Ahsan ManjilBuilt in 1872 and standing on the river Buriganga, this stately building offers the visitors a feeling of the life-style of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Sometimes known as the Pink Palace, this building now houses a splendid museum. Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872 and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah. On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the Pink majestic, Ahsan Manjil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an epitome of the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Based on an access of 1 meter, two-story alcazar measures 125.4m by 28.75m. The acme of the arena attic is 5 meters, and the aboriginal attic of 5.8 meters. There are columns of the acme of the arena floor, both arctic and south ancillary of the castle. A ample accessible stairway bottomward from the south portico, boarded the river through the advanced yard.
Ahsan Manzil, an architectural gem, is attestant to abounding actual contest of Bangladesh. The aftermost allotment of the 19th aeon until the aboriginal years of Pakistan, Muslim leaders of East Bengal emerged from the palace. Nawabs of Dhaka acclimated to do business actuality in cloister as arch of the Panchayet (village council) every day. Abounding anti-Congress affairs were captivated in the Nawab of Ahsanullah condescension, a allegiant apostle of the Muslim identity. Almost all the viceroys, governors and abettor governors of British India visited Dhaka spent some time at the Ahsan Manzil.
Constraction of the architecture was started in 1859 and ends at 1872. Abdul Ghani called it Ahsan Manzil afterwards his son Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah. The anew congenital alcazar aboriginal came to be accepted as the Rang Mahal. On April 7, 1888, a tornado acquired astringent accident to Ahsan Manzil -- Andar Mahal, the earlier allotment of the palace, was absolutely devastated. During the about-face of the Andar Mahal a acceptable allotment of the alcazar was overhauled and repaired, and the admirable arch of the present Rang Mahal was added. Ahsan Manzil was afresh damaged by an convulsion in 12 June 1897 and afresh repaired by the Nawab Ahsanullah.
Location:
Ahsan Manzil is Kumartoli, Shakara Waiz Ghat Bazar Old Dhaka. And ‘Sutrapur Thana under Dhaka City Corporation. Ahsan Manzil palace was the residence of the Nawabs but is now a museum. An influential family in the old Dhaka Nawabs lived for many years. They built a magnificent building, a living wage. Ahsan Manzil is one of them.
Visiting Hours & Holidays:
April to September:
Saturday to Wednesday : ( 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM )
October to March:
Saturday to Wednesday : ( 9.00AM-5.00PM )
Friday: (3.00 PM-8.00PM)
Holidays: Thursday and government holidays.
Telephone: 7391122, 7393866
The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have an outside view of this grand palace.
Baitul Mukarram Mosque is situated at Purana Paltan east of Bangladesh Secretariat and north of Dhaka Stadium. Largest Mosque in the city, three storied and built after the pattern of the Kaba Sharif. Very beautiful and costly decorations in the interior. Long lawn, garden and rows of fountains to the south and east. The mosque is on a very high platform. Lovely flights of stairs lead to it; from the south, east and north. On the east is a vast veranda, which is also used for prayer and Eid congregation. Below in the ground floor is a shopping center.
Dhaka is a city of mosques. Other Prominent Mosques are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque.
Botanical Garden is also situated in Mirpur just besides the National Zoo, built on an area of 205 acres of land. Approximately 50,000 plants and trees are there of 1200 species. Main attraction of this garden is rose garden. Approximately 300 species of roses are there in this garden. It is open 7 days a week. If you go to this garden, it is advisable you visit National Zoo at a same time.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre
Show Time:
Saturday to Thursday (Wednesday Closed) :11:00 AM , 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM,5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM , 3:00 PM , 5:00 PM , 7:00 PM
Baldha Garden is established in old Dhaka named Wari, the unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the property owner of Baldha; the year of establishment of this garden was on 1904. This garden has a rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants, which is one of the most exciting attractions for naturalists and tourists.
A number of varieties tree are there in this garden. Near about 18,000 plants of 800 species are there in the garden. It is open from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, 7 days a week.
It
was built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59)
against British rule. It is said that the revolting sepoys and their civil
compatriots were publicly hanged here.
ChurchesArmenian Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church (1677A.D.) at Tejgaon.
