Curzon Hall, Dhaka University. Laid out in a spacious and carefully maintained garden, this double storeyed brick building has a large central hall, lateral wings on the east and west with several rooms, and a continuous verandah on all sides.
Curzon Hall is part of the school of science of the University of Dhaka. With its significance in education during the post independence era of Bangladesh as well as afterwards, it has become an emblem of educational tradition of the country.
History
Curzon Hall meant to be a town hall, was named after Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, who laid its foundation in 1904. A year later Bengal was partitioned and Dhaka or Dacca as it was known then, became the capital of the newly created province of East Bengal and Assam. Following the annulment of partition in 1911 it was used as a premise of Dhaka College, and after the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921, became part of the university's science section and continues as such.
During the Language Movement, Curzon Hall was the location of significant events. In 1948, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared Urdu to be the only state language of Pakistan. Students of Dhaka University opposed it and in Curzon Hall, they declared their opposition to Jinnah's planned about state language policy.
Architecture
One of the best examples of Dhaka's architecture, it is a happy blend of European and Mughal elements, particularly noticeable in the projecting facade in the north which has both horse-shoe and cusped arches. The style combined traditional art with modern technology and functions and favoured Mughal forms such as arches and domes, believed to have entered the Islamic world from the west. It marks the casting aside of veiled power after the Sepoy Revolt of 1857, and India's passing directly under the British Crown, seeking legitimacy by linkage to the Mughals. The red colour substituting for red sandstone, and the ornate brackets, deep eaves, and domed terrace pavilions (chhatris), specially of the middle section are strikingly reminiscent of the small but well-known Diwan-i-Khas in the palace fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's capital between 1570 and 1585. Not only were both cities new capitals, but the deliberate choice of the Fatehpur Sikri style may be explained by the fact that the British favoured Akbar as the wisest and most tolerant of all the Mughals, feeding into the ideal of their own role in India.
The National Museum of Science and Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was established in 1966 by the government of Pakistan. It was first based in the Dhaka Public Library building, after which the museum moved a number of times before it was established in its permanent home in 1981.
The museum aims to preserve the innovative work of local scientists while encouraging the younger generation of scientists to explore the endless possibilities that their scientific knowledge opens up to them. Displays are arranged to show the rapid advancement of science and technology throughout humankind’s existence. Regardless of their background, age or education level, citizens of Bangladesh are encouraged to visit the National Museum of Science and Technology to increase their knowledge and broaden their outlook, with the focus on the beneficial effect that the advancement of science and technology has on the world.
The National Museum of Science and Technology in Bangladesh is divided into three categories: Technology, Biological Science and Physical Science. With the emphasis on education, the museum has galleries with static and working exhibits, as well as models, diagrams, charts and animated posters. The exhibits provide detailed information concerning experiments and inventions in a number of fields including electricity, light, heat, magnetism, communication, sound, as well as motion, force and energy.
Displays of the various rocks and minerals highlight some of the countless wonders of planet Earth. A pictorial record of the history and advances made in space travel, leading up to the first moon landing and beyond, gives visitors the opportunity to reflect on how extraordinarily vast the universe is and how much more there is still to discover. A fascinating diorama of dinosaurs brings to mind the unanswered question of what caused these prehistoric creatures to become extinct. A pictorial representation of the various sea creatures that live at different depths of the ocean gives visitors insight into the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.
The National Museum of Science & Technology plays an essential role in organizing National Science Week which is sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This offers individuals and groups from different schools, colleges and science clubs the opportunity to display models and projects with the possibility of receiving a prize. National Science Week has proven to be very successful in fueling the imaginations of science enthusiasts, resulting in some innovative projects.
The library at the museum is filled with books and journals on a variety of subjects that are of interest to scientifically-minded individuals. It is also publishes “Nabin Biggani”, a popular quarterly science magazine specifically designed to encourage young people to enjoy the marvels of science.
Tourists who travel to Bangladesh should make a point of visiting Dhaka and join the many locals who enjoy exploring the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Bangladesh Liberation War, also referred to as Mukti Juddha, began on 26 March 1971 and ended nine months later on 16 December 1971. Bangladesh was fighting for its freedom from India and West Pakistan, which would later become Pakistan. Bangladesh was originally known as East Pakistan. Not many people are aware of the full extent of the war, the suffering of the Bangladeshi people and the emotional scars left after their bitter sweet victory. Those who lived through the war tell their stories in the hope that the sacrifices made by ordinary people will not be forgotten.
It is also for this reason that the Mukti Juddha Museum was established, as monument to those who fought and those who lost their lives. Both soldiers and civilians sacrificed themselves, or were caught in the crossfire of the war. Thousands died, and the MuktiJuddhaMuseum ensures that no-one will forget the history of Bangladesh. The managing director of the MuktiJuddhaMuseum, Akku Chowdhury, also fought for the liberation of Bangladesh as a freedom fighter, and it was him, together with others like him, who saw the need for preserving this vital part of their heritage.
