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Top 10 architectural wonders of Bangladesh

Top 10 Architectural Wonders of Bangladesh

Architecture of Bangladesh Have Glorious History From Mughals era to modern time. Read Details of Top 10 architectural wonders of Bangladesh.

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Top 10 architectural wonders of Bangladesh

The architectural journey of Bangladesh truly began to flourish during the Mughal era. Almost all Mughal constructions featured intricate designs and showcased the most advanced technology of their time.

A prime example of this is the majestic Taj Mahal of Agra. Inspired by the Mughal grandeur, a local saying emerged in this region:


Porechi Mughole haate, khana khete hobe shathe
(“Fallen into the hands of the Mughals, now a feast must follow”).

When talking about Mughal architecture in Bengal, the Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid) in Bagerhat stands out first. Then comes Lalbagh Fort, and the historic Panam City. In terms of modern architectural marvels, notable names include the National Parliament House, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and the Baitur Rouf Mosque.

In today’s episode of Bangladesh Wonders, we will briefly explore 10 architectural wonders of Bangladesh. So, let’s begin!

1. Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid-1500 century):

 

Located in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, although there is no inscription found in the mosque, based on its architectural style, it is assumed to have been built by the famous religious preacher Khan Jahan Ali around 600 years ago.

According to local legends, the stones used for constructing the mosque were brought from Rajmahal in Odisha, India, through the mystical powers of Pir Khan Jahan Ali.

The roof of the mosque is not flat and features 81 domes, supported by 60 pillars.

In 1983, this structure was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location and How to Get There:  You can take a direct bus from Gabtoli, Dhaka to Bagerhat. The mosque is located just 7 kilometers from Bagerhat town, on the north side of the Khulna-Bagerhat highway, in the village of Sundarghona.

Note: Sixty Dome masjid. The Great Ancient Architecture of Bangladesh and UNSCO world heritage

2. Ahsan Manzil – 1859

 

Ahsan Manzil is deeply intertwined with the political history of the Indian subcontinent. The historic Muslim League was founded here. In 1859, Nawab Abdul Ghani of Dhaka built this residence in the name of his son. The design was created by the then-European architecture and engineering firm Martin & Co.

The dome of Ahsan Manzil was once the tallest structure in Dhaka — its peak could be seen from a great distance. Today, it is preserved and maintained as a government museum.

Location and How to Get There: From anywhere in Dhaka, you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to Sadarghat. From there, you can walk or take a rickshaw to reach Ahsan Manzil, located near Jagannath University.

Ahsan Manzil – 1859

3. Lalbagh Fort – 1668:

 

Located in the heart of Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort is an ancient fortress from the Mughal era and a significant historical monument. Initially, it was named Fort Aurangabad. The design of the fort was created by Shah Azam. Its construction began in 1668 and continued until 1684.

The fort was primarily initiated by Prince Subedar Azam Khan, son of Sultan Aurangzeb of Delhi, to serve as a secure residence, administrative center, armory, and court of justice.

Location and How to Get There:
From any part of Dhaka, you can travel to Azimpur Bus Stand by bus or auto-rickshaw. From there, take a rickshaw to reach Lalbagh Fort.

Lalbug Kella the Administrative Building of Subedar Azam Khan

4. National Parliament House:


Located right at the heart of Dhaka, the National Parliament House of Bangladesh is a unique masterpiece in the history of modern architecture. Visitors from around the world come to see this architectural marvel, designed by the renowned American architect Louis I. Kahn.

Apart from the total complex, the main building itself is divided into nine blocks. Kahn used such intricate patterns and layouts that without a guide, one could easily get lost inside the building.

National Parliament Complex, Bangladesh

5. Baitul Mukarram (1960):


This mosque features a blend of Mughal architectural elements along with modern design. Modeled after the sacred Kaaba, the large cubical structure of Baitul Mukarram sets it apart from any other mosque in Bangladesh.

The mosque complex was designed by renowned Sindhi architect Abdulhusein Thariani. Approximately 40,000 worshippers can offer prayers here at the same time.