Curzon Hall
Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.
Dhakeshwari Temple
Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century) situated at the place where the old part of Dhaka meets the new part. This is the oldest Hindu temple in Dhaka City. The name Dhakeshwari is also associated with the origin of the name Dhaka.
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Lalbagh FortThe fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure with slender minarets at the South Gate. It has many hidden passages and a mosque of massive structure. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the Tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady) and Audience room and Hummam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista Khan, now housing a museum. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 spays stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. It is one of the great historical places of Mughal era. A small museum is there in this fort where you will find the clothes and weapons of the Mughols. Lalbagh fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is closed.
The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent places, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man.
But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort [commonly known as Lalbagh Fort], which indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal Prince. It occupies the southwestern part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the old city. Rectangular in plan, it encloses an area of 1082' by 800' and in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on southeast and northeast corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contains within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded by attractive garden. These are a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort was to provide a defensive enclosure of the palatial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a siege fort.
Central Shahid Minar
Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere.
The Shaheed Minar is a national monument built in remembrance of those killed in the Language Movement in 1952. On February 21st, 1952 dozens of students and political activists were killed when the Pakistani Police force opened fire on Bengali protesters who were demanding equal status of their mother tongue, Bangla. The planning, selection of the site and the construction work of the memorial were done on the initiative of the students of Dhaka Medical College. The small structure of the first memorial, on a base 101/2 feet high and 6 feet wide, was constructed at the spot where the shootings had taken place: the south-eastern corner of the present Shaheed Minar premises. Immediately after construction, a plate with the words ‘ Shahid Smrtistambha’ (monument in the memory of the martyrs) was affixed to the monument. On February 26th 1952, it was demolished by the Pakistani Police Force.
In 1957, the construction work of the Shaheed Minar commenced in the yard of the Medical College Hostel. Hamidur Rahman had designed a massive Shaheed Minar complex on a large tract of land. In the design there was a half-circular column as a symbol of the mother and her martyred sons standing on the dais in the main part of the monument. Many yellow and deep blue pieces of glass were to be imbedded in the column as symbols of eyes from which the rays of the sun would be reflected. Besides these, there was to be a railing adorned with the Bangla alphabet in front of the monument complex and also two footprints, one red and one black, symbolising the two opposing forces. The design also included a museum, a library and a series of mural paintings. At one end there was supposed to be an eye-shaped fountain with a high undulating platform.
Based on this design, the construction work was started in November 1957. Hamidur Rahman, assisted by Novera Ahmed, supervised the construction. During this time the basement, platform and some of the columns were completed. The rails, footprints, some of the murals as well as three sculptures by Novera Ahmed were also finished. However, marital law was promulgated in 1958 and the construction was stopped. Despite this, people continued to visit the Shaheed Minar to place floral wreaths and hold meetings. A committee formed in 1962 under the order of Azam Khan, the then Governor of East Pakistan, and headed by the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, suggested extensive changes in the original design of the Shaheed Minar. Accordingly, the design was changed and the construction of the Shaheed Minar was summarily completed. It was inaugurated on 21 February 1963.
Bangladesh National Museum
Bangladesh national museum is situated in Shahbag. Located at the central point of the city. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy Quran in Arabic and Persian letters and Bengali works in the Arabic script. The museum also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images, books on art, silver filigree works etc. Though established in 1913 it was refurbished and opened in the year 1983.
However, the symbolic function of the museum is unclear. It just seems like a solid box that is unable to entice the viewer. For instance, the Jewish Museum in Berlin by Daniel Libeskind, conveys a strong message through the entire journey in the museum. It is iconic and modern. At the same time it has a connotative meaning that focuses on the brutal time during the holocaust. It is the roots of German history. The entire journey is filled with remorse experiences as the building communicates and takes us back in time. However, the national museum in Dhaka simply houses the important historical artifacts that one can see but fails to throw a light on our culture and how we earned independence. The sense of belonging is somewhat missing in the entire compound.
