the department oversees 536 protected and listed antiquities and archaeological sites, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur and the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat. These sites, recognised as cultural heritage, were inscribed in the UNESCO list in 1985. The Sundarbans, the third site of Bangladesh on the UNESCO list, is recognised as a natural heritage and inscribed in 1997. The Sundarbans is managed by the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Despite being a part of the World Heritage, the preservation of the Shat Gambuj Mosque (also known as the Sixty Dome Mosque or Shait Gambuj Masjid) in Bagerhat is now in danger due to both natural and man-made factors. Last week, the Department of Archaeology organised a public meeting in Bagherhat in an effort to raise awareness among the people about the importance of preserving the historic structure, as well as the entire heritage site, which includes other ancient mosques and structures. The UNESCO website describes the heritage as: "Situated in the suburbs of Bagerhat, at the meeting-point of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, this ancient city, formerly known as Khalifatabad, was founded by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the 15th century. The city's infrastructure reveals considerable technical skill and an exceptional number of mosques and early Islamic monuments, many built of brick, can be seen there."

Shait Gambuj Mosque is the most iconic heritage structure of Bagerhat and draws thousands of tourists throughout the year. The construction of the mosque was started approximately in 1442, and it was completed in 1459. Ulugh Khan, popularly known as Khan Jahan Ali, was a Muslim saint and preacher also, and it is widely believed that the masque was constructed under his supervision. The historical mosque has survived for around six centuries, facing numerous natural disasters.

Besides the natural hits like salinity and fungal attacks on the walls and floors of the mosque, the frequent movements of heavy vehicles on the adjoined Barishal-Bagerhat-Khulna regional highway become a threat to the stability of the mosque. Vibration generated from the movement of buses and trucks has already started to erode the durability of the structure. It is noteworthy that when the regional highway was developed, the authorities did not consider the potential risk to the heritage site. The Roads and Highways Department, under the Ministry of Transport and Communication, did not feel any need to maintain contact with the Department of Archaeology.

Again, various structures, such as hotels, restaurants, and footbridges, are constructed around the heritage site, violating the archaeological and heritage preservation acts. In the meeting, officials from the archaeology department alleged that a tendency has also been evident to overlook the core zone and buffer zone of the world heritage site. The influx of tourists and the irresponsible behaviour of some of them also pose a threat to the heritage structure. In some cases, local vendors also create a nuisance near the site. Again, the problems are not unique to the Shait Gambuj Mosque. Most of the archaeological sites and structures across the country face common challenges. In some cases, land grabbers, drug peddlers and local criminals try to make their hideout in these sites. The indifferent attitude of law enforcement agencies exacerbates the situation. So, a collective effort is a must to preserve and protect all these historical sites and structures. It is a collective responsibility of the citizens to acknowledge and celebrate home-grown culture and heritage and ensure their preservation for the future generation.​