On 22 March 1996, the museum opened its doors to the public and it was overrun by local and international visitors who wanted to learn all there is to know about the Bangladesh Liberation War. The museum building is a double story structure that took extensive renovation before being able to house the museum. There are six galleries that look specifically at certain periods, such as the first gallery that concentrates on Bengali relics of ancient times, while the second gallery focuses on the years 1947 to 1970. The first wave of freedom fighting is captured in documents and on photographs in the third gallery, with the forth gallery looking at Bangladesh from all the angles during the war in 1971. In the second last gallery, visitors will discover the hardships and cruelty that was inflicted on everyday people, while the last gallery brings the war to an end.
There are more than ten thousand pieces in the museum’s collection, consisting of photographs, items used by soldiers during the war and various interesting and thought-provoking exhibits. A small bookstore sells a range of publications in regard to the war and refreshments are served under massive permanent outdoor umbrellas. The MuktiJuddhaMuseum is an informative and vital attraction to visit when in Dhaka, as it preserves significant memories and protects the legacy that the freedom fighters left behind
Bangabandhu memorial museum is situated at road no. 32 Dhanmondi R/A. The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turn in to a museum.
It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime. This three- stored building as known as Bangabandhu Bhaban. This building turned in to a museum in year 1997. It's open 10am to 6pm from Thursday to Tuesday, Wednesday closed.
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.
[national museum]
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. 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.
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (Bengali: জাতীয় সংসদ ভবনJatio Shôngshod Bhôbon) is the National AssemblyBuilding of Bangladesh, located in the capital Dhaka. It was created by architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world. It houses all parliamentary activities of Bangladesh.
Historical information
There have been nine national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office.
Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and East Pakistan. However, it was the eighth (and last) session of the second parliament of Bangladesh that first used it on 15 February 1982 after its construction was completed on 28 January of the same year. The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban has been in operation and has acted as the sole complex used as the National Assembly ever since.
Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Mazharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation.
Data
The parliament building at night
Beginning of construction: 1961
Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
Seven Parliaments, including the current one led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, have used the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban as the assembly building:
Second Parliament: 2 years 11 months (2 April 1979 - 24 March 1982)
Third Parliament: 1 year 5 months (10 July 1986 - 6 December 1987)
Fourth Parliament: 2 years 7 months (15 April 1988 - 6 December 1990)
Fifth Parliament: 4 years 8 months (5 April 1991 - 24 November 1995)
Sixth Parliament: 12 days (19 March 1996 - 30 March 1996)
Seventh Parliament: 5 years (14 July 1996 - 13 July 2001)
Eighth Parliament: 5 years (28 October 2001 - 27 October 2006)
Architecture and design
Close view of the building
Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layout
The enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:
Lake Road to the North;
Rokeya Sarani to the East;
Manik Mia Avenue to the South; and
Mirpur Road to the West.
The main building (the Bhaban) is divided into three parts:
The MainPlaza: 823,000 square feet (76,000 m²)
SouthPlaza: 223,000 square feet (21,000 m²)
Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)
The main building is at the center of the complex. The outer parts of the complex include the MP hostel. An intricately designed lake surrounds the main building.
Design philosophy
Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (Bengali: জাতীয় সংসদ ভবনJatio Shôngshod Bhôbon) is the National AssemblyBuilding of Bangladesh, located in the capital Dhaka. It was created by architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world. It houses all parliamentary activities of Bangladesh.
Historical information
There have been nine national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office.
Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and East Pakistan. However, it was the eighth (and last) session of the second parliament of Bangladesh that first used it on 15 February 1982 after its construction was completed on 28 January of the same year. The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban has been in operation and has acted as the sole complex used as the National Assembly ever since.
Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Mazharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation.
Data
The parliament building at night
Beginning of construction: 1961
Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
Seven Parliaments, including the current one led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, have used the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban as the assembly building:
Second Parliament: 2 years 11 months (2 April 1979 - 24 March 1982)
Third Parliament: 1 year 5 months (10 July 1986 - 6 December 1987)
Fourth Parliament: 2 years 7 months (15 April 1988 - 6 December 1990)
Fifth Parliament: 4 years 8 months (5 April 1991 - 24 November 1995)
Sixth Parliament: 12 days (19 March 1996 - 30 March 1996)
Seventh Parliament: 5 years (14 July 1996 - 13 July 2001)
Eighth Parliament: 5 years (28 October 2001 - 27 October 2006)
Architecture and design
Close view of the building
Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layout
The enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:
Lake Road to the North;
Rokeya Sarani to the East;
Manik Mia Avenue to the South; and
Mirpur Road to the West.