Then the building itself gives an opaque expression of a box with scoop like vaults at the top for lighting. The fenestration's are drab and the cream color of the building makes the place uninviting. Although the museum is situated near an important node, to some extent, the building fails to communicate with the people as a whole. The entire compound failed to blend in with its cultural context. The main entrance is guarded by rusted iron bars with a ticketing booth. The landscaping is just as any public building’s garden. The building materials used are very of poor quality and is not properly maintained. On the contrary, the Kimbell Art Museum by Louis I. Kahn is also composed of vaulted roofs. However, he perfected the entire building from the minute details to the construction materials of the entire complex. The landscaping has been described as Kahn’s most elegant built example of landscape planning. The entire journey is a balance between the artwork and the viewer.
The entry into the national museum is very dull and drab than the lit up airy outdoor. The different floors are designated different categories. A grand stair connects all the floors. The displays are merely separated by partition walls or compartments. It does not have a transition space and is thus unable to build up the excitement to the viewer. At times one can get lost amidst the sea of displays. The way a visitor looks around the displays is very messy as one would have to go through the entire floor if he wishes to leave early.
Poor lighting is another key factor for making the ambiance so lifeless. The works are artificially lit. The interior is like a storage space. Again, in Kimbell Art Museum, Kahn lit the galleries with natural lighting and implementing this notion was very challenging. David Brownlee and David DeLong, authors of Louis I. Kahn: In The Realm of Architecture, declared that “in Fort Worth, Kahn created a skylight system without peer in the history of architecture.” Robert McCarter, author of Louis I. Kahn, said the entry gallery is “one of the most beautiful spaces ever built,” with its “astonishing, ethereal, silver-colored light.”Carter Wiseman, author of Louis I. Kahn: Beyond Time and Style, said that “the light in the Kimbell gallery assumed an almost ethereal quality, and has been the distinguishing factor in its fame ever since”. Kahn articulated the passage of natural lighting in a controlled and pure form. The light reflectors boost the interior space quality to a new level and the use of warm concrete color is very inviting.
There is also a provision in Dhaka national museum to arrange tours for young learners. However, the entire journey makes it quite boring like the subject itself. The lack of interactive displays and participating in work- shops related to our traditional culture often makes it difficult to comprehend and focus on the subject.
On top of that, there is also inadequate space to display all the artifacts from different parts of the country. It is the only national museum in Dhaka. Some galleries are forcefully heaped with items for the sake of displaying. This hinders the viewer to actually feel and relate the importance of the work.
Security is also an important factor for a museum. Many valuable rare relics had been missing from the premises and some had been also sold to a third party with a high price. Therefore, high security and moral people should be appointed to work in the museum.
The national museum is an asset to our country. It gives a rough idea on local and international culture. It educates both Bangladeshis and foreigners. A building with such importance deserves special attention that should reflect its connotative meaning and be able to communicate with the viewer. Be it the construction material, the landscaping, the maintenance, the use of natural elements- all contribute to the building holistically. If these aspects are enhanced in the museum, it would transform the building into a valuable piece of art just like the priceless pieces it houses.
Its open from Friday to Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm. Your mind must be going to the old era when you visit this museum.
Liberation War Museum(Mukti Juddho Jadughor)
This is the museum on our liberation war which is well known as mukti juddha. Mukti juddha museum situated at Segun Bagicha of the city the museum contains rare photographs of liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.
Liberation War Museum is a holding for collection, preservation and display of the objects, artifects and all other materials related to the Liberation War. It was inagurated on 22nd March, 1996 in Segunbagicha. The museum was established at the initiative of some community leaders to meet a historical requirement for preserving the memory and relics of the War of Liberation. It is a people’s museum established by community workers. The museum started to operate as an endeavour to maintain records of the historic events of liberation struggle in an objective and authentic way. Responding to the initiative, many people came forward to donate mementoes, as well as to provide other supports including funding assistance to it.
The museum has six galleries the first of which
demonstrates the customs and traditions of Bengal as well as the
struggle against colonial control. The second gallery presents a
chronicle of the period of the Pakistani rule from 1947 and especially,
the political, economic and cultural oppression on the people of East
Pakistan and the resistance against it. The third gallery shows relics
of the non-cooperation movement of March 1971, the genocide and
resistance, declaration of independence and the plight of the refugees.
