A small step towards former glory

The Lalbagh Kella, or the Lalbagh Fort is perhaps the most wondrous 17th century monument present in Dhaka, built by Prince Muhammad Azam, the third son of Emperor Aurangzeb.

This tourist destination, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, has seen multiple renovations throughout the centuries, but perhaps few as impressive as the complete restoration, retrofitting and 3D architectural documentation of the Mughal Hammamkhana (Royal Bathhouse) in the fort.

The project, which was implemented by the Department of Archaeology and Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was funded by the U.S. Department of State's Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program, and it came to a close yesterday.

Inaugurated on March 24, 2021 the AFCP allotted $185,933 (around BDT 2 crores) for the Mughal Hammam Khana.

State Minister of Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP was chief guest at the closing ceremony, with special guests US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter D Haas and Cultural Affairs Secretary MD Abul Mansur. The event was chaired by Chandan Kumar Dey, Director General, Department of Archaeology.

"We have restored 11 cultural heritage spots in Bangladesh in the past 20 years through the AFCP, and we are glad to be a part of the restoration project for such a marvellous structure", said the U.S ambassador.

Conservation architect and project consultant Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed reiterated the importance of preserving the structures of the Lalbagh forts as it was originally intended, through a presentation. The use of 3D architectural design will serve as a valuable reference for future restoration and conservation efforts.

In the past 20 years, the United States has supported 11 AFCP projects in Bangladesh at a total value of over $576,000 (Tk 6 crore) to preserve and restore its cultural heritage and patrimony.