The main building (the Bhaban) is divided into three parts:
The MainPlaza: 823,000 square feet (76,000 m²)
SouthPlaza: 223,000 square feet (21,000 m²)
Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)
The main building is at the center of the complex. The outer parts of the complex include the MP hostel. An intricately designed lake surrounds the main building.
Design philosophy
Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge openings of regular geometric shapes on their exterior, shaping the building's overall visual impact.
In the architect Louis Kahn's own words:
“
In the assembly I have introduced a light-giving element to the interior of the plan. If you see a series of columns you can say that the choice of columns is a choice in light. The columns as solids frame the spaces of light. Now think of it just in reverse and think that the columns are hollow and much bigger and that their walls can themselves give light, then the voids are rooms, and the column is the maker of light and can take on complex shapes and be the supporter of spaces and give light to spaces. I am working to develop the element to such an extent that it becomes a poetic entity which has its own beauty outside of its place in the composition. In this way it becomes analogous to the solid column I mentioned above as a giver of light.
It was not belief, not design, not pattern, but the essence from which an institution could emerge...
”
Source: Louis I. Kahn. from Heinz Ronner, with Sharad Jhaveri and Alessandro Vasella Louis I. Kahn: Complete Works 1935-74. p236, 238.
The lake on three sides of the Bhaban, extending up to the Members' hostel adds to site's aesthetics and also portrays the riverine beauty of Bangladesh.
The assembly building received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989.
The Bhaban (MainBuilding) design
The Bhaban consists of nine individual blocks: the eight peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110' while the central octagonal block rises to a height of 155'. All nine blocks include different groups of functional spaces and have different levels, inter-linked horizontally and vertically by corridors, lifts, stairs, light courts, and circular areas. The entire structure is designed to blend into one single, non-differentiable unit, that appears from the exterior to be a single story.
The main committee rooms are located at level two in one of the peripheral blocks. All parliamentary functionaries, including Ministers and chairpersons of some of the Standing Committees, have offices in the Bhaban. The Parliament Secretariat also occupies offices in the same building.
The MainPlaza
The most important part of the MainPlaza is the Parliament Chamber, which can house up to 354 members during sessions. There are also two podiums and two galleries for VIP visitors. The Chamber has a maximum height of 117' with a parabolic shell roof. The roof was designed with a clearance of a single story to let in daylight. Daylight, reflecting from the surrounding walls and octagonal drum, filters into the Parliament Chamber. The efficient and aesthetic use of light was a strong architectural capability of Louis Kahn.
The artificial lighting system has been carefully devised to provide zero obstruction to the entry of daylight. A composite chandelier is suspended from parabolic shell roof. This chandelier in turn consists of a metallic web, spanning the entire chamber, that supports the individual light fixtures.
Upper levels of the block (that contains the Chamber) contain the visitor and press galleries, as well as communication booths, all of which overlook the Parliament Chamber. The block also contains:
at level one, a library;
at level three, MPs’ lounges; and
at the upper level, party rooms.
The SouthPlaza
The SouthPlaza faces the Manik Mia Avenue. It gradually rises to a 20' height and serves as a beautiful exterior as well as the main entrance (used by members during sessions) to the ParliamentBuilding. It contains:
controlling gates;
a driveway;
a main mechanical plant room;
a large car parking space;
a telephone exchange;
offices of maintenance engineers;
equipment stores; and
an open plaza with steps and ramps leading directly to the main building.
Presidential Plaza
The Presidential Plaza lies to the North and faces the Lake Road. It functions as an intimate plaza for the MPs and other dignitaries. It contains marble steps, a gallery and an open pavement.
Tourism and accessibility
Although entrance to the Bhaban, the MainBuilding, is limited to authorized members of Parliament and staff, the Jatiyo Sangshad complex is open to visitors. On the North of complex, across the Lake Road, is Crescent Lake and Zia Uddan (also called Chondrima Uddan). The two complexes together form a major attraction for tourists in Dhaka. The complexes are popular among joggers and skaters of Dhaka. The official Prime Minister's Residence is on the North West corner of the Mirpur Road and Lake Road crossing and is a five minute walk from the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban. The area is one of the higher security zones of Dhaka.
The Complex can be accessed using any of the four roads surrounding it, however, the Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road are the easiest approaches.
Gallery
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban during sunrise:
Current developments
During the government term that took office on 28 October 2001, the Government communicated plans to "complete Louis Kahn's plans" by constructing residences for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. According to some prominent architects, no such plan existed in the original design. Although the construction was started, it was halted and the issue is as of yet unresolved.