The three galleries on the second floor display documents and materials
that show various aspects of resistance by the people of East Pakistan,
international solidarity to them, the killing of intellectuals by
Pakistan Army and its collaborators, and the victory of the Bengali
people.
It’s open 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, Sunday closed.
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi has been turned into a musuam. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.
Mausoleum of National Leaders
Its located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin.
New High Court Building
High court is a colonial building in Dhaka situated in Qazi Nazrul Islam Avenue opposite of the Curzon Hall. The two storey building was originally designed as the official residence of the governor of East Bengal and Assam. On completion of the building the consulting architect of the government of India considered it unbefitting for the governor’s residence and therfore it remained vacant. Later it housed Dhaka Intermediate College and still later in East Pakistan it was converted into High Court.
National Zoo
National Zoo is in Mirpur, 20 km. from the center of Dhaka besides the river Turag. Its open 10 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week, where you can see the animals of Bangladesh and some animals from abroad. This Zoo is also popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colorful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
National Memorial
The main monument is composed of seven isosceles triangular planes each varying in size in its height and base. The highest one has the smallest base while the broadest base has the lowest height. The planes are folded at the middle and placed one after another. The highest point of the structure reaches 150 feet. This unique arrangement of the planes has created a structure that seems to change its configuration when viewed from different angles. The architect has used concrete for the monument while all the other structures and pavements of the complex are made of red bricks. Use of different materials has added to the gravity of the monument. The whole complex is spread over an area of 34 hectares (84 acres) which is again wrapped around by a green belt of 10 hectares (24.7 acre). Several mass-graves and a reflection water body are placed in front of the monument. Once one enters the complex through the main gate he or she can see the monument axially but to reach it one has to walk through different ups and downs of pavements and cross an artificial lake by a bridge-all these represent the struggle for independence. The project was constructed in three phases. The first one, began in 1972, involved in acquiring land and constructing road for the project at a cost of Tk 26 lacs. During the second phase, 1974 – 1982, Tk 3.77 crores were spent in order to build the mass-graves, helipad, parking space, pavements etc. In the third phase, began in August 1982, the main structure was built apart from the artificial lake, green belt, cafeteria, housing etc. The third phase required Tk 848.65 lacs. The Public Works Department of the Government of Bangladesh supervised the construction of the project.
National Zoo
National Zoo is in Mirpur, 20 km. from the center of Dhaka besides the river Turag. Its open 10 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week, where you can see the animals of Bangladesh and some animals from abroad. This Zoo is also popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colorful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
National Poet's Graveyard
Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried
here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.
Old
High Court
Building
Originally built as the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.
Originally built as the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.
Parliament House
Jatiya Sangsad Bhabon is a majestic public building. It is located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Starting from the beginning of architectural history, say from the time of the Pyramids till modern times, if a list of most significant buildings of the world is made, the Parliament House complex will feature very prominently among the top few in that list. It can be said to be the culmination of the modern period of architecture and the beginning of that of the post-modern era. This magnificent building stands as a silent evidence of the creative devotion and poetic vision of its American architect, Luis I Kahn.
The decision to construct National Assembly Complex at Dhaka was originally taken in 1959. The then Martial Law Administration planned to build the present Sangsad Bhavan as the second seat of the National Parliament of Pakistan in the proposed second capital area, which was designated as Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Louis I Kahn, one of the greatest architects of the time, was initially selected for designing the National Assembly complex. He was not commissioned out-right but was asked to present preliminary ideas for the complex and in March 1962 he was formally commissioned for the job. A sprawling area of 208 acres of land to the north of present Manik Mia Avenue was acquired in 1961 for the project of the second capital and the master plan was ready in 1962. The construction started in 1964 with an initial estimated cost of about $15 million. The construction of the complex along with all services and facilities was completed in 1982 at a revised cost of $32 million. The complex includes the National Assembly Building, hostels for members of parliament, ministers and secretaries, hospitality halls and community buildings all linked by roads and walkways and surrounded by attractive gardens and lakes.