6. Tara Mosque (1800):


In the early 18th century, Dhaka’s zamindar Mirza Golam Pir built the Tara Mosque. This mosque, adorned with domes featuring small and large star motifs, was constructed following the Mughal architectural style seen in the 17th-century mosques of Delhi, Agra, and Lahore.

The smooth domes decorated with Japanese mosaic tiles were quite uncommon in Bengal during that era. Although the mosque was built long ago, it gained popularity much later due to its unique architectural design. As a result, the exact date of its construction remains uncertain.

Location: From any part of Dhaka, travel to Chankharpul near Dhaka Medical College. From there, you can take a rickshaw to reach the Tara Mosque located in Armanitola.

7. National Museum (1983):


The design of the National Museum was created by renowned Bangladeshi architect Syed Mainul Hossain. The current building located in Shahbagh was inaugurated in 1983.

This structure stands as a unique example of modern architectural work in Bangladesh. Syed Mainul Hossain is also the architect behind the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

For his contribution through these two iconic structures, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1988 and the Independence Award in 2022.

Location: Shahbug, Dhaka.

8. Panam City, Sonargaon:

 

Before Dhaka, Sonargaon served as the capital of Bengal. It was established in the 15th century by the independent Subahdar of Bengal, Isa Khan.

The architectural styles of the various buildings in Panam City reflect a blend of uniqueness and elegance. Along both sides of the city’s main road, around 52 buildings stand—some are single-story, while others are two or three stories tall.

Inside the city, beyond residential houses, you’ll find mosques, churches, temples, monasteries, dance halls, art galleries, inns, treasuries, royal courts, ancient museums, bathing rooms, and secret passages.

You can also witness the 400-year-old mint and the indigo processing center (Neelkuthi) built by the East India Company.

How to get there: From Gulistan in Dhaka, take a Swadesh or Borak AC bus to Mograpara Crossroad. From there, you can reach Panam City by battery-powered auto-rickshaw or traditional rickshaw.

9. Bait Ur Rouf Mosque (2012):

 

This mosque has gained global recognition as a unique example of modern architecture. Its architect, Marina Tabassum, was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The design of the mosque is inspired by Sultanate architectural styles and blends traditional brickwork with contemporary architectural techniques. Built entirely from brick, the mosque uses no paint or plaster. 

Direct sunlight is carefully controlled, so the prayer hall remains naturally lit without harsh brightness.

Special architectural features ensure light enters softly from all directions. Additionally, the ventilation is designed so efficiently that the mosque stays cool year-round without the use of electric fans, maintaining comfort through natural airflow.

Location: Faidabad, Uttarkhan, Dhaka. To get there, take a rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Abdullahpur in Dhaka to Faidabad.

10. Curzon Hall (1904):

 

Located within the premises of the University of Dhaka, Curzon Hall is a historic building and architectural heritage site that is over 115 years old. It is still in use today for academic purposes. On February 14, 1904, the then Governor-General Lord Curzon laid the foundation stone of this building.

The two-story Curzon Hall is considered one of Dhaka’s most significant architectural landmarks, built with a magnificent blend of European and Mughal architectural styles. Behind the building stands the historic Musa Khan Mosque, which is nearly 400 years old.

Location:
You can reach Dhaka from anywhere in the world. After arriving in Dhaka, head to the University of Dhaka. From there, you can hire a rickshaw to visit Curzon Hall and explore the university area.

Curzon Hall, Dhaka University.
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque

Other nearby attractions include the Central Shaheed Minar, Faculty of Fine Arts, historic Suhrawardy Udyan (formerly Racecourse Ground), Eternal Flame (Shikha Anirban), Bangla Academy, and the Raju Memorial Sculpture, among others.

Admin

I am passionate about promoting Bangladesh and encouraging foreign visitors, as well as Bangladeshi nationals living abroad, to explore and rediscover the beauty of our country. Through my website, bangladeshwonders.com, I share insights and stories about the unique culture, heritage, and landscapes of Bangladesh, all while indulging in this as a personal hobby. With over 20 million Bangladeshis living abroad, our people carry a deep connection to their homeland, thinking about it day and night. Through this platform, I hope to inspire more people to visit Bangladesh and experience its wonders firsthand.

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