The Shaheed Minar (Bengali: শহীদ মিনারShohid Minar) is a national monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established to commemorate those killed during the Language Movement demonstrations of 1952.
On February 21, 1952, dozens of students and political activists were killed when the Pakistani police force opened fire on Bengali protesters who were demanding equal status to their native tongue, Bangla. The massacre occurred near Dhaka Medical College and Ramna Park in Dhaka. A makeshift monument was erected on February 23 by students of University of Dhaka and other educational institutions, but soon demolished on February 26 by the Pakistani police force.
Today, the Shaheed Minar is the centre of cultural activities in Dhaka. Every year, the Language Movement is remembered at the monument.
The First Shaheed Minar
The first Shaheed Minar, built on February 22, 1952. It was demolished by Pakistan Police and Army four days later.
The first Shaheed Minar was built immediately after the events of February 21. According to Dr. Sayeed Haider, a main planner and the designer of the first Shaheed Minar, the decision to build it was first taken by the students of DhakaMedicalCollege. The planning started at midnight on February 22 and the work started the next day.This Minar was sponsored by Pearu Sardar, one of the old dhaka panchayet sardars when some of the students asked his help at the midnight of 22 February to contribute the raw materials needed to build the monument. Although curfew was in place, students started building the Minar in the afternoon of February 23. They worked through the night and finished it at dawn. A hand written paper was attached to the Minar with ‘Shaheed Smritistombho’ written on it. The original Minar measured 10 feet (3.0 m) by 6 feet.The Minar was inaugurated by the father of Sofiur Rahman, killed during the massacre. It was demolished within a few days by the police and Pakistani Army.
Shaheed Minar (1963-1971)
When the Awami League government came to power, it became possible to construct the new monument without fear of government retribution. Famous architect Hamidur Rahman created the design of Shaheed Minar under which construction was started in 1957. The foundation stone of this Shaheed Mianar was laid on February 21, 1956. Hamidur Rahman’s model was a huge complex on a large area of land in the yard of Dhaka Medical College Hostel. The enormous design included a half-circular column to symbolize the mother with her fallen sons standing on the monument's central dais. Yellow and deep blue pieces of stained glass, symbolizing eyes reflecting the sun, were also to be placed in the columns. The marble floor was designed to reflect the moving shadows of the columns. The basement of the Minar also included a 1,500-square-foot (140 m2) fresco depicting the history of the language movement. A railing decorated with Bangla alphabet was to be constructed in front. Two footmarks coloured red and black, indicating the two opposite forces, were also in the design. Besides this a museum and a library were also included in Rahman's design. A fountain shaped like an eye was also to be constructed. Rahman specifically designed the materials of the monument to withstand the area's tropical climate. Construction started in November 1957 under the supervision of Hamidur Rahman and Novera Ahmed. Most of the work, including the basement, platform, some of the columns with the rails, footprints and some of the murals were also finished when the Martial Law was introduced and construction was forced to a halt. Construction work was completed in 1963, leaving much of Rahman’s design unfinished. It was inaugurated on February 21, 1963 by the mother of Abul Barkat, Hasina Begum. The Minar was severely damaged during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The columns were destroyed during the fighting.[5] The Pakistani Army crushed the Minar and placed over the rubble a signboard reading "Mosque."
Current Shaheed Minar
The current Shaheed Minar design mainly follows the original plan of 1957. The minars are constructed with pure marble stone upon a 14 feet (4.3 m) high stage. The stairs and railings are painted white to create a heavenly appearance. The fence on both sides is highlighted with lines from poems of famous poets in iron letters. The entrance of the monument includes two statues. The previous plan of Watch house, library and other statues were also included. The plan was again accepted on May 5, 1973 and Hamidur made a rough agreement to submit to the Purto Secretary for sanction.
Previously, in February 1973, the government had hurried to repair the Shaheed Minar. As a result the Minar was constructed incorrectly. The height of the column was shorter and the head bent more than originally planned, and the proportions of different parts of the monument were not propertly maintained.
Repair of the Shaheed Minar was again started during the Ershad regime. This time the main stage and the columns were unchanged, but the stairs were extended forward and the huts at the bottom of the Minar were closed. The front premise was also made higher. As a result, the area of the premises and the stairs was increased.
Replicas
A replica of the Shaheed Minar at Altab Ali Park, in east London The large scale emigration of Bangladeshis to other parts of the globe has led to several permanent replicas of the Shaheed Minar being built outside Bangladesh. Two of these are in England. One is in Altab Ali Park, near Whitechapel and Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets, east London. The second is in the Westwood neighbourhood of Oldham, in Greater Manchester.
The 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.
[Lalbagh Fort - Dhaka]
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.
Built 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.
[Ahsan Manjil]
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 seenfrom miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.
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