The main characteristic of the National Assembly building is its monumentality. The mass of concrete lined with marble strips, the outer wall punctuated by pure geometrical openings and the dominating circular and rectangular concrete masses impart a supreme monumentality to the building quite suited to its noble functions. At the dead centre of the Assembly building is the main hall where MPs sit and the sessions of the parliament are held. The plan is concentric; various layers of functions are situated around the main hall. A seven-storied high ambulatory, with light coming from the roof, surrounds the assembly hall like a circumambulatory path around a deity. There are four identical office blocks along four arms with other functions on four corners. There is also an elaborate circulation system with series of different types of stairs. The plan is essentially a square manipulated into an octagon. There are nine levels with horizontal connections in three floors only. The height of the structure is 49.68m (163 ft) above the ground.
The main building complex consists of nine individual blocks, of which eight at its periphery rise to a height of 110 feet, while the octagonal block at the centre shoots up to 155 feet. The central block accommodates the Assembly chamber with a capacity of 354 seats for members of the parliament. The entire complex has a floor area of 823,000 square feet in the main building, 223,000 square feet in the South Plaza and 65,000 square feet in the North Plaza on the north. The formal entrance through the south plaza gradually rises to a height of 20 feet and 6 inches in a broad flight of stairs. The basement accommodates a parking area, offices of maintenance agencies and service installations for the main building. The building has a water body of artificial lake touching its walls on all sides, and the North and the South plaza tie it to the site. The edifice appears to rise out of water. The approach to the Parliament Building is through the grand plaza on the south and through the Presidential Square from the north with gardens of green grass and eucalyptus trees. The northern approach has an amphitheatre where state functions are held. Further north across the North Plaza there is a road by the side of the Crescent Lake.
There is not a single column in the whole building. Hollow columns that are parts of space enclosures have been adapted as structural supports. It is more like a concrete mass carefully carved and sculptured into a superbly functional entity. The construction material used is concrete and cast concrete forms both interior and exterior surfaces. Use of light and the unique way of bringing light to public spaces are the most distinguishing element of Kahn’s design. Light from the roof illuminate different spaces as if ambient glows are showered from heaven.
One of the important considerations in designing the National Assembly building was protection from the sun and rain, while admitting free circulation of air achieved by providing huge geometric openings at the outer faE7ade in the form of triangles, rectangles, full and segmented circles and flat arches. The structure provides a visual impression of a majestic edifice. It avoided conventional method of placing windows in the exterior and the disadvantages of monumental composition were removed by provision of core walls with small gaps in between. Architecturally, the complex marks a distinct departure from the rest of modern buildings in Dhaka.
The main criticism of the building is its exorbitant construction and maintenance cost. The total cost of the complex with a floor space of 6,27,833 square feet (Parliament Building, 3.44 acres; North Plaza, 1.46 acres; South Plaza 4.98 acres and residential buildings, hostels, gardens, roads, lakes etc) was TK. 128.00 crores (1280 million). There are 50 staircases, 340 toilets, 1635 doors, 335 windows, 300 partitions, 35,850 sft glass shutter, 58,500 sft wooden shutter, 1,33,500 cft wooden panels in the building. The annual maintenance and operational expenses of the building is about five and a half crores (55 million) taka. The top floor or Level-10 of the building is used for different machinery.
The work of the National Assembly building was completed in early 1982, and was inaugurated on 28 January 1982 by the then President Justice Abdus Sattar. The inaugural session of the Jatiya Sangsad commenced in this building on 15 February 1982. The National Assembly building has been discussed and referred to in almost all architectural publications in all parts of the world and was also awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The following citation text published at the time of award giving ceremony expresses a proper evaluation of the project. It says ‘Faced with an imposing architectural work of extraordinary power, clarity of form and beauty, the jury could not help but question the compatibility of Sher-e-Banglanagar with the needs and aspirations, of a poor country.
Ramna Park
A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.
Ramna Children’s Park
The Children’s (Shishu) Park in Ramna, on 15 acres of land curved out of northern portion of Sohrawardy Uddyan (formerly Ramna Race course), and on the south of BIRDEM and Dhaka Club, was built and inaugurated in 1979 as the first park in a planned manner to provide amusement to the children. The park has ferris wheel, mini train, trampoline, merry-go-round, skating rink, several other joy rides and over dozens of food courts for fun and entertainment.
