Shat Gombuj Masjid in Bagerhat is an iconic World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO and features sixtie stone pillars decorated with exquisite terracotta ornamentation.
The Armenian Church stands as a reminder of Bangladesh’s once vibrant Armenian community in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today it hosts civic events while remaining an architectural marvel.
Mahasthangarh
Mahasthangarh is associated with several popular mythical narratives from Manasa Mangal kavya (poetic narrations about various deities among Bengal’s Hindu community). Additionally, it features remnants of viharas; Buddhist monasteries that contain shrines.
Shalban Vihara, located in Comilla District, is an acclaimed archaeological site. This 550-foot long monastery contains 115 monastic cells, a central shrine and numerous destroys; excavation revealed numerous antiquities such as terracotta objects, images, coins and inscriptions that are preserved at a small site museum.
Ahsan Manzil in old Dhaka City witnessed significant historical events, particularly anti-British movements during Bangladesh’s independence struggle. It features both European and Mughal architectural features.
Shaheed Minar
Following the massacre, students of Dhaka Medical College Hostel took steps to erect a memorial at the location where they had been shot. They constructed a small structure with bricks, sand and cement from their construction of their hostel and from Piyaru Sardar’s storehouse as part of the memorialization efforts in Old Dhaka.
This memorial was destroyed by police in 1954, however two years later it was rebuilt, inaugurated by Natyaguru Nurul Momen and designed by Hamidur Rahman with its central Shaheed Minar containing half circular columns symbolising mother and her martyred sons.
Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil Palace in Bangladesh is one of the most famous structures. Formerly serving as residence and seat of Dhaka Nawab Khwaja Abdul Gani’s son Ahsanullah, it was severely damaged during an 1888 tornado but later rebuilt and renamed accordingly by Nawab Khwaja Abdul Gani himself. Today it still holds pride of place at National Museum with their fine silver filigree model depicting Ahsan Manzil.
After French building was rebuilt into two-storied building and kept similarity with Rong Mahal, a beautiful dome was installed. Unfortunately, after Ahsanullah died in 1901, his successors failed to maintain its glory; they rented various parts out as tenants moved in, turning it into a slum.
Kotila Mura
Kotila Mura is one of Bangladesh’s best-known historical landmarks; a monument constructed to honour those killed during Pakistan police shootings during Language Movement protests which demanded equal status between Urdu and their mother tongue, Bengali. Situated close to Ramna Park in central Dhaka, this historical place should not be missed!
At this archaeological site there’s much to see and explore, such as Shalban Vihara – a Buddhist vihara (monastery) used between the 7th and 12th centuries – three stupas, and Charpatra Mura – an isolated small oblong shrine with access to a spacious hall through an east gateway.
Shalban Vihara
Shalban Vihara is one of the main remnants of Mainamati complex, once home to a Buddhist monastery with over one hundred monk cells, thought to have been built sometime between the seventh and 12th centuries.
History enthusiasts should make time for Bangladesh, which reveals its vast past through an incredible tapestry of sites and exhibits. Furthermore, it offers visitors a diverse collection of wildlife and flora.
The Armenian Church is a monument that bears witness to the nation’s longstanding Armenian community. Additionally, it showcases trade endeavors during 17th and 18th century trade activities in this city. Presently maintained by an individual Armenian man.
Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh Fort, built during the 17th century Mughal Palace Fortress. Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb began construction of this fort during his vice-royalty period in Bengal but was recalled back to Delhi for reasons related to Iran Dukht (Pari Bibi)’s death and passed it over to Shaista Khan; who stopped further work due to death of Pari Bibi).
Archaeological Department’s Fort is one of the top tourist attractions in Bangladesh and one of the mainstays for their maintenance program. Although its southern gateway hall boasts an imposing fronton, today its northwestern side entrance serves as its primary entryway and acts as the primary gate.