Science museum
The museum is modern learning center related to the latest science discoveries. It is situated at Agargaon.
Shadhinota Stambha is the place where Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Delivered his historical speech on 7th march 1971. With his speech, Bangladeshi Nation got the enthusiasm for our great Liberation War in 1971. To recognize the historical memory, this Stambha was made.
Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden)
A Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence on this occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs of our Liberation war has been blown here recently.
Star Mosque
A very beautiful mosque of the city is situated at Mahuttuly on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt. High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style) is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small twinkling stars as surface decorations. The stars have been created by setting pieces of chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front and from far it looks as if shining above the surface of the earth. The inside of it is even more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns set on the walls, are all in complete harmony. The sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly respectable Zamindar of Dhaka.
Mirza Golam Pir died in 1860, and hence the date of construction of the mosque may conveniently be placed in the first half of the 19th century.
In 1926 a local businessman named Alijan Bepari added a verandah to the mosque on its eastern side, thereby almost doubling the width of the mosque without changing its original plan. Five arches were erected on four pillars on the eastern facade of the verandah. He also financed its resurfacing with delicate and richly coloured tiles of variegated patterns.
In 1987 the three-domed mosque was transformed into a five-domed mosque. At present, the length and breadth of the mosque is 21.34m and 7.98m respectively. Some changes took place in its plan; one mihrab was demolished and two new domes and three new mihrabs were added. Five arched doorways provide entrance to the mosque. The multifoiled arches spring up from octagonal pillars.
The mosque, both inside and outside, is decorated with mosaic. Small chips of Chinaware-plate, cup etc and pieces of glass have been used for mosaic. This type of mosaic is called ‘Chini Tikri‘ work. Vase with flowers is an important decorative motif on the spandrel of the arches and elsewhere on the facade. Flower-vases, flower branches, rosset, crescent, star, and Arabic calligraphic writing have been used in the decoration of the mosque. The outer wall between the doors are decorated with the motif of Fujisan (Mount Fuji) on glazed tiles and a crescent-and-star design decorates the upper part of the facade. Hundreds of blue stars have been created on the domes of white marble. All over the mosque the motif of stars dominate the decoration and so the mosque is called the Star Mosque (Tara Masjid).
1857 Memorial
(Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged.
Outside of Dhaka
City
Mosque of Baba Adam
Of a slightly later date, the elegant 6-domed mosque (43'x36') of Baba Adam in Rampal near Dhaka was erected by one Malik Kafur during the reign of the last llyas Shahi Sultan, Jalauddin Fateh Shah in 1483 A.D. It displays the same characteristic features of the period such as the faceted octagonal turrets at 4 corners, the curved cornice, the facade and 3 mihrabs relieved richly with beautiful terracotta floral and
Mosque of Baba Adam
Of a slightly later date, the elegant 6-domed mosque (43'x36') of Baba Adam in Rampal near Dhaka was erected by one Malik Kafur during the reign of the last llyas Shahi Sultan, Jalauddin Fateh Shah in 1483 A.D. It displays the same characteristic features of the period such as the faceted octagonal turrets at 4 corners, the curved cornice, the facade and 3 mihrabs relieved richly with beautiful terracotta floral and
Sonargaon
On the Dhaka-Chittagong highway about 29 km from Dhaka, Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From that century onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was the subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal.
Another name of Sonargaon was "The City of Panam". Now, the relies of uildings of the old dynasties, Goaldia Mosque and the Folklore Museum that houses artifacts from every cultural trait of the country increase the attractions of this place.At Jainal Abedin Museum in Sonargaon, you will find some
Pic: Sonargaon
historical and archeological things. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A. D), the shrines of Panjpirs and Shah Abdul Alia and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi
On the Dhaka-Chittagong highway about 29 km from Dhaka, Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From that century onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was the subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal.
Another name of Sonargaon was "The City of Panam". Now, the relies of uildings of the old dynasties, Goaldia Mosque and the Folklore Museum that houses artifacts from every cultural trait of the country increase the attractions of this place.At Jainal Abedin Museum in Sonargaon, you will find some
Pic: Sonargaon
historical and archeological things. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A. D), the shrines of Panjpirs and Shah Abdul Alia and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi
Bhawal National Park
Bhawal National Park is in Gazipur district 45 km far from Dhaka in the north side. It is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest with Picnic spots; jangles of Gajari trees surrounded by a beautiful lake .you can enjoy boats horse riding here. Especially in the winter, season lots of picnic party enjoy their day in this
Bhawal National Park is in Gazipur district 45 km far from Dhaka in the north side. It is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest with Picnic spots; jangles of Gajari trees surrounded by a beautiful lake .you can enjoy boats horse riding here. Especially in the winter, season lots of picnic party enjoy their day in this
Jamuna Bridge
Jamuna Bridge is 110 km from Dhaka on the River Jamuna. This bridge is 4.8 km long and it is the 11th largest bridge in this world. It is a real beauty at nights when sodium lights lighten the bridge. Some beautiful resorts have already been established near the bridge to encourage tourists in this area.
Jamuna Bridge is 110 km from Dhaka on the River Jamuna. This bridge is 4.8 km long and it is the 11th largest bridge in this world. It is a real beauty at nights when sodium lights lighten the bridge. Some beautiful resorts have already been established near the bridge to encourage tourists in this area.
Tungipara, Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex
It is 144 km far from Dhaka. Here is the graveyard of great Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the father of our national who was killed in the year 1975, 15th August.
It is 144 km far from Dhaka. Here is the graveyard of great Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the father of our national who was killed in the year 1975, 15th August.
Modhupur Picnic Spot
Modhupur picnic spot is 155 km from Dhaka and is of great historical importance. It is a forest park where lots of picnic party comes in winter season.
Other Picnic Spots: There are good picnic spots in the area around Savar and Mirzapur. Other beauty spots connected by road with Dhaka include Joydevpur, Sripur, Madhupur, Rajendrapur National Park, Chandra and Salna, all of which have rest houses that can be used by tourists on request to the Forest Department. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation owns two picnic spots with Bunglows at Chandra and Salna, which can also be hired by tourists.
Modhupur picnic spot is 155 km from Dhaka and is of great historical importance. It is a forest park where lots of picnic party comes in winter season.
Other Picnic Spots: There are good picnic spots in the area around Savar and Mirzapur. Other beauty spots connected by road with Dhaka include Joydevpur, Sripur, Madhupur, Rajendrapur National Park, Chandra and Salna, all of which have rest houses that can be used by tourists on request to the Forest Department. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation owns two picnic spots with Bunglows at Chandra and Salna, which can also be hired by tourists.
Susang Durgapur
Susang Durgapur is 182 km from Dhaka, a real natural beauty of forest river & hills area where the Garos and other tribal live. You can also enjoy boating in the river. Wild Elephant some times comes from forest. But going to Susang Durgapur is a real troublesome for the tourists due to the location and communication problem in this area. It is advisable only to go there in winter season.
Gajni Parjatan Center
Gajni Parjatan Center is 220 km far from Dhaka. Where you will find the natural beauty of hills, lakes, forest & lots of birds here, it is a natural tourist spot where you can see the tribal life of our tribes. You can enjoy boating in the lake and also there is a natural waterfall what you will like to watch. If you are lucky, enough you can see the wild elephants in the forest.
Susang Durgapur is 182 km from Dhaka, a real natural beauty of forest river & hills area where the Garos and other tribal live. You can also enjoy boating in the river. Wild Elephant some times comes from forest. But going to Susang Durgapur is a real troublesome for the tourists due to the location and communication problem in this area. It is advisable only to go there in winter season.
Gajni Parjatan Center
Gajni Parjatan Center is 220 km far from Dhaka. Where you will find the natural beauty of hills, lakes, forest & lots of birds here, it is a natural tourist spot where you can see the tribal life of our tribes. You can enjoy boating in the lake and also there is a natural waterfall what you will like to watch. If you are lucky, enough you can see the wild elephants in the forest.
Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the Institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops. Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making.Travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka streets is also a rewarding experience.
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